Hello! I'm Liz Watt...

About Me...

I am a registered architect, educator, creator, writer, and online business owner. 

With nearly two decades of experience in architecture and project management, alongside a decade of teaching both online and face-to-face, I bring a diverse skill set to my work. I hold formal qualifications in design, architecture, and business administration, and have pursued extensive independent study in fields such as psychology, law, human potential, art, and design.

My career includes working on large-scale building projects valued at over $100 million, collaborating with private and government organizations at the executive level. Notable projects include work for the University of Melbourne, Holmesglen TAFE, AirServices Australia, Toyota, the Victorian Department of Justice, and the Australian Department of Defence.

Since 2015, I have taught architecture, design, communications, construction, and professional practice at universities such as the University of Queensland, Griffith University, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University.

In addition to my architectural work, I run a number of online businesses, The Clothes Pod, ArchiMash and LizWatt. I published my first book, Unity, in 2002

I thrive on variety, managing multiple creative projects with the freedom to choose what drives me. Outside of work, I enjoy learning, writing, painting, yin yoga, beach walks, and chai tea. I am a perpetual student of life.

Formal Qualifications

Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment TAE40110

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration

Registered Architect | ARBV#16911

Bachelor of Architecture (Honours IIa)

Bachelor of Design Studies

Certifications

Access Consciousness® Bars Practitioner

The Art Of Feminine Presence™ | Teacher Training Level I

Equilibration Process® Practitioner

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner

NLP Presenter & Trainer | Level I

Master Ericksonian Hypnotherapist

Project List

Click on a tab below to get a full list of projects.

Teaching
Project Management
Architecture
Bid Management
Other

Teaching

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, Gold Coast

Design Studio 1: Bodies in Space and Place (1st year, trimester 1+3)

Design Studio 2: Sectioned Spaces and Places (1st year, trimester 2)

Design Studio 3: Contextual Response (2nd year, trimester 1)

Design Studio 4: Contextual Awareness (2nd year, trimester 2)

Design Studio 5: City Systems (3rd year, trimester 1)

Design Studio 6: Constructional Composition (3rd year, trimester 2)

Designer Languages (1st year, trimester 1, 2023-2024)

Architectural Documentation (3rd year, trimester 2, 2023-2024)

Construction Material and Practice (1st year, trimester 2, 2024)

THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, EAIT, Brisbane

Building Structures and Envelopes (3rd year, semester 1, 2023-2024)

Architectural Design: Tectonics and Precision (3rd year, semester 2, 2021, 2023) 

Advanced Architectural Design: Architecture + Commerce (5th year, semester 2, 2021)

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, Melbourne School of Design (MSD)

Alpha Design Studio (1st year, semester 1+2, 2017-2021)

Construction as Alchemy (1st year, semester 1+2, 2019-2021) discontinued

Earth Design Studio (2nd year, semester 1, 2016-2017) discontinued

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, Melbourne

Construction 2 (2nd year, semester 1, 2021)

MONASH UNIVERSITY, Art Design and Architecture (MADA), Melbourne

Architecture Communications 1 (1st year, semester 1, 2019-2021)

Architecture Communications 2 (1st year, semester 2, 2018-2020)

MONASH COLLEGE, Art and Design, (aligned with Monash University), Melbourne

Architectural Design Studio 1 - version 2 (1st year, trimester 1+3, Diploma part 2, 2019-2021)

Architectural Design Studio 1 - version 1 (1st year, trimester 1+3, Diploma part 2, 2018-2019)

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, Melbourne

Residential Design and Working Drawings (1st year, semester 1+2, 2017)

Complex Building Design and Working Drawings (2nd year, semester 1+2, 2017)

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY, Geelong

Contract Administration 2 (2nd + 3rd year, trimester 2, 2016)

MONASH UNIVERSITY, Art Design + Architecture (MADA), Melbourne

Professional Practice: Construction Documentation (3rd year, semester 1+2, 2015)

Professional Practice: Folio Preparation (3rd year, semester 2, 2015)

Project Management

Government | Infrastructure

Victorian Department of Justice - Bull Street Bendigo Redevelopment, Bendigo ($12m)

TransGrid - Metropolitan Regional Centre (MRC), Sydney West (est. $10m)

TransGrid - Regional Depot Redevelopment, Tamworth (est. $15m)

AirServices Australia - TAS Building, Melbourne ($23m) 5000sq.m - Design + Construct

Defence - Robertson Barracks Redevelopment, Darwin ($100m) - Business Case and Master Plan

Defence - Hardened and Networked Army(HNA) - Strategic Scoping Study for restructuring of army

Defence - Gallipoli Barracks Overflow Mess Refurbishments, Brisbane ($9m)

Defence - Replacement Tank Facilities, Darwin ($5-6m) - upgrade for army tanks, D+C

Defence - Advanced Gunnery Training Simulator, Darwin ($0.8m), D+C

Defence - Battlefield Communications Systems, Melbourne ($4m) - high security

Defence - Single Leap 1, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, 1200 housing units - advisor

Education | Master Planning

Melbourne Business School - Mount Eliza Redevelopment/ Master Plan ($70m+)

Holmesglen TAFE - Moorabbin Master Plan ($20m+) - Business Case and Master Plan

Ashwood College - Redevelopment Stage 1 ($4m) - design development

Melbourne University - Veterinary Hospital Flood Rectification Works ($TBC)

Commercial | Retail | Mixed Use

Toyota - Powertrain Office Refurbishment ($2m)

Flinders Redevelopment, Victoria ($10m) - concept and feasibility

Nakheel - Palm Mall Deira ($50bn+) - concept co-ordination for 120,000 sq.m retail, 8 resi./ hotel towers

Centro Somerville - Retail Development ($20m+) - Victoria, Contract Administration

Defence Force Recruitment - Recruitment Offices - 12 national office refits, Vic, NSW, Qld

Architecture

Residential | Apartments | High Rise

35 Pine Avenue refurbishment, Elwood ($1m), 12 units - design, documentation

Juniper - Soul, Gold Coast ($850m) 77 levels, 288 units - concept design

Veridian Resort, Noosa ($100m) 141 units - documentation

Central Park, Taipei 2, Taiwan ($15m) 56 units - concept, design

Park Avenue, Taipei 1, Taiwan ($7m) 28 units - concept, design

PPG - Vogue, Brisbane ($2.046m) 16 units - construction, contract administration 

PPG - Sonnet, Brisbane ($2.25m) 7 units - construction, contract administration

PPG - Promenade, Brisbane ($1.95m) 12 units - construction, contract administration

Residential | Houses

Mount Eliza Residence, Mount Eliza, ($2m) - design, documentation

Singapore Residence, Singapore ($12m+) - design, documentation

Chevron Island Residence, Gold Coast ($2m) - concept, design, documentation

Gold Coast Residence, Gold Coast ($2m) - documentation

Tallai Residence, Gold Coast ($0.75m) - construction delivery

Currumbin Residence, Gold Coast ($2m) - concept, design, documentation

Main Beach Apartment, Gold Coast ($40,000) - concept, design, documentation, construction

Various houses, apartments and duplexes to $2m - design, documentation, construction delivery

Commercial | Retail | Mixed Use

Crestwood Plaza Shopping Centre, Gold Coast ($1.5m) - design

Juniper - Soul Sales Centre, Gold Coast ($0.5m) - design, documentation

Clinical Beauty tenancy, Vision Centre, Gold Coast - design, documentation, construction delivery

Avivas Coffee Shop, Vision Centre, Gold Coast - design, documentation, construction delivery

ADCO - Constructions office, Vision Centre, Gold Coast - construction, contract administration

Sporting | Leisure

Holmes Place - Health Clubs (Lillie Road, Parrs Wood, UK) (£1.8-7m GBP) - documentation

Holmes Place - Health Clubs (Epping, UK + Athens Greece) (£1.8 - 7m GBP) - concept

Open - Health Club, Newbury, UK (£3m GBP) - concept, documentation

David Lloyd - Health Club, UK - concept

Marriott Hotels - Forest of Arden, UK - concept

Bid Management

Places Victoria - Place of Worship, Docklands, Melbourne ($TBC) (JV with METIER3)

James Cook University - Bid manager, Data Centre Development, Townsville ($TBC)

Defence - ELF Stage 1, Queensland ($confidential) (joint venture with Grocon)

Other Projects

ArchiMash.com - Helping aspiring architects to design, document, create and learn, easier and faster...

LizWatt.com - Navigate awakening and ascension, find meaning, and design and create a purpose-led life.

Unity (My first Book) - How the universe, the world and YOU really work!

The Clothes Pod - E-commerce business specialising in online sale of pre-loved clothing.

Art - Drawing and watercolour.

Teaching Philosophies

Click on a tab below to uncover my philosophies...

Independent Learning
Theory + Practice
five Architecture Pillars
Design Approach

Student-Centred Learning and Independent Thinking

I believe education goes beyond the transmission of knowledge—it's about cultivating independent, curious, and critical thinkers. My approach focuses on teaching students how to learn, rather than encouraging rote memorisation and repetition. By guiding students to take ownership of their learning journey, I empower them to question, challenge, and deepen their understanding of architectural principles. This approach not only builds confidence but also fosters lifelong learning and adaptability, essential qualities for future architects navigating an ever-evolving industry.

Curiosity and Inquiry: I create an environment that encourages students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore architectural concepts beyond textbook definitions. By fostering a culture of curiosity, I help students engage deeply with the material.
Independent Learners: I prioritize helping students develop the skills they need to learn on their own. Architecture is a constantly evolving field, and my goal is to provide students with the tools to become lifelong learners who can adapt and thrive in both academia and practice.
Frameworks and Design Thinking: Through structured activities, design critiques, and real-world applications, I guide students in navigating complex design problems using flexible frameworks that foster both creative and analytical growth. Drawing on years of experience from practice and teaching, I have refined effective processes and step-by-step methods that produce tangible results. These frameworks are not restrictive; they act as a foundation for creativity, enabling students to explore possibilities with clarity and purpose. By equipping students with adaptable design strategies, I empower them to approach challenges with confidence, fostering innovation and independent problem-solving skills.

Real-World Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice

While academic theory provides the foundation for design, real-world learning ensures that students understand how to apply that theory in the professional world. I draw from my own experiences as an architect to integrate practical knowledge with academic learning, helping students understand how their design decisions will work in real-world contexts.

Innovation through Practice: By drawing from both theoretical and practical knowledge, I encourage students to innovate and apply their skills in creative ways. The intersection of academia and real-world practice drives the best design solutions, and I guide students to understand how to navigate that space.
Real-World Application: I integrate industry-relevant case studies, guest speakers, and live project opportunities into my teaching. These experiences enable students to link academic learning with the complexities of professional practice, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of the architecture field.
Building Critical Design Skills: Design is not just about the final outcome—it's about mastering the process. I teach students to engage with the 9 key ingredients of architectural design, a framework I developed through a decade of design studios and analysis of real-world projects. These ingredients act as a guiding structure, ensuring every essential element of design is addressed. While the framework offers clear direction, it is not restrictive—allowing room for creative exploration and innovation. By focusing on process over product, students gain a deeper understanding of design as an iterative journey, from initial concept to refined, real-world solutions. This approach builds confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to produce thoughtful, well-rounded architectural outcomes.

Five Architecture Pillars

Architecture operates within a series of frameworks and systems, each playing a critical role in the process from concept to delivery. It is essential for students to grasp how these components work together as a unified whole.

Design - Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it encompasses everything that influences human life. This includes the physical, social, psychological, environmental, and even political and financial contexts. I teach students to consider all these aspects when developing a design concept.
Construction - Understanding materials, technology, and how buildings are constructed is key at every stage of a project. From the first sketch to the final execution, students must appreciate how their ideas come to life in the physical world.
Communications - A diverse set of communication skills is vital for every architect. I emphasize the importance of analogue and digital methods, from hand drawing and physical models to CAD, 3D modelling, rendering, and graphic presentations. These tools allow students to test, refine, and communicate their ideas clearly.
Theory - Architectural theory and history are integral to shaping a strong design foundation. By understanding the rules and context of architecture, students can confidently innovate, knowing when to follow tradition and when to break away from it.
Practice - Understanding the business of architecture and the role of the architect within a firm is crucial for students. I emphasize the importance of project management, collaboration, and understanding the full lifecycle of a project to ensure students are ready for success in the professional world.

Design Approach

In my design approach, I focus on creating spaces that enhance emotional and sensory experiences while ensuring that every choice supports a positive, meaningful human connection.

Human-Centric Design: Architecture is not just about creating structures but shaping experiences for the people who inhabit them. At its core, architecture is created by humans, for humans. Every design decision must prioritize the internal experience it will create for its users.
Emotional Response: Every space triggers an emotional response, whether intentional or not. The feelings generated by a space—comfort, isolation, excitement, or discomfort—are a result of the design elements chosen. Understanding these responses is key to crafting meaningful spaces.
Sensory Perception: Architecture engages all the senses. Through sight, sound, touch, and smell, we experience the space. Designers must consciously create sensory experiences that elicit the desired emotional response, making a space feel alive and responsive to its occupants.
Design as a Language: Architecture is a language that speaks through design elements—form, materials, light, and space. These elements are repeated and recombined in various ways to generate unique experiences. A strong understanding of these principles enables the creation of purposeful and impactful designs.
Memory and Context: Personal experiences and memories shape how we perceive space. Design can evoke feelings of security, peace, or even discomfort. The context and qualities of a space—such as its scale, light, and materials—play a significant role in how it resonates with people.
Architectural Responsibility: As designers, we have the responsibility to create spaces that positively impact users. The intention behind each design should contribute to improving the human experience, ensuring spaces support well-being, productivity, and connection.
Good vs. Bad Architecture: Architecture can be considered successful when it consciously addresses the human experience and creates positive impacts. Conversely, neglecting this responsibility leads to spaces that lack meaning and fail to engage their users.

Resume

A full Resume is available upon request.

You can find a more detailed overview of my work history on my linkedin profile.

Contact

You can contact me at hello@lizwatt.com.