Catherine Forbes
Principal

Her expertise lies in analysing historic buildings, sites and urban precincts (including interiors and landscapes), preparing appropriate guidelines for their conservation, adaptation, development and management, disaster risk management planning for cultural heritage and reviewing post disaster recovery.

Catherine has excellent knowledge of traditional construction materials and technologies, complemented by lengthy experience of issues associated with 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, requiring consultation with stakeholder groups and local communities, and negotiation with authorities at all levels of government.

Prior to joining GML, Catherine worked in some of Australia’s leading heritage architecture firms. In 2014, Catherine undertook specialist training in Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto.

Download Catherine’s CV

‘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. The lessons are invaluable as we look to the future.’