Dr Elizabeth Farrelly trained in architecture and philosophy, practiced in Auckland, London and Bristol, holds a PhD in urbanism from the University of Sydney, and is an Associate Professor (Practice) at the University of NSW Graduate School of Urbanism.

She was born in Dunedin, New Zealand but has made Sydney her home since the late 1980s. She is the author of several books, including Three Houses - a monograph on renowned architect Glenn Murcutt - is a Walkley-shortlisted journalist, critic and essayist, served as a Councillor for the City of Sydney from 1991 to 1995, and her portrait by Mirra Whale was a finalist in the 2015 Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.