NewsPerspectives

Adelaide Aquatics Centre - It takes a village to build a landmark 

December 17, 2025
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.
Design team onsite viewing design progress of the 50m Pool Hall

Designed in collaboration with JPE Design Studio 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.

Daryl Maguire Warren and Mahoney – Project Principal

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.

Barrington Gohns WAM Head of Design East Coast Studios + Design Director

Barrington Gohns thrives on encouraging clients and teams to explore ideas, challenge convention, and think beyond traditional design. As co-Design Director for the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Barrington combines creativity with clarity, shaping projects that inspire and endure. 

Brett Diprose Warren and Mahoney - Associate Principal + Lead Aquatics Architect

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.

James Ryan Warren and Mahoney - Associate + Architect

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. 

Karl Winda Telfer Burka, Senior Man, Mullawirra Meyunna - Dry Forest People, brings cultural wisdom and creative design to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre as a Design Partner

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.
 

Josephine Evans JPE Design Studio – Project Director

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.

Kristy McMillan JPE Design Studio – Architectural Lead

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.

Rhianna Schultz JPE Design Studio – Project Architect

As co-Project Architect, 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.

Jenna Schina JPE Design Studio – Interior Designer

As Interior Designer, 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.

A huge thank you to every consultant, engineer, advisor, and manager whose expertise contributed to bringing this once in a generation project to life. Read more about this project here.