Vanessa is the Victorian Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Architects, and speaks on behalf of the Architectural profession in Victoria to numerous government and professional bodies.

She is a keen advocate for the betterment of the built environment and the community benefit of good design. She has fostered valuable relationships between the universities, the profession, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, various industry and professional associations and the community. 

Vanessa is an experienced architect and founding Director of the multi-awarding winning practice Bird de la Coeur Architects. The practice specialises in housing; ranging from multi-residential housing, to aged care, social housing and single bespoke houses. Over a 20-year period the practice has received multiple AIA, industry and State Government Awards.

Vanessa is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects National Council, and has represented the AIA on juries, industry taskforces and on Course Accreditation panels for several Universities. She was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2008.