For architect Tina Tam, architecture is a form of care — a responsibility to people, their stories and the environment. Passionate, open and curious-minded, she delivers key architectural projects with practice director Kai Chen. She says, “We always aim to leave a place better than we found it.” Ever up for a challenge, she practices from the heart, balancing creative thinking with the application of rigorous technical knowledge.

Tina has the design skills and experience to lead projects requiring the full spectrum of disciplines, from master planning to new-build and adaptive reuse. She is also a Certified Passive House designer, a specialist in the upgrade of existing buildings to improve performance, health and comfort: “There is an urgency to creatively adapt existing buildings to minimise harm, a shift in attitude from this being a burden to a necessity, an opportunity.”

In relation to sustainability, she has been instrumental in Lovell Chen’s approach, embedding it into the way we design and practice, making it an attitude of mind and developing evidence-based sustainability goals. She is also focused on ensuring meaningful collaboration with First Nations people in design, and on the creation of inclusive environments for all. Patient, but with an inner drive to improve, learn and grow, Tina is an inspiring collaborator, with clients and colleagues, and with our architecture, conservation and heritage team members.