Susan MacDONALD BArch MA
1981 - 1982
Susan Macdonald studied architecture at Sydney University and holds an MA in Conservation Studies from the University of York / ICCROM Rome. From 1988-98 Susan worked in the UK as a conservation architect, undertaking National Trust projects on buildings dating from 16th to 20th century, with highlights including Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Essex (c1500), and Stowe Landscape Gardens in Buckinghamshire. Susan also worked for English Heritage, travelling the UK conducting research and training architects and others in practical building conservation. She developed a special interest in the conservation of 20th century buildings, and has written and edited a number of books on the subject. Susan returned to Australia in 1998 following the birth of her first child, Charlotte, prompted by a desire to have her children grow up in Australia, and to be near her family. She began working in the NSW Heritage Office as Principal Heritage Officer, and in 2003 ago was appointed Assistant Director. In 2004 she was awarded the Marion Mahoney Griffin Award in recognition of her achievements as a facilitator and role model in heritage spheres in NSW, and internationally.
Susan was instrumental in promoting the listing of College on the NSW Heritage Register on International Women’s Day, 2005. She noted: “This College has had a number of people associated with it who’ve had a great passion and interest in heritage and its conservation, and it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women’s history and achievements by listing the buildings on International Women’s Day. For me Women’s College is a place that holds many special memories. The architecture of the Sulman buildings of the College, the other colleges and grander university buildings, certainly influenced my decision to study historic buildings and their conservation, and the College traditions of learning, friendship and community have been important ideals in my career.”
In 2007 Susan was appointed Head of Field Projects at the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles. The Getty Conservation Institute is a program of the J. Paul Getty Trust and works internationally to advance the field of conservation. Its projects seek to develop new approaches and methods of conservation and deliver this knowledge to further the profession. The J. Paul Getty Trust is an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visual arts.
From the Women’s College Journal, 2005 & 2007