This month we profile Architectural Project Leader Megan Berry
Post high school graduation the obvious career path for Megan was to become a teacher just like many of her close family members but after completing her three year undergraduate degree in maths and physics she felt creatively dim and that’s what became the spark to ignite her desire for a career in architecture. Twenty years on and now Megan can proudly and happily talk of her experience and passion for 21stcentury learning space design.
“It really sparked my interest not only because I come from a family of teachers but because it’s giving back to the students, it’s giving them a place that’s easier for them to learn in a place that they enjoy being in. As technology has evolved the pedagogy in the classrooms has changed a lot and architects need to respond to those changes in providing different and more flexible spaces but also collaborative learning areas”.
Joining HHH Architects
Prior to joining Hamilton Hayes Henderson in 2007 she worked in the Catholic and Lutheran education sectors guiding many projects on successful government funding applications through to occupation. These projects were always subject to strict design, documentation and construction timelines to ensure buildings were ready for the commencement of the school year. It is this experience that makes her such a great project leader.
HHH have been the architects for Emmanuel College in Carrara QLD for more than twenty years with 20 plus projects making up the majority of their education design portfolio. Megan played a significant role in the design, documentation and contract administration of a 469-seat Auditorium at Emmanuel College, a major project, incorporating full fly-tower and movable Orchestra Pit floor to maximise flexibility of use in both lecture and performance modes.
“This was an interesting project providing significant contextual and technical challenges”. Megan BerryJosiah College Qld’s first purpose designed and built school for children with autism
In early 2016 HHH Director Alan Hayes was approached by Emmanuel College’s Principal Patrick Innes-Hill to create a autism-specific school that would be built adjacent to the school but be considered as a separate and stand alone project. The school opened it classrooms to only 16 students in April 2017 and has since opened another two classrooms. Josiah College is considered as Qld’s first purpose designed and built school for children with autism.
Working in collaboration with Alan Hayes and Ed Lightbody, Megan’s contribution to Josiah College is acknowledged by Principal of Emmanuel College Patrick Innes- Hill.
“The building looks absolutely incredible. And in meeting with the teachers it is clear that its ‘autism friendliness’ is going to make huge difference to the learning of the children. I have also spoken to parents and they are blown away by the thought and care that has gone into the design, and by the unbelievable quality of craftsmanship that has gone into the realisation of the vision”. Patrick Innes-Hill
Megan looks forward to designing new projects to meet the evolving requirements of education architecture and the unique challenges that come with each of them with the team at HHH Architects.
