Dr Evelyn Kwok is a spatial design researcher with expertise in temporary urban settlements, particularly the intersections of gender, labour and space experienced by marginalised groups. As a Hong Kong-born, Chinese Australian, her education and cultural heritage have led her to develop a particular focus on the intercultural and community aspects of design and creative practices. Her ethos as a researcher, practitioner and educator is reflected through her interdisciplinary approaches in teaching and research across design and architecture disciplines.

Evelyn’s PhD project titled ‘Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong: Occupation, Resistance and Autonomy’ explored the socio-spatial conditions and resistance of a minority group through their appropriation and transformation of public space. This topic lays the foundation for her ongoing publications and research projects; politics of public space, activation of public spaces with a non-capitalist agenda, politics of gender in space etc. Since 2015, Evelyn has also co-created a collaborative global interdisciplinary design research studio at the University of Technology Sydney that cultivates an active knowledge of the intercultural design context of the Asia-Pacific region. She has presented work internationally, including Melbourne Design Week 2019, the Art Association of Australia and New Zealand conference 2018 and past architecture and urban design conferences. Evelyn is regularly invited to deliver lectures of her research across design and architecture faculties at various universities in Australia.

Evelyn has been teaching in design and architecture faculties in undergraduate and master programs since 2011 across University of Technology Sydney and University of New South Wales. In these faculties she has taught in design studio, architecture theory and design research. Her strength lies in mentorship and productive criticism; ensuring students learn more about their own potential, expand their knowledge and cultivate a professional and responsible work ethic. Evelyn has been regularly invited as a guest critic and external examiner.