Palassis Architects | Architecture + Heritage

As Principal of Palassis Architects, Kevin has over three decades of experience in the provision of the full range of architectural services across a broad range of complex projects, including new and conservation works. Kevin has developed specialised skills in the field of heritage architecture, with over 40 years running specialist architectural practices.

Kevin has been instrumental in the preparation of the master planning for complex sites including Fremantle Prison, Sunset Hospital and the Historic Port of Cossack.

Conservation works include the Old Treasury Building Perth, Midland Railway Workshops, Brookfield’s City Square and St George’s Cathedral.

New Adaptive Works include Commercial Buildings at 726 Hay Street Perth and The GP Super Clinic in the Midland Workshop.

Christopher is a conservation practitioner, having trained and registered in the United Kingdom before emigrating to Australia in 1992. He has been with Palassis Architects since 1993, in which time he has specialised in the conservation and adaptation of historic places. This work has been complemented by his further training in Museum Studies.

Christopher has a particular interest in the application of research solutions for conservation works, and for the sustainable reuse of heritage buildings. He led the award winning conservation of the Main Cell Block and Chapel Façade at Fremantle Prison and the Oliver Hill Battery on Rottnest Island both of which were the result of a thorough investigation of the documentary and physical evidence. The Fire and Emergency Services Education and Heritage Centre on Murray Street, Perth, and the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall are award-winning adaptive reuse projects led by Christopher. As part of large multi disciplinary projects, he provided the technical heritage and conservation advice during the adaptive works to Brookfield Place, which was awarded the Margaret Pitt Morrison award for heritage in 2013.

Christopher’s recent projects include various works at Fremantle Prison, Parliament House and other adaptive reuse and conservation works for Local and State Government clients.

Lara is an experienced senior heritage practitioner who joined Palassis Architects in 2009 to pursue her interests in heritage planning, materials conservation, and adaptive re-use. Her current role includes leadership of many of the firm’s conservation works and heritage planning projects.

Having previously worked in both the public and private sectors, including over five years managing the State Government’s heritage development referrals program, Lara brings to the role particular expertise in development impact analysis and strategic heritage site planning.  She has served on many high-level heritage committees and strategic stakeholder working groups, including the Heritage Council’s Development Committee, Heritage Grants Program Assessment Committee, the Fremantle Waterfront Implementation Working Group, and as Chairperson of the annual National Heritage Managers of Approvals and Advice.

Lara gained tertiary qualifications in Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Western Australia and has completed additional studies in the Conservation of Traditional Buildings at the University of Canberra and at Deakin University as part of its Master of Cultural Heritage postgraduate program. She recently successfully completed her architectural practice exams to register as an architect in WA. She is a member of ICOMOS Australia and currently sits on the Australian Institute of Architects Heritage Committee (WA Chapter).