Head of Sustainability - APAC, Populous
Dr Kavita Gonsalves is Head of Sustainability for APAC at Populous, based in Brisbane, Queensland, where she leads the delivery of high-performance sports and civic infrastructure that integrates fan experience, building performance and climate responsibility. An architectural designer, academic and design strategist, she is a Green Star and LEED (BD+C) Accredited Professional and holds a PhD in community placemaking. Kavita brings extensive experience in sustainable systems, sustainability audits, green building rating integration and education in sustainable architecture, applying a rigorous research-to-design methodology. Her expertise has informed the design and delivery of major projects which include Penrith Stadium, the UTAS Stadium Redevelopment, Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment, the Shah Alam/KSSA Sports Complex, and Rach Chiec National Sports Complex. She actively leads academic–industry collaborations such as the Circular Economy–Building 4.0 CRC, Climate Action in Architecture research and the QUT–Populous Circulate Studio. Kavita is a Queensland Chapter Councillor (2025–27) and a member of the Climate Action and Sustainability Committee with the Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), and recently served as a juror for the RAIA National Architecture Awards 2025.
