Jo’s journey in lighting design began after graduating with a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Technical Production) from NIDA. Driven by her interest in integrating architectural lighting with theatrical design, she pursued a Master of Design Science (Illumination Design) at the University of Sydney and is currently a PhD candidate researching the perceptual effects of theatrical lighting techniques in architectural spaces.

Her portfolio encompasses a range of significant architectural and theatrical lighting design projects across Australia. With Steensen Varming, she contributed to high-profile projects including the Sydney Opera House Western Shell and Lighting Master Plan, Belvoir St Theatre, and Port Macquarie Glass House. Her work with Basset (AECOM) includes St Barnabas Church, Broadway, and Newcastle University Theatre.

As an independent freelancer, she has designed lighting for diverse theatrical companies including Theatre of Image and Sydney Festival productions. She is currently working on the Newcastle Civic Theatre Complex architectural lighting upgrade.