Ray Brown
Co-FOUNDER & CHIEF MENTOR
Ray is a business coach and entrepreneur who has worked in the UK, South Africa and the US. He operated at CEO level for over 25 years before relocating to Australia in 2005.
Ray’s passion is helping business owners to realise their personal potential and that of their organisation.
He provides coaching and mentoring to a number of architectural practices globally and is former Chair of the Board of social data firm, Neighbourlytics.
Bec Kempster
Co-FOUNDER & CEO
Bec is a champion of the accessibility and opportunity that online learning offers, particularly as it relates to business education, where knowledge is often ‘assumed’ rather than actively taught.
As former CEO of The Churchill Club, an association advocating for emerging technologies, Bec is acutely aware of the changes impacting business and wider society and is driven by a desire to prepare business leaders for what’s new, next.
Bec has almost fifteen years of experience in marketing, specifically digital and brand strategy.
Tim Smith
Coach & Mentor
Tim embraces challenge, creativity, and problem solving – it’s what he loves about life and enjoys about the design industry.
As a former General Manager / Business Director of multiple design agencies, he relishes the opportunity to get to the heart of a practice’s operation, uncover problems and develop strategies to help solve them. Developing a deep understanding of the business is key to this kind of professional support and to ensuring projects and tactics are implemented and results delivered.
With a background in the creative industries and client services, and over 15 years delivering brand experiences through brand strategy, design, marketing communications and building successful relationships, Tim takes a holistic and strategic view of the business and its operations.
Jacqui Kirk
COACH & MENTOR
Jacqui joins Archibiz after more than 20 years working in the architecture industry.
Her knowledge stems from working as a Director at the prestigious London-based Dexter Moren Associates, where she was responsible for developing the firm’s strategy, business development and marketing, as well as growing their interior design division.
Back in Melbourne, she was the Director at Design Culture Consulting. There, Jacqui worked with architects and professionals within the built environment to help grow their businesses by developing strategies and activities to secure new work and raise company profiles.
Jacqui’s experience — both in business and architecture — provides her with a unique edge as a mentor, offering a fresh perspective to architects who are looking to strengthen their practices.
Eszter Riga
COMMUNITY MANAGER & Coach
Eszter is a communication and media specialist with almost a decade of experience. She champions the power of global communication and is passionate about storytelling, helping architects communicate their message to make a difference.
Eszter played a key role in bringing BowerBird, a tech-media platform connecting architects with journalists, to the international stage. In her previous role, she guided hundreds of architecture and interior design practices through their media efforts while also helping journalists uncover amazing stories about architecture.
Her natural talent for collaboration has led her to recognize the importance of architects having a supportive and nurturing community. She is dedicated to helping architects in finding effective ways to connect with each other, as well as empowering their growth and success in business.
Natalie Hoberman
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Natalie is a digital marketing strategist with an eye for content creation. Before moving to Australia in 2019, she worked in the US and Argentina, her native country. As a former journalist, Natalie is driven by a need to discover new and creative ways to strengthen a company’s brand.
Natalie has over five years of experience in digital marketing and journalism, including roles at Unilever and as an editor at a New York-based publication.
Natalie comes from a long lineage of architects in her family, providing her with a strong connection to the industry since her early days.
Mary Castillo
CoMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REP.
With a knack for relationship building, Mary brings over 15 years of experience in customer care and service to ArchiBiz.
In her past roles, including two at Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) and Citibank Australia, Mary has demonstrated a unique ability to understand clients and support their needs.
This desire to support others has translated into her personal life, where she is an active member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles), a socio-civic organization that provides humanitarian service. She actively volunteers in local community groups to help and provide support for medical centers, help children with disabilities, and uplift the aged and debilitated.
At ArchiBiz, Mary is instrumental in growing and nurturing our engaged community of architects and architecture firm leaders who are looking to lead successful and profitable businesses.
