Brisbane Open House is delighted to announce their 2025/2026 Board of Directors, confirmed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last month.
The Board welcomes four new directors – architects Paul Butterworth, John Ellway, and Yolande Vorster and town planner Meredith Hartigan.
Fiona Gardiner and Stewart Armstrong
Meanwhile, architect Fiona Gardiner has stepped down after more than 15 years of dedicated support, and heritage architect Stewart Armstrong has advised his intention to step down in 2026. Both Directors have played an instrumental role in the growth and evolution of Brisbane Open House since its inception.
Returning directors – former Queensland Government Architect Malcolm Middleton OAM, lawyer Nick Wilson, and accountant Rachel Smith – will continue their roles, ensuring strong governance and consistency. The board will have Co Chairs this year with John Ellway joining Malcolm Middleton in this role in preparation for Malcolm to stand down after the 2026 event.
Meet Our New Directors
John Ellway is a Brisbane-based architect and principal of John Ellway Architect, a practice recognised for its thoughtful, context-driven residential architecture that celebrates climate, landscape, and the way people live. John’s approach is grounded in craft, simplicity, and connection to place and his work includes award-winning projects such as the Terrarium House and Niwa House, which have been recognised for their sensitivity to Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle and built heritage.
A current member of the Brisbane Open House Board, John now steps into the role of Co-Chair alongside Malcolm Middleton, supporting the organisation’s vision of connecting the public with the city’s architectural and cultural story. John is committed to showcasing the creativity and quality of Brisbane’s built environment while nurturing the next generation of architects and designers.
Says John: “For the past decade, I’ve loved opening up houses and sharing our city’s special places with the wider public. Brisbane Open House has always been one of my favourite events of the year, and I’m excited to be even more involved in the years to come.”
Meredith leads Tract’s Brisbane Planning and Urban Design team and brings over 15 years of experience as a town planner in South East Queensland. She represents the Committee for Brisbane on the Brisbane Open House Board, where she also serves as Secretary on the Committee’s Management Executive.
In her professional role, Meredith co-leads national collaboration on Tract’s sports and recreation portfolio, helping deliver projects that create lasting community legacies. Passionate about mentoring, she is committed to developing future leaders in planning and urban design.
On joining Brisbane Open House, Meredith says: “Representing the Committee for Brisbane, I’m excited to help ensure Brisbane Open House remains a key annual event that celebrates the fantastic places and spaces that make our city so unique. As we move towards 2032 and beyond, I’m passionate about BOH helping Brisbane tell its story — one of lifestyle, vitality, and legacy.”
Paul Butterworth and Yolande Vorster
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Paul is the director of his own multi award-winning practice, Paul Butterworth Architect. With more than 25 years in the profession, Paul is widely recognised for his memorable and relatable architectural outcomes, his advocacy for design excellence, and his media appearances as a guest speaker and industry spokesperson.
He has also served on the AIA Climate Action and Sustainability Committee for the past seven years, contributing to conversations around responsible and resilient design. Paul says: “I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the exceptional quality of Brisbane’s architecture. I look forward to expanding the BOH program to bring more of our city’s amazing buildings to the public — to educate, inspire and celebrate the positive impact of great design in everyday life.”
An architect with extensive experience across public, cultural, educational, and residential projects, Yolande brings a deep passion for heritage, conservation, and adaptive reuse. Having worked with leading practices for over a decade, she has recently founded Vorster Architecture, continuing her focus on resilient, long-lived design.
Yolande is actively involved in the architectural community as Co-Chair of the QLD EmAGN Committee, a member of the QLD Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and an ICOMOS member. She also teaches at the University of Queensland and regularly contributes to professional discourse through mentoring and public speaking.
On her vision for Open House, Yolande says: “I want to continue the incredible work of Fiona Gardiner and Stewart Armstrong in celebrating Brisbane’s heritage. I’d love to see more heritage buildings unlocked so their stories can be shared with the community, while also showcasing the voices and work of emerging architects.”
Looking Ahead
As Brisbane continues to evolve and prepare for global attention in the lead-up to the 2032 Games, the Brisbane Open House Board is excited to continue its mission: opening doors, telling stories, and celebrating the city’s architectural and cultural richness. With fresh perspectives, deep expertise, and a shared passion for place, the 2025–2026 Board is well-positioned to guide Brisbane Open House into its next chapter.