1970s to current: research-based commercial practice that addresses the design of child-centred learning environments. She continues to be actively engaged in this area and is regularly consulted by the Department of Education, architects, designers, educators and policy makers; a member of ARC research teams addressing this area of research; and invited to speak at workshops and forums in this field. 2009 to current – Honorary Senior Fellow – Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.
In the early 1980s, she called for a Children’s Museum to established and lobbied State Government. Her proposal received funding from the Victorian Ministry of the Arts in 1983. Her exhibition design was considered revolutionary as the audience was invited to touch and interact with the displays, and the content was developed through discussion groups with children. It was also revolutionary in fusing pedagogical theory and the physical, material space according to different modes of learning.
Mary initiated Australia’s first Children’s Museum in the Museum of Victoria and has subsequently been commissioned to develop and design several interactive exhibitions. Other significant projects include the Victorian government funded Inside Out Refurbishment Project at Wooranna Park Primary School, Dandenong (2003-2009) and new types of learning spaces for the multi-award winning Dandenong High School regeneration project (2007-2009) with Hayball Architects. The Wooranna Park Primary School project has been described as re-setting the agenda for state-sponsored junior primary classroom design.
Mary is committed to engaging the public in the value of design and its role with education in shaping the future of children’s lives. Central to her design philosophy is a commitment that design should be for all.
Mary has been involved as a guest critic and speaker in Design Studios in RMIT School of Architecture and Urban Design. She has been an invited participant in forums and workshops with the School of Architecture and Urban Design as well as the Design Hub Gallery. RMIT Design Archive is in the process of procuring Mary Featherston’s design work in relation to learning and environments and education
In September 2019, she was appointed as an adjunct professor in Interior Design.
Mary brings high level of expertise and track record to a growing research trajectory in the discipline of Interior Design addressing early childhood learning environments. Her background in exhibitions as interactive and knowledge production will inform new and innovative approaches to research outcomes that explore the synergy between exhibitions and learning environments.
