Our Board of Directors

SAM PERVERSI-BROOKS, Chair and Insurance

Sam Perversi-Brooks has recently been engaged to lead the Tasmanian studio of NH Architecture, overseeing the team and enabling the seamless delivery of projects across the state. He has a background in large, collaborative practices working on the briefing, design, coordination and delivery of complex projects within the education, research, commercial and civic sectors.

For the last 10 years Sam has been running his own practice, Perversi-Brooks Architects, focusing primarily on residential and small educational and community projects. This broad-ranging experience has given him a holistic view of the design and delivery of both small, community based and large-scale projects.

Always interested and engaged in expanding design ideas and knowledge within the broader discipline, Sam is a director of ArchiTeam and heads the CPD Committee. He has taught within the Architecture department at RMIT University and has been a regular guest critic at the University of Tasmania, the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

KAREN ERDOS, Secretary and Conference

Karen Erdos is the director of Karen Erdos Architecture and a registered architect and Passive House Certified Designer in New South Wales and Victoria, working across Sydney, Melbourne, and regional areas in both states. She has extensive experience managing building projects from concept through to completion, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality design and execution.

Alongside her architectural practice, Karen contributes to architectural education as a tutor at RMIT, having previously taught at UNSW. She has worked with acclaimed firms such as Renato D’Ettorre Architects and served as Senior Project Architect at Sam Crawford Architects, where her projects earned prestigious awards from the Australian Institute of Architects at state and national levels.

Karen is also a dedicated fine artist and a founding board member of Pocket City Farms, a not-for-profit organization focused on integrating urban farming and rooftop agriculture into city spaces, reflecting her passion for sustainability and community-driven initiatives.

Leighton Thomas, Treasurer

Leighton discovered ArchiTeam through its PI and PL insurance but soon became deeply engaged in the community, attending MOFL lunches, conferences, industry tours, and contributing regularly in the Facebook forum. Over nine years, he has provided feedback on the Client Architect Agreement and supported members through education, advocacy, and practical guidance.

With over 30 years of experience, Leighton has worked across practices of all sizes, from two-person studios to multinationals, in Australia and internationally. He brings expertise in design, construction, finance, and contracts, with a focus on helping small practices deliver high-quality work efficiently and with reduced risk.

As Director of Contexture Architects, Leighton is passionate about supporting small practices, strengthening national networks, and expanding ArchiTeam’s reach. His priorities include encouraging more MOFL-style social and learning events to build national engagement and enhancing professional resources like the Client Architect Agreement. Leighton believes ArchiTeam represents the “national hug” of small practice architecture—a supportive network that celebrates success and shares experience. He is committed to bringing a broad, national perspective to the Board to strengthen ArchiTeam’s reach and relevance for architects across Australia.

Paul Cooksey CPD & Events

Paul has been an active member of the ArchiTeam CPD Committee since 2021, presenting, hosting, and helping plan more than 20 CPD sessions. He’s a familiar presence in the members’ Facebook group and recently facilitated the online community during the ArchiTeam Conference.

Through this involvement, Paul has developed a strong understanding of members’ needs and brings that insight to his role as an educator, advocate, and supporter of small practices. As a South Australian member, he’s passionate about expanding ArchiTeam’s reach beyond Victoria and building stronger regional networks.

With experience on school governing councils, AIA committees, and community organisations, Paul brings governance knowledge and collaborative leadership to the Board. His key goals include strengthening ArchiTeam’s CPD platform, growing interstate engagement, and raising public awareness of ArchiTeam’s role in supporting small practice.

Founder of Northern Edge Studio, Paul’s award-winning work has been published nationally and internationally. Outside architecture, he’s an avid cyclist, traveller, and devoted family man.

Jean Graham Awards

Jean has been an active ArchiTeam member for over a decade, drawn to the strong sense of community and shared understanding that supports small practice architects. Over the years, she has contributed to ArchiTeam through the Awards, conferences, and the members’ Facebook group, and recently joined the Advocacy Committee.

As Director of Winter Architecture, Jean brings extensive experience running her own practice—from working as a sole practitioner to leading a team of 11 across Fitzroy and Torquay. Her projects span residential, commercial, and eco-tourism work across Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania, giving her deep insight into the realities and opportunities of small practice.

Jean balances practice with teaching as an Associate Teaching Fellow at Deakin University, where she leads a final-year Master of Architecture studio and promotes both traditional craft and digital design skills. She also serves as an ARBV examiner for Part 3 candidates and co-curates the Geelong and Surf Coast Architects Group, fostering networking and professional development within the regional community.

Jean believes ArchiTeam’s greatest strength lies in its ability to connect and empower members. Her focus is on strengthening collaboration, supporting emerging practitioners, and building strategic partnerships that promote the visibility, sustainability, and resilience of small practices.