About

powerfulowl.design is an environmental design, research, and education studio based in the semi-rural area of Mt Samson, between Samford (“Home of the Powerful Owl”) and Dayboro, north-west of Brisbane, Queensland. The Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) is the studio’s totem symbolising knowledge, wisdom, and empowerment. With an emphasis on the relationship between well-being and the environment (built and natural), the studio aims to:

• Foster greater awareness of how our everyday environments can better sustain and enhance our health and well-being.
• Help develop knowledge and skills so that we are more empowered to create environments that nurture and sustain.

The studio provides a range of services to the public and private sectors that reflect these aims. These can be summarised for residential, commercial, and specialist environments as:

• Environmental Well-Being Appraisal
• Environmental Well-Being Education, Training & Tuition
• Environmental Well-Being Research

powerfulowl.design has been established by Dr Jill Franz who has over 30 years of experience as an environmental designer, educator, and researcher. Educated in the design of the built environment and following initial practice in this area Jill transitioned to academia where she attained post graduate qualifications in design, teaching, and education, and increasing international recognition as a design educator and researcher.

As an educator, Jill has been central to developing curricula such as Design Psychology for the disciplines of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture. She is also a notable researcher in design for health and well-being having led and co-led many government and community research projects spanning areas of Inclusive Design, Salutogenic Design, and Biophilic Design for various types of environments such as schools, aged care, and specialist supported accommodation for people with disability. Jill’s area of expertise has attracted students across Australia and the world who have come to undertake their Masters and PhDs under her supervision.

Jill is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of Architecture & Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology, and chief investigator for the nationally funded Thriving in Vertical Schools ARC Linkage project.

• Bachelor of Applied Science – Built Environment (QIT)
• Diploma of Teaching (BCAE)
• Master of Educational Studies (UQ) (Majoring in Educational Psychology)
• Doctor of Philosophy (QUT)

• Past Fellow Design Institute of Australia
• Honorary Member Interior Design/Interior Architecture Association of Australia and New Zealand
• Registered Teacher (QLD)