HIA National President and Vice President, Debbie Johnson essentially has the same core role she had when she started out 50 years ago. She works alongside her clients using her design, construction and development knowledge to bring their projects to fruition. ‘This might be for a new home, renovation or a substantial development project,’ Debbie says. ‘I value the trust that my clients place in me and the creative opportunity that each project (large or small) provides.’

Debbie’s love of buildings started from as far back as she can remember. ‘It was initially architecture, but the feel and smell of hardwood and the overwhelming excitement of being on a building site has only ever increased over time,’ she says. 

Looking to the future of the industry, Debbie says ‘I would give anyone, male or female, the same advice.  Go where your passion takes you because this is where you’ll be happy and unavoidably you will excel.’ She suggests not being limited by stereotypes. ‘No one can hold you back when you find your happy place.’  

Mentorship has been a key part of Debbie’s accomplished career pathway, which has culminated in her position as HIA National President in 2023. ‘People, mostly men, have been so generous with their time and their knowledge throughout my journey,’ she says. ‘I have always had an insatiable appetite to understand and question everything. The way we each learn is different, I’m sure I drove people around the twist questioning ‘the why’ behind everything,’ she laughs. ‘Perhaps they sensed the passion and the commitment that I feel for the industry and recognised that same emotion in themselves. It’s still the same for me today. We never stop learning - I love that most of all.’