Meet the team: Kirsty Macpherson, Principal Ecologist, QLD
At Niche, we take pride in our team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to reimagining a sustainable future.
Meet Kirsty Macpherson, our new member of the Niche family, a Principal Ecologist and a true advocate for nature conservation and sustainable development. Kirsty brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.
Get to know Kirsty
Kirsty’s professional journey has been as diverse as the ecosystems she works within. She began her career in medical research but quickly discovered her true calling during a field trip collecting rock wallaby DNA. Inspired by this experience, she pursued a master’s degree in environmental science, which opened doors to a rewarding career in ecological and horticultural research at CSIRO and then went on to ecological consulting.
During her recent time in the UK, Kirsty managed a team dedicated to development assessment and green infrastructure projects. Her contributions to national and regional-scale initiatives such as the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 and the National Standards for Green Infrastructure in the UK were invaluable.
Natural capital-led design
Now back in her beloved Queensland, Kirsty has joined Niche to continue her journey in ecological consulting. Her expertise lies in the development of new settlements and urban extensions, where she utilizes the concept of natural capital-led design. By integrating elements of nature into these projects, Kirsty aims to provide ecosystem services to residents, such as effective stormwater management, heat island reduction through shade, pollution filtration through vegetation, and green infrastructure for recreational and well-being purposes; thereby increasing the value of the settlement for the client.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kirsty is a vibrant individual with a passion for swing dancing and exploring the world through travel. When she is not working or indulging in her hobbies, Kirsty dedicates her time to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. She finds relaxation and inspiration in gardening and spending time in nature, whether it is bushwalking, climbing, or simply immersing herself in the wonders of the great outdoors.
For Kirsty, a successful project outcome is one that is delivered on time and within budget, while also ensuring the well-being of her team, satisfying the client’s needs, and effectively managing environmental impacts. However, what truly sets a project apart is when the team successfully collaborates with the client to incorporate changes in plans and layouts that help avoid impacts on the environment and utilises the ecosystem service provided by the environment.
Kirsty finds immense satisfaction in looking after her team and ensuring their growth and happiness while providing excellent service to clients.
Life at Niche
According to Kirsty, joining Niche has been a breath of fresh air. The company’s kind and friendly atmosphere, coupled with the varied and engaging work, have made her feel right at home. She appreciates the work culture and Niche, and when asked why she chose the join the team she mentioned:
“The work culture, it seemed different to most other consultancies. The flexible working, working hours that allow a work life balance, and supportive attitudes to diversity. So many companies claim that, but very few actually deliver .”
It has only been a few weeks since Kirsty has been at Niche. She looks forward to exploring more employee benefits such as mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Find out more
Careers – Join the team
About Niche – Our mission, vision and values
Latest news
Projects
Find out more about our services
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Heritage management
- Environmental management and approvals
- Environmental offsetting
- GIS and Spatial Data
