Whether your project is a new house or a back deck, I welcome all design problems, big or small.
Back in 2021, on my lunch break in Sydney, I had a call from a long time friend. She had a vision for her new home in Camp Hill that was timeless yet modern. A fresh take on a Queenslander. This was a new build, so she didn’t want a replication.
Camp Hill, Brisbane
Photographer: Riss Visual Studio
Completed 2025
The challenge for this house is one of levels. A disjointed granny flat offers the promise of more space but there are two problems; no internal access and a difference between floor levels of just over 1m.
Kelvin Grove, Brisbane
Concept Design Stage
A raise and build under for a 1970’s home typical of the low set, largely orange brick residences in the area. A Poinciana tree in the front yard provides privacy and shade and carpets the frond yard in a sea of red. This young, creative family of four needs more space and better access to the northern light and big open sky that lies beyond the back yard.
Aspley, Brisbane
Concept Design Stage
There was only one thing missing from this almost perfect Queenslander - a back deck for to capture the sea breeze and morning sun.
Wynnum, Brisbane
Building Approval Stage
The challenge for this house was to remove just enough of the pre 1947 house in order to fit it onto a small lot, created through a sub-division.
Clayfield, Brisbane
Building Approval Stage
Every project has a story and I believe the best architecture comes from truly understanding those stories, not just the brief or the budget, but the dreams, daily rituals, and little moments that make a space come alive.
Over 12 years as an architect, I've been lucky to work across Brisbane, Sydney, New York, and San Francisco, collaborating on everything from intimate home renovations to landmark residences, and cozy neighbourhood cafes to innovative workplaces nestled in heritage buildings. Each project has taught me something new about how people want to live and work.
Here's a selection of projects I completed while at other practices, told through my lens because while every project has many stories, these are mine.
This is Emma's story of a home with dual personalities, much like the Chevrolet El Camino that inspired its name. Traditional suburban manners at the front, concealing a dramatically curved rear façade that embraced both intimacy and entertainment.
Greenwich, Connecticut
Architect: Burr Salvatore Architects
Photographer: Tim Lee
Completed while Emma was Project Manager at Burr Salvatore Architects
On saying goodbye to a project and the bittersweet nature of the changing urban fabric. After two years spent transforming two Sydney buildings, this is Emma’s story about the sense of loss and farewell that comes with saying goodbye to a project.
Paddington, Sydney
Architect: Those Architects
Photographer: Luc Remond
Completed while Emma was Associate Architect at Those Architects
From a notorious night at the Bowery Whitehouse hostel to Long Island oceanfront homes. This is Emma’s story of the 'House on the Atlantic’, a Long Island retreat where shingle-style architecture meets modern family living, rising from the dunes with spaces designed for barefoot days by the sea.
Long Island, New York
Architect: Burr Salvatore Architects
Photographer: Scott Frances
Completed while Emma was Project Manager at Burr Salvatore Architects
Paddington, Sydney
Architect: Those Architects
Photographer: Luc Remond
Completed while Emma was Associate Architect at Those Architects
