National Executive Committee

The ACA National Executive Committee (NEC) is guided by the ACA Strategic Plan. The committee works to identify opportunities and needs relating to the business of architecture. This includes exploring new initiatives, developing resources, and coordinating and supporting state and territory activities.

The entire management of the ACA business and its financial operations are vested in the NEC, under the leadership of the CEO.

  • John Held
  • Angelina Pillai

John Held
National President & ACA SA President

John leads the ongoing strategic development of the ACA. John’s areas of interest include communication and collaborative practice models, particularly BIM. John is a director of Russell and Yelland in Adelaide.

Contact: sa.president@aca.org.au

Angelina Pillai
Chief Executive Officer

As ACA’s National CEO, Angelina is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of the ACA business plan and executing a robust framework of support services for architectural practices.

Contact: angelina.pillai@aca.org.au

  • Paul Viney
  • Kukame McPierzie

Paul Viney
ACA National Vice-President & ACA VIC/TAS President

Paul focuses on the development of tools to assist ACA members to run effective, efficient and profitable practices. Paul is a director of FPPV Architecture in Melbourne.

Contact: victas.president@aca.org.au

Kukame McPierzie
ACA National Secretary & ACA WA President

Kukame’s key priority is to proactively engage with ACA members, industry and government – listening to the issues and advocating for better policy and business conditions. Kukame is the Perth Studio Chair at Woods Bagot.

Contact: wa.president@aca.org.au

  • Ivana Simkovic
  • Gilda Donegan

Ivana Simkovic
ACA NSW/ACT President

Ivana is focused on building communities within architecture, and on strengthening the ACA community in New South Wales and the ACT. Ivana is the Sydney Studio Director of dwp.

Contact: nswact.president@aca.org.au

Gilda Donegan
ACA QLD/NT President

Gilda is the Studio Director of GHDWoodhead (Qld), where she leads a diverse team to deliver large infrastructure projects primarily in the health, transport and defence sectors.

Contact: qldnt.president@aca.org.au

  • Matthew Thomas

Matthew Thomas
ACA National Treasurer Delegate

Matthew is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Director at JPE Design Studios where he is responsible for all financial matters and studio administration across projects.

Contact: Matthew.Thomas@aca.org.au

The ACA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia.