Penny was raised and educated in Sydney and graduated with honours from the University of Sydney School of Architecture. She began her career at the Government Architect's Office in Sydney, working on health, museum, and urban design projects. From 1990 to 2000 Penny worked in London and Germany for Grimshaw Architects and the Richard Rogers Partnership, followed by a seven year stint at Foster and Partners.
Returning to Sydney in 2000 and she formed Collins and Turner together with Huw Turner, a colleague from Foster and Partners. Penny is closely involved in the practice's award winning designs.
