Helen Lochhead, an architect  and urban designer currently serving as Deputy NSW Government Architect, has been appointed to head UNSW’s Faculty of Built Environment, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs announced today.

Ms Lochhead is currently the Deputy NSW Government Architect and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. She has also taught at UTS and internationally at Harvard, MIT, Columbia University and the New York Institute of Technology.

Ms Lochhead will take up her UNSW appointment on 1 February 2016, when Professor Alec Tzannes retires as Dean.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Lochhead as the new Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment,” Professor Jacobs said.

“Her strong professional career has been complemented by significant teaching and research experience at some of the top universities in Australia and overseas.

“A previous recipient of both Fulbright and Churchill Fellowships, she most recently completed a Loeb Fellowship at Harvard University interrogating proposals and governance models for more resilient and liveable cities,” Professor Jacobs said.

Her extensive leadership experience includes responsibility for managing a multidisciplinary team of more than 120 built environment professionals in the NSW Government Architect’s Office.

Professor Jacobs said Ms Lochhead has had a long connection with UNSW, including as a Design Studio Master for the Master of Architecture program in 2010-11. 

“Helen’s appointment will assist the Faculty of the Built Environment in continuing its strong work in integrating teaching, research and professional practice,” Professor Jacobs added. “Her background and expertise fit well with the UNSW 2025 Strategy and the appointment panel was excited about the contribution Helen could make to the Faculty and to UNSW broadly.

“I look forward to welcoming Helen as Dean when she commences her role in February.”