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About Us

TPG Architects' directors have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. With numerous projects in North Queensland, from the Whitsundays to PNG, we have extensive experience in sustainable commercial, community, educational, residential and resort developments.

Our ongoing commitment to understanding our clients' requirements is reinforced by the pragmatic commercial and design skills we bring to the project, with a thorough knowledge of the construction realities of building in the tropics. This is reflected in the practice's numerous repeat clients that we have been able to assist to successfully deliver award winning projects.

With over 25 regional, state and national architectural awards, TPG Architects and our directors are the most highly commended practice in the region.

Quality Management
TPG Architects’ quality management system conforms to ISO 9001:2015 / AS/NZS 9001:2016. Our third-party accreditation reflects TPG Architects’ commitment to best practice in the architectural profession and delivering the best quality service for our clients.

Roger Mainwood, Director

Roger is a founding director of TPG Architects. He has unique experience in the ability to adapt needs of projects to their particular sites. He has had extensive involvement in the Cairns CBD Masterplan, initially as a consultant in 2007 and now led the Masterplan Review in 2017. Roger was Project Manager and Architect for the original conversion of the Tanks Arts Centre and recently received State and National heritage awards for both the conversion of Wharf Shed 3 into the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and the Cairns Museum School Of Arts Building. His close involvement with community groups always ensures his concepts are sensitive to the needs of users.

Roger's work on urban space and tropical design along with his studio work with JCU Urban Design students has been recognised with his appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor.

Edi Piagno, Director

With over thirty years of experience in the architectural and built environment industry, and as a founding director of TPG Architects, Edi has worked on numerous project types, including a range of education, sporting and public buildings. Many of these are award winning projects, including AIA Regional Commendations for Block F Good Counsel College Saint Clare's Performance Centre, the Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns TAFE Block J - Health and Sustainability Training Precinct. He brings a wealth of experience through his design and documentation to deliver many successful projects on budget and within programme.

Edi has undertaken the Green Star Accredited Professional course and has successfully achieved ESD outcomes with Cairns TAFE ‘Block J’, the first 5 star educational facility in the tropics.

Personnel

Staff

Aimee Bellette

Registered Architect, B.Arch 1st Class Honours

Aimee has been an integral team member of TPG Architects since 2013 and has a decade of experience in Far North Queensland, working on a multitude of heritage, educational, government, health, community, commercial, tourism and residential projects.

As a Registered Architect of the AIA, Aimee has demonstrated her skills, knowledge and experience in managing all stages of project procurement from design conception to project completion.

Aimee also has extensive experience in Revit documentation and has contributed to the documentation of a fully-integrated Revit BIM model for the Cairns Hospital Redevelopment. Aimee’s interest in 3D design resolution and construction detailing ensures potential construction issues are addressed during design development.

Richard Bonney

Architectural Technician

Richard has over eight years’ combined experience in architecture and four years in civil structural engineering where he has worked across a broad range of projects covering all building classes from strong involvement in schematic design to contract documentation. Richard has obtained experience in working on projects for the mining and agricultural industries, including remote health care centres in Cape York, Cairns’ TAFE commercial kitchen and training facility and various other community housing projects.

Gill Foster

Architectural Technician, BAppSci (Environmental Design)

Gill’s extensive educational background comprises tertiary qualifications in applied science, engineering, industrial design, architectural and interior design to name a few. His architectural project experience in Far North Queensland has included design and documentation for educational projects, residential developments, resorts, commercial and retail developments. Gill has also contributed masterplanning skills and engineering know-how to projects in Papua New Guinea and as far as Nigeria, Africa. In recent years, Gill has trained in Revit and Adobe software, further contributing to the skillset he brings to the TPG Architects team.

Margarita Zorrilla

Architect

As a senior architect with 15 years of international experience, Margarita connects architectural creativity with construction knowledge on a variety of projects in housing, tourism and heritage. She specialises in heritage interventions for protected landscapes and historical centres, with a solid background in documentation, technical coordination and construction supervision.

Cathy Marsh

Administration Manager

Cathy has been in charge of our front gate for more than fourteen years - keeps the money flowing in and out.

Staff 2

Jul 10, 2018

Tom Sefton

Jul 10, 2018

Architectural Graduate

Tom has completed his Undergraduate Degree in Architectural Studies and has recently joined TPG Architects. He is rapidly growing in his documentation and presentation skills through his experience on a variety of project types at varying stages.

He is interested in tropical and Japanese architecture and learning how to apply this knowledge into TPG Architects’ current projects. Tom is enthusiastic to learn more about architectural practice, the design and documentation process and the National Construction Code and other regulatory codes.

Jul 10, 2018

Liam Oastler

Jul 10, 2018

Building Designer BBldgDes

Liam achieved a building designer license after graduating from CQUniversity, further reinforcing his commitment to architectural excellence. His architectural design proficiency, combined with his Revit and BIM knowledge, empowers him to create innovative, sustainable, and client-centered architectural solutions.

Liam is a key member of the TPG Architects team, is deeply committed to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) industry, bolstered by his strong Revit skills. With 7 years of experience at TPG Architects since 2018, Liam is continuing his journey and dedication to blending architectural creativity with BIM's power, especially within Revit.

Liam applies BIM abilities practically across diverse projects, enhancing collaboration, streamlining efficiency, and bolstering decision-making at all project stages.

Jul 10, 2018

Oct 30, 2017

Gabriel Testoni

Oct 30, 2017

Architect

Gabriel is a Brazilian Architect and Urbanist. Gabriel’s experience encompasses residential, commercial, and retail projects, emphasizing functionality and aesthetics.

After moving to Australia and joining TPG Architects, he contributes to projects from Sketch Design to Construction Documentation. His work spans residential, sports facilities, and gallery layouts, highlighting his versatility. Gabriel has advanced as a Revit Developer and continues to impress our clients, transforming an initial sketch into realistic renders and beautiful environments.

Oct 30, 2017

Awards

Our Directors have been recognised for the following industry awards:

Cairns State High School Multipurpose Hall Bou-wa
2024 AIA Regional Project of the Year
2024 AIA Regional Commendation for Educational Architecture
2024 AIA Jury Social Impact Recognition

Newman Catholic College, Smithfield
2023 AIA State Commendation for Educational Architecture
2023 AIA Regional Commendation
2023 AIA Regional Project of the Year

Bulmba-ja Centre of Contemporary Arts, Cairns
2020 AIA QLD FDG Stanley Public Building Commendation
2020 Eddie Oribin Award for Building for the Year
2020 AIA Regional Commendation

Cairns Hockey Park Stadium
2020 AIA Regional Commendation

Cairns Museum -The School of Arts Building
2017 AIA Don Roderick Medal for Heritage Architecture
2017 Eddie Oribin Award for Building for the Year
2017 AIA Regional Commendation

Edge Hill Residence
2017 AIA Regional Commendation

Innisfail College West Wing and Library, Innisfail
2015 AIA Regional Commendation

Tank Arts Centre Tank 4, Curators Office, Cairns
2013 AIA Regional Commendation

St Clare's School, Performance Art Centre, Tully
2012 AIA Regional Commendation

Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal
2011 AIA Lachlan Macquarie National Award for Heritage Architecture
2011 Eddie Oribin Award for Building for the Year
2011 Don Roderick Medal for Heritage Architecture
2011 AIA Regional Commendation

Cairns TAFE Sustainability Training and Health Precinct
2011 AIA Regional Commendation

Beachfront Mirage Residence, Port Douglas
2007 RAIA House of the Year

Argentea Display Villa, Palm Cove
2005 RAIA Regional Commendation

Island Point Residence, Port Douglas
2003 RAIA Regional Commendation

The Peninsula Boutique Resort Hotel, Port Douglas
2000 RAIA, Beatrice Hutton Award, Highly Commended
2000 RAIA Regional Commendation

Cairns Regional Gallery, Perrotta’s Café, Cairns
1998 RAIA Regional Commendation

Fields Residence, Cairns
1998 RAIA Regional Commendation

Ambulance Building, Cairns
1997 RAIA Regional Commendation

No. 2 James Street, Cairns
1997 RAIA Regional Commendation

The Cairns Regional Gallery, Cairns
1996 RAIA Regional Commendation

The Mainwood House, Port Douglas
1993 RAIA Regional Commendation

The Clink Theatre, Port Douglas
1993 RAIA Regional Commendation

St Andrew's Anglican Church, Port Douglas
1992 RAIA, FDG Stanley Award, Highly Commended
1992 RAIA Regional Commendation