< Our Team >

Ralph Wheeler is Owner and Director of RWA Sports Architecture, an Australian based architectural practice specialising in the design of sport, entertainment and community facilities. 

Ralph has over 25 years experience designing a broad range of projects from masterplanning and concept design through to a full project delivery. As Project Leader, Ralph has been responsible for the day to day running of projects involving a high degree of technical and functional complexity, demonstrating abilities in the coordination of multi-disciplinary teams and the coherent translation of the client’s brief into built form.

Ralph’s experience includes delivering world-class projects at various AFL and rugby venues, cricket training facilities, tennis precincts and horse racecourses throughout Australia. For example, the recently completed Margaret Court Arena sets a new global benchmark for indoor arena design. In 2015, it received a National Commendation from the Australian Institute of Architects. 

Recent projects Ralph has completed with RWA include Kia Arena (5000 seats), Doha 2030 Asia Games Bid, Eagle Farm Racecourse Grandstand, Casey Fields AFL/AFLW precinct, Melbourne Park Stage 3 Masterplan, St Kilda TAF Masterplan, Caulfield Racecourse Masterplan, and the University of Queensland Health and Recreation Precinct. 

Rick is a talented Design Architect with over 20 years experience working on designs for numerous sports facilities in Australia and throughout Asia. 

Rick’s love for sports architecture began while working for a previous employer where he fulfilled active roles in designing stadiums, arenas and COEX buildings. During this period he also led numerous design competitions for national and international projects.

Since joining RWA, Rick has been instrumental in the completion of many projects including Kia Arena (5000 seats), Doha 2030 Asia Games Bid, Eagle Farm Racecourse Grandstand, Casey Fields AFL/AFLW precinct, Melbourne Park Stage 3 Masterplan, St Kilda TAF Masterplan, Caulfield Racecourse Masterplan, and the University of Queensland Health and Recreation Precinct. 

Being bilingual in English and Chinese has allowed Rick to work collaboratively throughout Asia, developing skills in project coordination, management and leadership. 

Rick’s creative ability is enhanced by his outstanding presentation and 3D rendering skills that ensure design intent is effectively communicated. He has the unique ability to produce simple graphics to convey complex problems. 

Damian is a highly experienced sports architect with involvement in a wide range of sports projects both nationally and internationally. Damian is particularly experienced in the delivery of large complex projects and is able to deliver optimal design outcomes. 

Prior to joining RWA, Damian worked for Populous over a period of 10 years. Damian led the redevelopment of Spotless Stadium at Homebush to create a new home for the emerging GWS Giants and played a key design and delivery role in Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast. Damian was Project Architect on the Moonee Valley Racecourse Masterplan Report undertaken in 2014. 

As a senior Design Architect, Damian provides valuable design input based on his specialist experience in designing sports facilities. His highly developed design and management skills also help coordinate daily correspondence with consultants and the design team, particularly during the design phases. Damian has successfully completed several projects for RWA including the Wollongong Sports Precinct Masterplan.

Jooyoung is a highly experienced sports facility designer with involvement in a wide range of sports projects internationally.  Jooyoung has lead numerous successful design competitions throughout Asia.  

Prior to joining RWA, Jooyoung worked for Populous over a period of 16 years and played major role as a lead designer for various international design competition and concept designs for Sports Parks, Arenas, COEX, Racecourse, Ballpark and Urban Planning.  His experience includes working on the renowned NC Dinos’s ballpark and Zhuhai tennis centre for their unique and highly acclaimed design solutions. He was also the project coordinator for delivering masterplan and main stadium design which was successfully delivered for the 2014  Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

As a Design Architect, Jooyoung provides unique design input based on his specialist international experience in designing sports facilities. His highly developed concept design skills provide unique solutions, particularly with constrained site conditions during the early design phases. 

As Studio Coordinator, Loren manages a wide array of activities in the office. 

Loren supports practice Director, Ralph Wheeler in streamlining our operations including our financial, workplace, and quality management systems.

Loren assists with Marketing and Business Development, coordinating tender submissions, liaising with key client contacts, and ensuring RWA’s online presence is up to date and compelling.

Loren’s adept communication skills and personable manner are valuable assets to the way we manage our client, consultant, and contractor interfaces.

Importantly, Loren ensures RWA staff are supported practically, technologically, and personally.

Pearl Lin is an experienced Project Architect based in Melbourne.  Pearl became a registered architect in 2006 and has since completed a variety of commercial and residential projects.  Pearl joined RWA in 2019 to assist with a several RWA projects within Melbourne's iconic MSAC sports complex.  This included upgrades to the existing basketball facilities and entry foyer.  Pearl also assisted with the Sidney Myer Music Bowl upgrades to help coordinate the replacement of all existing seats and aisle lighting.

Pearl's meticulous attention to detail and her methodical approach to architecture are her strongest assets.  Pearl plays a critical role on all RWA's Melbourne based projects.

Dimantha completed his architectural education at the Queensland University of Technology, graduating with Honours in 2002.  After graduating Dimantha joined HOK Sport Architecture in Brisbane soon becoming a key member of the design team in Brisbane specialising in the design of complex sports projects.  In October 2008 Dimantha returned to Sri Lanka to practice as an independent design consultant.  He is a level one member of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and a corporate member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. Dimantha is currently a design critique and tutor at the Colombo School of Architecture.

Dimantha joined RWA in 2021 to provide design experience on various upgrade projects at the Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane.