Lydia Chandrasekera
Associate, RAIA
BArch(Hons)
"I’m passionate about creating enabling, desirable and functional environments that support residents’ independence, wellbeing and quality of life."
Lydia is a hands-on, collaborative Associate with over 18 years of experience specialising in Seniors Living & Care. Passionate about the role design can play in improving quality of life, she brings a calm and process-driven approach to every project, underpinned by a deep commitment to creating places that support dignity, independence and wellbeing.
Lydia is known for her clarity, efficiency and technical leadership. She actively mentors emerging architects and is dedicated to fostering capable, motivated teams that deliver high-quality, well-coordinated documentation. She understands that strong documentation is essential to achieving successful built outcomes, and works closely with builders on-site to ensure every detail aligns with the design intent. Her collaborative, solutions-focused mindset makes her a trusted partner for clients, consultants and contractors alike.Lydia’s interest in the intersection of design, health and healing began with her university thesis and has continued to evolve throughout her career. Her early passion was shaped in part by her mother’s work as a Registered Nurse in the aged care sector, which inspired her to design environments that meaningfully support residents in later life. Over nearly two decades, she has witnessed significant shifts in models of care and design priorities, from institutional environments shaped by staffing efficiencies to more domestic, person-centred settings where residents enjoy greater choice and autonomy. She is energised by this evolution and committed to shaping the next generation of care environments.
For Lydia, the most rewarding moment in a project comes at the end, when she can speak with residents, families and staff about their experience of the new space. These conversations reaffirm her belief in the power of thoughtful, inclusive design to improve lives.