Kilvonian Profiles

Shelley Penn AM, Class of 1982

Shelley is an architect, urbanist, non-executive director and built environment advocate. She established Shelley Penn Architect in 1993, a hybrid practice initially specialising in residential design then shifting focus to strategic, expert advisory roles as and consultancies to support government and the private sector in achieving design quality in public projects. She is a board member for several organisations. Shelley is a mother to two young adult sons and in her spare time, swims in Port Philip Bay, walks and reads.

Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington? 

A: I studied Architecture at Melbourne University, worked through some of that time and afterwards in architectural practices, then set up my own practice in 1993 after travelling overseas. After seven years I questioned whether this was the path I wanted to follow. I then changed tack and moved to Sydney and began a job as Design Director in the Office of the NSW Government Architect in 2000. 

Since that time, I have returned to Melbourne and have two much loved sons, aged 18 and 20. 

I’ve continued to run my own business – but as a hybrid of practice (designing houses) and consultancy as an expert advisor to governments on the quality of the public realm. Sometimes that has meant working within government in certain roles, sometimes consulting on special projects. 

In recent years I’ve practiced much less and I now do more work as a Company Director and Board Member for government and private organisations. I am also the University Architect at Monash University and a member of State Design Review Panels around Australia.

Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington? 

A: The friendships I formed, sitting in the sun at the ‘HSC House’ and talking in breaks. I actually enjoyed the school work too!

Q: Any funny stories? 

A: I would need to dredge the memory for that… but maybe our last day. It was the equivalent of ‘muck up’ day now; parading down North Road dressed as hippies, putting glad wrap on the toilet seats, etc. I’m not sure you’re allowed to do that now?!

Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school? 

A: Not at all. I didn’t really have clear expectations about what my future might be. I’m still quite open to things moving and changing - it’s exciting! I was not clear about studying architecture but I was open to it, and ultimately got a lot out of it and of life at uni. It has been a foundation for a very diverse and interesting path for me. 

I’ve also maintained that approach, to stay open to opportunities that align with your values and capabilities, and work hard at them if you take them up. And trust your instincts if things don’t feel right. Be prepared to take some risks to follow a path that enables you to contribute the best you can, in your own way, and at whatever level.

Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you are doing now? 

A: The small school environment suited me, and I was comfortable with what was then, a fairly narrow curriculum. I liked English and Literature and Pure Maths… but I know the narrower range of subjects didn’t work for everyone. I was lucky. Overall I felt supported to develop and do my best, as well as safe and respected in the school environment. I had good relationships with my teachers, many of whom were inspirational, and with my friends. I was fortunate to be elected President of the Student Representative Council too.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now? 

A: Recognising when the work I’m doing or the path I’ve taken is not quite right, and having the courage to step away from it.   Struggling with self-doubt, and ‘imposter syndrome’ at various times – they come and go – but not letting them defeat me. I’ve worked hard to reflect, understand what’s driving those feelings at different times, and to move forward, or do better if I feel I can, or to just ‘do it anyway’. I’ve also learnt to acknowledge when I’ve done well or had some success.  Standing up and challenging myself to recognise and resist unconscious bias (most often related to gender, but bias in all forms) in others, and in myself. We all have these biases, and we have the power to be self-aware and to change to support others equally.

Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles? 

A: See above! 

Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far? 

A: The existence of my two sons and their presence in my life. In relation to my work, I think it was the receipt of an Order of Australia (AM) last year, which was unexpected. I am passionate about trying to contribute to making the world better for all, and for me that has meant championing the quality of public places - buildings and opens spaces – to be accessible, welcoming to all people, sustainable and delightful. 

Q: What excites you about the future? 

A: The incredible capability of humanity to be inventive, intelligent, compassionate and collaborative to develop solutions for major challenges such as our rapidly changing climate, the losses of animal and plant species, biodiversity and the disproportionate impacts that are, and will be, felt by people around the world. I have enormous faith in science and I believe our collective response to COVID-19 worldwide shows what we can do if put our minds to it. 

Q: How did what you learnt at Kilvington help make you the person you are today? 

A: I think there was a strong culture of respect for others regardless of background, or at least I felt that, and I was also taught that by my family. That is a foundational principle for me. But I say this from a position of relative privilege. It may not have been everyone’s experience.

Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey? 

A: Follow your passion but work hard and be prepared to stick things out sometimes because the time might not be right for change, or because you still have much to learn where you are. Stay open minded. Don’t let doubt get you down but use it to be better. Be honest at all times and be honest with yourself about your strengths and your weaknesses. Be humble too but don’t forget to acknowledge and reward yourself for hard work and achievements, however small they might seem. Most of all – enjoy life in all its rich diversity!

Q: Finally, what are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about the impact and importance of design quality in the public real. This means the effect all buildings have on public places like streets and parks, and the quality of open spaces themselves. The design of buildings and spaces has a huge impact on wellbeing, community engagement and connectedness, social inclusiveness, sustainability and is so important for these reasons. It's also important because delight and enjoyment of our environment enrich lives and build pride in place.