This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Australian Architect Jo Gillies has a passion for revealing the hidden meaning behind a design. She illustrates how the built environment reflects masculine and feminine energies, and why a balance is so important to us all.

Jo is an architect with a passion for revealing the hidden meaning behind a design. As part of her intent to add a broader eco-spiritual approach to Architecture, she travelled to Africa in 2011 and in 2013 spent time with Australian Aboriginal elders experiencing their stories about Songlines. Working as a female Architect in what was seen as a largely male dominated, Jo combines her own blend of unique design principles with a more sustainably spiritual orientation.

Gender focus was not the issue but more of a sensitivity and ideology based on balance, fluidity, style, engineering and sustainability issues. Sometimes the influence came from particular architects philosophies and ideologies. However Jo’s inspiration mostly was from being a mother and experiencing the changing needs of our built environment ; whilst other times is was mixing sacred geometry, golden ratios and ancient wisdoms with a social and environmental conscience. It all started with Jo’s childhood passion for Architecture, Art and a constant search for balance with who we are and how the built space can both support and reflect both the masculine and feminine energies. Ultimately it’s about creating spaces we really love to be in.

Jo Studied Architecture at Sydney University then travelled extensively and completed an Honours degree with a Thesis focused on the Public Squares of Europe which increased her awareness of the impact of design on people. This renewed focus on soulful design led to a cofounding an architecture firm with architect Sue Connor, designing residential homes, commercial and specialist facilities.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)