Founder and principal architect of Georgina Wilson Associates (GWA), this incredibly skillful architect is responsible for some of the most glorious houses in Sydney. Georgina has the “Bays” well and truly covered. From Lavender Bay and Rushcutters Bay, to her latest work-in-progress in Rose Bay, GWA projects are peppered around Sydney, seasoning the city with Georgina’s unique brand of contemporary pragmatic elegance.
“Architecture feels like the perfect creative playground for me,” enthuses Georgina, who has always been drawn to the combination of art and mathematics. “I love solving puzzles, designing spaces that enhance people’s lives and collaborating with talented professionals to turn ideas into reality.”
Before she was designing houses, Georgina was pirouetting across stage floors as a ballerina, and mesmerising audiences with melodic whispering winds as a flautist. “The moment I stepped into architecture school, I knew I had found my calling,” she remembers. “I studied architecture at Sydney University, drawn in by its beautiful sandstone quadrangle and vibrant, social atmosphere. During my studies, I went on exchange to McGill University in Montreal, which was an incredible experience. From my third year, I began working as an architectural assistant, which gave me invaluable industry insight and technical experience.”
After graduating, Georgina worked at Alexander Tzannes Associates for a decade, focusing on significant residential projects in Sydney. “This experience gave me a deep understanding of design excellence, on-site collaboration and the importance of precision,” she says. “I started my own practice, GWA, after moving back to Australia from France. Over the years, I’ve also explored other ventures, including a COO role at my husband’s fintech startup. More recently, I’ve been focused on expanding the reach of architecture, particularly engaging with homeowners to improve design accessibility and impact on a global scale through the power of social media and my recently launched YouTube channel.”
Through her YouTube channel, Georgina engages an international audience in meaningful conversations about the importance of good design, breaking down complex architectural concepts and showcasing real-life examples to help people understand the difference between good and bad design. “Ultimately, I want to change how non-architects perceive architecture, helping them recognise and appreciate thoughtful, functional and elegant design,” she shares. “It frustrates me to see people prioritising superficial ‘look-at-me’ renovations over addressing fundamental architectural flaws. My mission is to challenge that mindset and elevate the standard of home design globally.”
Pragmatic yet elegant, GWA’s signature style blends Art Deco, Japanese and Parisian design approaches to create contemporary homes with a uniquely Australian character. Balancing ornamentation and detail to soften potentially harsh or commercial elements, each project is a mix of innovative and efficient solutions paired with timeless aesthetic appeal. “I find inspiration everywhere — from Sydney’s eclectic neighbourhoods to my time living in France,” she states. “Observing how people live and how homes function in different contexts sparks my creativity. I also experiment with ideas in my own home, constantly testing ways to make everyday life easier.”
Sustainability is an integral element to all GWA projects. Efficient planning ensures Georgina and her team only build what’s necessary, therefore minimising waste. Where possible, they repurpose existing structures to enhance efficiency and incorporate sustainable materials, such as double-glazed windows and external shading solutions, to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. “Sustainability is becoming mainstream, with more widespread adoption of solar power and energy-efficient building materials,” Georgina elaborates. “However, I’ve noticed a tendency toward superficial design choices rather than holistic, livable solutions. I believe the focus should always be on creating practical, beautiful spaces that stand the test of time.” georginawilsonassociates.com