Jessica Maher
“Only from the understanding of a client, a group or a community can you begin to execute a design which will encompass the people it is for. ”
Associate | Architect | Project Manager
Jessica heads up SHAC’s North Coast Office in Coffs Harbour. She has 7 years’ experience working with the SHAC team on a broad range of innovative projects across residential, commercial, multi residential and education typologies. An architectural all-rounder and natural collaborator, Jessica is as comfortable coordinating a team of consultants to deliver innovative designs and practical solutions to large scale projects, as she is bringing a unique personal vision to a small residence. She takes time to understand a project’s vision and limitations before mapping out a project pathway, and has whole of project procurement experience, from initial briefing and concepts through to approvals, documentation, and contract administration.
Jessica has a deep consideration of user centred design and contributes to projects that are grounded within the context of people, place and purpose, considering how people might move, interact, inhabit and feel in space. Jessica has a particular interest in how we can achieve maximum social and architectural benefits with minimum interventions, to make good design accessible for all.
Jessica is a Parker Fellowship scholarship recipient who has travelled internationally exploring the micro-operations of people within macro highly densified city spaces. Jessica was a recent design tutor, lecturer and presenter at the University of Newcastle and is interested in sharing her travel and practice experience with future emerging architects.
Jessica’s passion extends to drawing and cooking, and she is an avid concert goer.