It Takes a Village to Build a Landmark
The striking design of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre is turning heads. From architecture, cultural design, to engineering brilliance, this project is a true collaboration of design partnership across disciplines.
Designed by JPE Design Studio in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney and Karl Winda Telfer, in partnership with the South Australian Government and in association with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, with an extended team of consultants and contractors, we designed a facility that’s not just functional, but deeply connected to place, community, and wellbeing.
Josephine Evans of JPE Design Studio leads the Adelaide Aquatic Centre with creative insight and design leadership, shaping the architectural vision for one of South Australia’s most significant civic projects. Her approach is collaborative ensuring the design reflects the community it serves.
Daryl Maquire of Warren and Mahoney provides critical oversight to the project as co-lead.A true champion of great design, Daryl is committed to seeing the original vision carried through from concept to built form, ensuring every project leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Karl Winda Telfer –Karl Winda Telfer, Burka Senior Man of the Mullawirra Meyunna - Dry Forest People, guided the design as the Cultural Creative Design partner.
The new Adelaide Aquatic Centre has emerged from a cultural design process that honours the enduring connection of the Kaurna People to country.
Karl has led a culturally grounded design process that honours Country, strengthens community voice, and upholds cultural continuity. Guided by the story of water as a life-giving force that shapes movement, wellbeing, and connection, his leadership ensured the centre becomes more than a place of recreation - it becomes a living cultural landscape where story, identity, and the flowing presence of Country are embedded in all aspects of the design.
At the heart of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre’s transformation is Kristy McMillan of JPE Design Studio, the Architectural Lead driving high-level coordination across this landmark civic project. Her thoughtful approach and steady guidance have helped shape a facility that’s not only technically excellent, but also deeply connected to community led outcomes.
With a career dedicated to designing world-class aquatic and sports facilities, Brett Diprose of Warren and Mahoney, brings unmatched expertise to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre as the project’s aquatic specialist architect. His passion for creating spaces that foster wellbeing and a strong sense of identity is evident in every detail, shaping a facility that will serve South Australians for generations to come.
Barrington Gohns thrives on encouraging clients and teams to explore ideas, challenge convention, and think beyond traditional design. As a leading designer of Architecutre for the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Barrington combines creativity with clarity, shaping projects that inspire and endure.
As Project Architect for the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Rhianna Schultz is the detail-driven force behind its day-to-day design and construction delivery. Working with JPE Design Studio, she brings precision and passion to ensure every drawing and decision aligns with the broader vision — a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally respectful facility for all South Australians.
As co-Project Architect for the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, James Ryan of Warren and Mahoney, plays a pivotal role in bringing this landmark project to life. With a sharp eye for detail and specialist expertise in aquatic architecture, he helps shape spaces that are both technically precise and deeply connected to community needs.
As Interior Designer for the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Jenna Schina brings creativity, clarity, and a collaborative spirit to the heart of the project. A Senior Interior Designer at JPE Design Studio, Jenna is passionate about developing design identities that reflect both client vision and local context. Her work ensures that the interiors of the centre are not only functional and welcoming, but also rich in materiality, and connected to place.
Led by the talented Lin Markus, Kiri Bowmer, and Dengxiao Xia, our Landscape Architecture team brings creativity, expertise, and deep care for place to the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
From drought-tolerant planting to playful public realms, their design celebrates a deep connection between people and place, enhancing community amenity and resource.
Each element reflects their shared passion for the Park Lands regeneration, ecology, and the power of landscape architecture to enrich everyday experience.
A huge thank you to every consultant, engineer, advisor, and manager whose expertise contributed to bringing this once in a generation project to life.
