Some people lead from the front. Julie leads from beside you.
 
We're incredibly proud to share that Julie Ockerby has been shortlisted as a finalist in The CEO Magazine Global Magazine's Women in Leadership Awards 2026.
 
Since joining WMK following the merger of Meli Studio, Julie has brought the same qualities that have defined her career – creativity, empathy, determination and an unwavering focus on people. She's the kind of leader who helps teams see possibilities where others see problems, creating an environment where great ideas can flourish while never losing sight of what matters most – delivering exceptional outcomes for clients, communities and colleagues.
 
With a unique career spanning health sciences as a registered nurse, hotels, retirement living and aged care, Julie has always championed design that puts people first. Her experience in the hotel sector shaped her understanding of how thoughtfully designed environments can influence emotion, behaviour and memorable experiences—principles she has successfully translated into retirement living and aged care. Through this approach, she has helped influence the way these sectors think about ageing, championing environments that promote dignity, wellbeing, independence, community and connection.
 
In a profession increasingly shaped by technology and AI, Julie also reminds us that great design is still deeply human. Her ability to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes, while bringing clients and teams on that journey, is a rare skill and one that continues to inspire those around her. We're also proud that this recognition shines a light on the many women leading and shaping our practice, with women currently making up over 60% of the WMK team.
 
Congratulations Julie. We couldn't think of a better person to represent WMK and the values we strive to uphold every day.