Speakers

Throughout her 30+ year career as an architect, Kirby Roper has demonstrated a commitment to the profession that extends far beyond design and delivery. She has consistently worked to strengthen the architecture industry from within—through leadership, mentoring, advocacy, and collaboration—and to contribute meaningfully to the communities architects serve.

Kirby is the Director of Kirby Architects, a B Corp-certified practice based in Melbourne, with a focus on socially responsible architecture in the health, residential, and community sectors. Her practice is values-led and service-oriented, shaped by a belief that architecture must respond not only to physical needs but to broader social, environmental, and economic challenges.

A significant part of Kirby’s contribution has been through active engagement with the professional community. She currently serves on the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) as an Examiner and holds leadership roles with the Australian Institute of Architects (Co-Chair of the Sustainable Architecture Committee, Mentor) and the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA VIC/TAS) as Secretary and Committee Member. These roles have enabled her to influence industry standards, support emerging professionals, and advocate for a more sustainable and inclusive profession.

Kirby’s passion for mental health and wellbeing has led to foundational work in this area. She initiated and led the adaptation of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit for Australia and co-founded the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum (AMWF). Recognising a critical gap for small practices, she also spearheaded the ACA’s partnership with TELUS Health to launch an Employee Assistance Program—a landmark initiative that improved access to mental health support for the majority of Australia’s architectural workforce.

Beyond the profession, Kirby is deeply involved in community-led environmental initiatives. As a founding committee member of Rewilding Stonnington, she has helped shape urban regeneration projects that promote indigenous biodiversity, support Traditional Owner engagement, and foster public awareness around ecological design. She also engages with the arts through public speaking and as founder of the February Art Buying Group, which supports emerging Australian artists.

In 2022, Kirby founded Oltre, a purpose-driven platform designed to make high-quality, architect-designed housing more accessible. Oltre brings together architects, builders, and homeowners to bridge the gap between design excellence and housing affordability—demonstrating how the profession can respond proactively to Australia’s housing and climate crises.

From mentoring students and young practitioners to reshaping how architects can serve the broader public, Kirby’s work is grounded in the belief that architecture must be generous, inclusive, and accountable. Through her ongoing involvement in industry organisations, community initiatives, and system-wide innovation, she continues to advocate for a profession that uplifts both people and planet.