Lecturer
Shelley is an architect with 25 years of experience and the director of Margo Studio, a small practice focused on residential architecture and interior design. She cares about how people live—more simply, sustainably, and in ways that feel authentic. Having raised three kids in a two-bedroom apartment, Shelley understands the realities of small-space living. You can see her work at @margostudio_architects or www.margostudio.com.au.
Shelley also runs architectural walking tours for community and professional groups—originally through Melbourne Architours—which keeps her connected to the city and away from the desk.
Teaching has been part of Shelley's practice for 15 years, including the last six at Collarts. She recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Creative Arts). Shelley teaches Colour and Material Exploration, two early-stage subjects that focus on the fundamentals of lighting, materials, and colour. These subjects help students build design confidence and prepare for further study or work. She also teaches Design Entrepreneurship, which invites students to question and reshape traditional ideas of what a designer does.