Catherine Forbes
Principal
Catherine Forbes is an architect with over 30 years’ experience in heritage conservation.
Her expertise lies in analysing historic buildings, sites and urban precincts (including interiors and landscapes), preparing appropriate guidelines for their conservation, maintenance, adaptation, development and management. She is an expert in disaster risk management planning for cultural heritage, damage assessment and post disaster recovery.
Catherine has an excellent knowledge of traditional construction materials and technologies, complemented by lengthy experience in their conservation and management. She has carried out conservation works to many historic buildings; created adaptive re-use solutions; designed sympathetic alterations and additions to existing buildings; and designed new buildings for historic contexts—all applying the sustainability principles that lie at the core of her approach. Throughout her career, Catherine has worked in complex multidisciplinary environments, undertaken consultation with stakeholder groups and local communities, and negotiated with authorities at all levels of government.
‘I believe we can learn a lot from the past—particularly about sustainability, appropriate design for climate and place, efficient and effective use of resources, what works and what doesn’t work.’
Qualifications
Registered Architect, NSW Architects Registration Board, Registration No. 5861.
Master of Development Studies (Merit), University of Sydney
Bachelor of Architecture (Honours), University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science (Architecture) (Honours), University of Sydney
Professional affiliations
Australian Institute of Architects
Australia ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites)
ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness (ICORP)
Joint Australia and New Zealand ICOMOS Working Group on Cultural Heritage Risk Preparedness (Convenor)
Living Future Institute, Australia
