SUNSHINE COAST OPEN HOUSE co-CHAIR: Magdy Youssef
Magdy Youseff is an accomplished urban planner with over 40 years of experience in major planning projects across Australia and internationally. His current interests include the development of smart cities and the revitalisation of city centres.
He is passionate about sharing his expertise in planning and design with students, young professionals, and the broader community. He actively supports the Open House program, which provides opportunities to showcase sustainable, resilient, and creative design.
Magdy has chaired and directed major urban planning and design projects throughout Australia, particularly on the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra, and Wollongong. In recognition of his significant contributions to regional community development in Australia, he was nominated as an Exemplar for the Year of the Built Environment in 2004.
His most recent work in Qatar, as the Director of Development and Planning for the new Lusail City, has gained international recognition and received multiple awards for its scale, innovation, and sustainability. Magdy has also been honoured with numerous national and international awards for his leadership in major planning and development projects.
SUNSHINE COAST OPEN HOUSE TREASURER
Roger Todd is an architect with a practice based in Caloundra. His mission is to provide the design skills and technical expertise to turn ideas into reality.
Roger’s qualifications are a Bachelor of Design Studies, and a Bachelor of Architecture, both from the University of Queensland. He was registered as an architect in 1984, and has been in private practice in Caloundra since that time.
Personal interests include built environmental issues, local heritage, surfing and the environment. He believes that good design, and a considered response to the site, climate and client’s aspiration’s are key factors in producing quality buildings.
ROGER TODD
SUNSHINE COAST OPEN HOUSE COMMITTEE
Maria Baron – The Property Barron
Maria is the Owner and Director of The Property Baron, a Queensland-wide Property Buyers Agency based in Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast. With a love for property and a passion for design, she’s committed to helping others discover the best of what the region has to offer. Through her work, Maria is fortunate to see and be invited into some of the most incredible homes across the Coast and Noosa. She’s excited to help showcase our local talent and architecture through this initiative, supporting Sunshine Coast Open House to celebrate great design, promote local creatives, and inspire the next generation of homeowners and creators.
Laurie Jones, Dip Arch QIT FRAIA
Laurie is a retired local architect who was previously the Brisbane City Council Principal Heritage Architect for 23 years. He has been associated with Sunshine Coast Open House since its inception, and while his specialty is conservation, he is also keen to promote the modern climate-responsive, award-winning architecture that symbolises the Sunshine Coast.
Laurie also serves on the Noosa Heritage Reference Group and the Queensland and National Heritage Committees of the Australian Institute of Architects.