Aija Thomas (AM)
Founding Director
(Melbourne, VIC)
Aija Thomas is a Founding Director of STH, and, in this capacity, provides the lead in health facility planning and in establishing the design philosophy for the professional development of the practice. Aija’s expertise and experience is extensive. Commencing after graduation with international experience in Canada and New Zealand and continuing in Australia with a seamless record of specialist involvement in all areas of health facility project architecture since 1978.
Aija has continuously demonstrated her dedication, skill and enthusiasm for planning solutions, illustrating understanding, lateral thinking and innovation in each project with which she has been involved. Her skills in developing brief requirements ensure a high level of function and aesthetics.
The practice’s built works, many of which have evolved out of Aija’s health design expertise, have had a significant influence on the development of healthcare facility architecture in Australia.
Aija was awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2017, for her “significant service to architecture, particularly in the area of health planning and design”.