Speaker & industry advisor

Zara D’Cotta translates the science of healthy buildings
into language that moves people to act: on stage,
in the boardroom, and on the building site.

speaking & advisory

Drawing on a decade in corporate communications, where she worked alongside brewers, engineers, and technical teams to translate complex science into language consumers, media, marketing, sales teams and other stakeholders could understand, Zara brings a rare combination of personal experience, deep technical knowledge and communication expertise to every engagement.

As a Building Biologist (BBNC) and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist (EMRS), Zara works at the intersection of building science, material health, and electromagnetic radiation, helping building industry professionals, brands, and organisations understand what healthier building actually means, why it matters now, and how to turn knowledge into actionable strategies.

Zara has delivered presentations for the Association of Professional Builders, Australian Institute of Architects, Building Designers Association of Australia, Dent Global, Surfers for Climate, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Accenture Digital, and presented at events alongside ASX, Women’s Agenda and Spotify. She has been featured in Domain and Herald Sun, and interviewed on Undercover Architect, Professional Builder’s Secrets, Level Up with Duayne, The Project, TEN News, and Today.




what zara offers

  • Zara has presented at industry events including the Professional Builders Summit, and presentations for the Australian Institute of Architects, Building Designers Association of Australia, and Master Builders.

    Her presentations challenge assumptions, and leave audiences with a genuinely shifted perspective on the built environment.

  • Zara has delivered CPD sessions for peak industry bodies including the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) and Master Builders Tasmania, as well as bespoke training programs for building industry professionals.

    She has delivered training to international sales, technical, and marketing teams of global building material suppliers, equipping industry professionals with the knowledge to integrate healthier building principles into their products, processes, marketing, and client conversations..

  • Zara works with leading designers, builders, and manufacturers internationally, helping organisations understand the science, navigate the evidence, and position their work credibly in a market that is rapidly waking up to the importance of healthier buildings.

  • Zara has contributed to leading industry podcast and education platforms in Australia and the USA, including The Build Show Network, as a trusted voice on building biology, EMF, mould prevention, and material health.

Speaking topiCS

Zara speaks to building industry professionals, corporate audiences, and consumer-facing events on:

  • What is a healthy home: and why the buildings we live and work in are making us sick

  • What makes a building material healthy: beyond green ratings and sustainability claims

  • Are smart homes and healthy homes? Why low EMF design is the next frontier in high-performance building.

  • Materials transparency and labelling: what the industry needs to know, and what it needs to demand

  • Healthy building foundations: practical frameworks for builders, designers, and developers ready to lead

Whether you’re looking for a keynote that challenges the room,
a training program that sticks, or a strategic advisor who understands both the science and the industry, submit a speaking enquiry.

“Zara speaks candidly and honestly while sharing her experiences and learnings with her audience and connects with them easily. She is passionate, inspiring and thought provoking. ”
— Rebecca Smith |
Senior Manager, Accenture Digital, Sydney.

  • “She connected with them before, during and after her presentation. Zara is professional and a pure delight to work with. Thank you Zara for being vulnerable and real.” – Lisa Jenkins, co-founder, Lumi.

  • – Moana Wood, General Manager, Fundraising & Development, National Breast Cancer Foundation.

  • Zara has this way of immediately connecting with her audience and drawing them in with her candor and authenticity. Zara talks about things with such passion and realism that it’s easily relatable to the audience and you walk away feeling inspired, and empowered to change something in your current situation.”

    Steph Webster – (former) Group Account Director, Reactive & Director of Miss Collective, Melbourne.

  • ”Zara’s personal connection to the subject matter meant that our audience had more buy-in to the information she shared, which I know will have a more lasting impact.

    People were engaged in animated discussion immediately after Zara spoke and were seeking her out to hear more – this demonstrated how strong the connection was between Zara and our audience. I have taken away all three key pieces of Zara’s advice. It was easy for people to hear and understand Zara’s message without it being overwhelming.

    “Zara is incredibly easy to work with. Her warmth, kindness, integrity and compassion came through in all our interactions. I felt an instant connection and trust that our event was going to be really successful and easy. Zara did a fabulous job and the whole experience was just a pleasure to be involved in.”

    Nicole Begley, Parents & Friends Association, St Catherine’s School, Melbourne.

“Zara’s presentation was eye opening and showed me how much I really know on this crucial topic.”
— Steve, Building Designer.