WA is following New South Wales’ lead in developing a suite of pattern book homes designed to make quality, affordable housing available to more people in less time.

WA Government architect Emma Williamson will lead this exploration into the pattern book model, joined by award-winning local architect and NSW pattern-book architect Jennie Officer (Officer Woods).

Hear how the initiative is rolling out on the East Coast. Can it work here? And how might you benefit if you’re looking to build or buy?

Concession tickets available
Students and concession card holders can use the code FDWCONCESSION for 20% off tickets. For mob, use the code MOBTIX for a 50% discount.

Image: A NSW Pattern Book model by Officer Woods

Emma Williamson

Emma Williamson has served as Government Architect for Western Australia since February 2024, providing independent design leadership and expert advice to State Government, the Premier and the Minister for Planning – with a focus on keeping good design central to development across WA. As Chair of the State Design Review Panel, she now plays a key role evaluating major, city-shaping projects, building on years as a member of the WA and SA State Design Review Panels and chair of several local government panels.

Co-founder and former Partner at TheFulcrum.Agency, Emma brings almost three decades of architectural experience across public and private projects, including Boola Bardip WA Museum, Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin and Karratha’s Super Clinic. She holds degrees in architecture, interior design and business, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects – recognised in 2023 with the RAIA Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize.

Jennie Officer

Jennie Officer is founding director of Officer Woods and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at the University of Western Australia. She is a past winner of the WA State Emerging Architect award (2010) and the Gil Nicol Travel Prize (2013) for enhancement of the built environment in WA. She makes regular contributions to architectural dialogue and knowledge by presentation and publication, and has served as a jury member at both State and National level for peer-reviewed awards programs across multiple categories. She is a current member of the inaugural WA State Design Review Panel and a current member of the City of Fremantle Design Advisory Committee. Jennie grew up in the remote Murchison region of Western Australia. Her background ensures resourcefulness and an ability to adapt and relate to a wide range of people and projects.