Prue Emily Kan: From Junior Designer to Principal
In the world of building design, few stories are as inspiring as that of Prue Emily Kan, an award-winning designer at Design Australia Group. Over her impressive 11-year journey with the company, Prue has risen from a junior designer to Principal and Design Director, showcasing not only her talent but also her dedication to excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
A Lifelong Connection to Building
Prue’s passion for design is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up on building sites, with a father who was a builder and a brother following in the same footsteps, construction runs through her veins. “I remember as a young girl, driving around building sites with my dad, listening to him discuss function and form,” she reflects. “Those conversations shaped me as a building designer.” She also fondly recalls, “I love the smell of timber—it takes me back to those formative moments. “Prue credits her father, with his passionate approach to building, as one of the primary influences in her life. “What shaped me as a building designer was my father. He wasn’t just a builder; he was genuinely passionate about what he did. It wasn’t about having a kid on site—it was about giving me hands-on experience. He would literally make me climb a ladder and show me the trusses, explaining how everything went together. He was genuinely excited to show me how it all worked. That kind of practical, immersive experience left a lasting impression on me.”
Prue’s exceptional ability to recall details has played a significant role in her success. “I feel that having a photographic memory has certainly helped me,” she says. “It’s a skill that’s been incredibly useful, especially when managing so many moving parts and the huge responsibility of a project. While many people rely on spreadsheets, notes, and systems to keep track of everything, I’m fortunate in that I don’t need to depend on all those extra tools.”
When Prue started studying her Diploma of Building Design, her father was always enthusiastic, often pointing out flaws in designs and offering his thoughts. “Dad was always excited to share his opinions. He would say things like, ‘Fucking draftees and architects are messing it up. No dimensions here and there—can’t even be built with no practical experience!’ There was a lot of that, but it helped shape my understanding of the practical side of design and reinforced the importance of real-world application.”
Leading with Purpose
At Design Australia Group, Prue’s leadership is defined by a commitment to quality and a focus on training. The company produces approximately 600 plans per year, and for Prue, ensuring that her team is equipped with the right skills and knowledge is paramount. “Training and doing things right are important to me,” she asserts, underscoring her dedication to maintaining high standards in every project.
Over the years, Prue’s work has been extremely diverse, spanning across five states and even New Zealand. “It’s kept things interesting but also challenging. You name it, I’ve designed within the residential design space,” she says. “Working across various locations has expanded my experience and expertise, giving me a broader perspective of how design needs to adapt to different environments and regulations.”
Navigating a predominantly male industry has presented its challenges, but Prue has excelled, determined to make her voice heard. “As frustrating as it can be, I can hold my own with any builder today,” she states with confidence. This resilience has not only earned her respect among her peers but also solidified her role as a trusted leader.
Building Strong Relationships
One of Prue’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to develop strong relationships with builders. “What shapes me as a building designer is not just my father’s influence, but the strong relationships I have with all of our builders. I’m talking about the builders who are out on site, on the tools day in and day out. We must take a practical, construction-based approach.
When a job is on site, it’s not about drawing lines on paper—it’s a far greater responsibility.
I ensure that my team and I have the emotional intelligence to see beyond the office and understand the harmonious connection that needs to be made on-site, from storing materials to ensuring everything flows smoothly.” Prue stresses the importance of real-time communication, understanding the emotions and perspectives of clients, and how they want their projects built. “We have a lot of client meetings to understand their vision, how they feel about the process, what they want from us, and how to navigate council and regulatory challenges. It’s quite a complex job, and being able to communicate effectively and adapt to the situation is key.”
Making It All Worthwhile
One of the most rewarding aspects of Prue’s work is receiving feedback from builders and clients alike. “It makes me smile when we get feedback from our builders and clients that say, ‘Wow, this house looks so architectural, yet the way it has been designed has led to significant cost savings for the client.’ That kind of feedback means the world to me, because it demonstrates that we’ve not only created a beautiful, functional home, but we’ve also provided value that benefits both the client and the builder.”
Prue is proud that the designs her team creates don’t just look great on paper—they result in tangible, real-world benefits. “Achieving cost-effective outcomes while still delivering exceptional design is always my goal. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our designs positively impact the client’s bottom line, while also making the builder’s job easier. It’s about balance—creating homes that are both architecturally striking and practically efficient.”
Looking Ahead
As Prue continues to lead Design Australia Group into the future, her vision includes expanding the company’s division of project and production work, alongside custom-designed homes. “I look forward to steering Design Australia Group as we grow and evolve,” she says, embodying the spirit of innovation and ambition that has characterised her career.
With a remarkable journey that reflects hard work, determination, and a commitment to quality, Prue Emily Kan is not just an award-winning designer; she is a visionary shaping new standards in the building design industry. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the belief that great design can truly transform lives and communities.
