It’s official: Dr Dominique Hes is a Hero

Geronimo Advisory Principal, Dr Dominique Hes, has been recognised with an international award for her decades of advocacy for regenerative design and extensive research and work in the areas of biophilia and environmental sustainability.

• The Living Future Hero Award is selected by a jury of international Living Future Institute Members
• It recognises Living Future Members who go above and beyond in championing a socially just and ecologically restorative future

Dominique is one of Australia’s best known regenerative design researchers, authors and advocates, through her work with organisations including City of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Green Building Council of Australia, Greenfleet and the Living Future Institute of Australia. 

A Founding Director of LFI Australia, Domnique was nominated for recognition with a Living Future Local Hero Award by the CEO of Greenfleet, Wayne Westcott, and Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer at the Green Building Council of Australia, who is also a Non-Executive Director on the Greenfleet Board.

Dominique has been on the Board of Greenfleet since 2017, and Chair since 2021, during which time the organisation has achieved significant growth in areas of forest replanted across Australia and New Zealand.

Other achievements highlighted in her nomination include her membership of the GBCA’s Nature Positive Roadmap Review Panel, introduction of the “Voice for Nature” concept into the boardroom at Regen Melbourne and her role in catalysing the City of Melbourne’s leadership on climate, carbon and regenerative outcomes including her recent tenure as Council’s first Zero Carbon Buildings Lead for the City of Melbourne.

Her work as an academic has delivered more than 100 research papers, and her co-authored book Designing for Hope with South African architect Chrisna du Plessis has become a canonical text for regenerative approaches to urban design, biophilic architecture and regenerative place-making. These principles and practices were further demonstrated in her advisory work on the award-winning The Paddock multi-home development at Castlemaine in Victoria.

“Dominique has influenced sustainability practice nationally by consistently bridging research and implementation,” the nominators said.

“Her interdisciplinary background in botany, engineering and architecture allows her to translate complex regenerative ideas into practical frameworks that resonate across sectors.

“Most importantly, Dominique Hes has built a legacy of practitioners which have themselves created change. From her work at RMIT and the University of Melbourne, and her participation in industry, most green building advocates have in some way benefited from her work and wisdom.”

The Living Futures Institute will be holding a formal Awards ceremony at its conference in Seattle in April (2026).

On hearing of the recognition, Dominique said she was, “not sure what to say – so many emotions. Mostly grateful and shyly proud.”

“My plans are to continue sharing updates on The Paddock story, a key Living Building Challenge-inspired project where we are seeing the return of many local species while providing 27 healthy, low impact, net energy positive homes. 

“Also, I hope to continue the work of bringing the voice of nature into governance and supporting projects in their LBC, regenerative and ecological aspirations.”

International Living Future Institute announcement can be viewed here.