Abbie Galvin, Greg Ridder and Petra Buchanan have recently been appointed to Architecture Media’s board, joining incumbents Vanessa Bird and Jenny Woodward.
Having served on the board for several years, current board chair Bird welcomed the new directors.
“This future-focused and deeply skilled board will support Architecture Media with authority, integrity and confidence as the company continues to evolve and expand its offerings,” she said. “Together, the board’s members bring diverse governance, media, commercial and industry experience.”
Read about the current board members below:
Abbie Galvin
Abbie Galvin is the 24th New South Wales Government Architect, championing design quality across the state. Drawing on 30 years’ experience in architectural practice, she advances design excellence in public projects and contributes widely to the industry through writing, policy, programs, research and design advocacy. Her leadership spans civic projects, housing, and sustainability, continuing a 200-year legacy of design influence in public life. Galvin is a life fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.
Greg Ridder
Greg Ridder is an experienced company chair, non-executive director and business mentor. He is currently chair of listed online retailer Kogan.com (ASX:KGN), which he has led since its 2016 initial public offering. He is also chair of Life Without Barriers – one of Australia’s largest disability and other human services providers – and of homelessness charity Bridge It, and a board member of PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited.
Petra Buchanan
Petra Buchanan is a board director, strategic advisor and former CEO with international experience across the media, technology, health and for-purpose sectors. She previously served as CEO of the McGrath Foundation and the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), and has held senior international leadership roles with Unisys and Discovery Networks International. She also co-founded TuShare, the technology venture that later led to the launch of Sendle.
Vanessa Bird
Vanessa Bird is a co-founder of the multi-award-winning, Melbourne-based practice Bird de la Coeur Architects, which specialises in housing. She has more than a decade of board experience, both as a non-executive director and board chair. She is also a member of the City of Melbourne’s Melbourne Design Review Panel and has served on architecture course accreditation panels for the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. Additionally, she is a past director, a past national councillor and a life fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.
Jenny Woodward
Jenny Woodward joined the Australian Institute of Architects in January 2024 as chief financial officer and became chief financial and operating officer in February 2025. Boasting a career spanning over 25 years, Jenny is a dedicated and award-winning finance professional.