Emma Rees-Raaijmakers
Founder & Creative Director

Emma is the founder of Archikidz. With an unstoppable passion to engage kids in the city and to educate them in the process - she is endlessly imagining creative ways to develop the Archikidz model. Emma believes that creativity is the currency of the future - and sees Archikidz as unique opportunity to both encourage creativity and inspire young minds about the built environment. With three children of her own, she is very conscious that the future needs creative minds committed to creating liveable, equitable and sustainable cities. Over the past 20 years Emma has pursued a career in architecture and urban design, working for leading architectural practices in Sydney, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. Through her Dutch connections, she was introduced to Archikidz. And the rest is history.

Emma’s ultimate goal is to see Archikidz strategically involved in the broader conversation about how to build ’better cities’ - with Archikdz being an advocate for real change (a voice for kids/youth) through tangible lasting projects. Whether it be through engagement in consultation processes with government agencies or developers - or through site specific projects to activate & transform public space. .


Vanessa Trowell

Vanessa is about ideas and implementation.  Her work combines her passion for community, cities and engagement. Vanessa utilises her strong organisational, research and strategy skills to bring equitable, innovative approaches to city making. Vanessa was educated at the University of NSW in the fields of human geography and urban design. After working in Edinburgh, London and Los Angeles, she returned to Australia to launch her career in urban design and has been involved in the planning and management of diverse projects and campaigns. She totally believes in green, public spaces as the life support for our cities. She has a hard time saying ‘no’ especially when it comes to clever community collaborations and good causes, including her family, capoeira group and neighbourhood.