Award-winning architectural practice, Hayball, has appointed Liza Ringdahl as senior education leader at its Brisbane studio.
Ringdahl’s long and varied history within the A&D industry sits at the intersection of education architecture, neuroscience and research-led design. In particular, she is interested in the “cognitive benefits associated with the ‘sense of place’”. Some of Ringdahl’s previous projects have included the Engineering Building at Charles Sturt University’s Bathurst campus and the West End State School in Queensland. This latter was a collaboration with the Queensland Department of Education.
Ringdahl’s appointment comes just 18 months after the opening of Hayball’s Brisbane studio. In this time, the firm has already been responsible for a number of projects across the mixed-use and multi-residential space, including West Village in the West End and Chester and Ella in Newstead.
With a number of education projects already in the pipeline, managing director Tom Jordan says that Ringdahl’s skills will be a welcome addition to Hayball’s well-established education arm, and imperative to the growth of the education team in Brisbane.
“Our approach to contemporary education design is driven by research and underpinned by some of the most forward-thinking and innovative architects in the field,” says Jordan.
“Liza’s commitment to exploring new ideas in the pedagogical space – teamed with her rare experience in both neuroscience and education – makes her a strategic and welcome fit for the practice.”
“In addition to the cross-section between neuroscience and architecture, I’m passionate about the promotion of women and gender diversity within the industry and inspiring positive team cultures within workplaces,” says Ringdahl.
“These are values that both Hayball and I embrace wholeheartedly, and I’m looking forward to building on the already exceptional team culture in Brisbane.”
Ringdahl is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), the Neuroleadership Institute and the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (US). She has received a number of awards across architecture, construction and leadership.
