About
Catherine Murphy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Monash University and Director of the Monash Urban Lab. She leads the Master of Urban Planning and Design program, focusing on integrated design and planning processes centered on water as a driver of urban form. Her research emphasizes climate adaptation, urban regeneration, and inclusive housing solutions.
Education: Master of Social Science (Environment and Planning) from RMIT University (2016), Graduate Diploma in Urban Policy and Planning (1994).
Research interests include water-sensitive urban design, affordable housing models, and disability-inclusive housing through projects like the Retrofit Housing Atlas and Adaptable Housing for People with Disability. Collaborations with Indigenous communities inform her work on cultural heritage and ecological planning.
Recent achievements include winning the 2024 Reimagining Where We Live competition (Regional Town Category) and the 2022 Designers Australia Award for the RetroFit Kit. She actively engages in public lectures and exhibitions, such as the Triennale Milano and Seoul Biennale, advocating for sustainable urban futures.
Labs/Teams: Monash Urban Lab, leading interdisciplinary projects on urban water systems, greyfield regeneration, and inclusive design.
