Plus Architecture

International architecture practice Plus Architecture has announced two major promotions across its studios on the Australian east coast. Chrisney Formosa and Zach Kwong have both been elevated to the role of principal.

As a skilled designer in the Brisbane and Gold Coast studios, Formosa has been delivering high-end architectural solutions across multi-residential, hospitality and tourism sectors. “Chrisney’s dynamite leadership style and commitment to growing Plus Architecture’s design legacy across Queensland is an inspiration to the team every day,” says director Danny Juric.

Kwong, meanwhile, is based in Sydney and Kwong is an accomplished architect with a blend of skills and technical knowledge spanning architectural practice, building services and sustainable design. Across a 15-year career, he has designed and has delivered major projects across residential, retail, commercial, education, aviation, defence and health sectors. “Zach is always there to guide staff through the challenges of project delivery in a manner that exemplifies the Plus Architecture tradition of the imparting of knowledge and experience without favour – this spirit of altruism is the reason why so many of our young staff are so keen to work and learn from him,” says director Amit Julia.

Davenport Campbell 

In Sydney, Brad Le has moved to the position of director while, in Melbourne, Polly Schofield becomes an associate director. The former has been instrumental in redeveloping innovative workplaces for many of Australia’s most recognised brands. As director, Le will work across the business within the Asia Pacific region developing key client relationships, expanding business opportunities and offering clients creative design-led solutions. Schofield will continue to lead the Davenport Campbell Melbourne Studio, while expanding her contribution to the strategic direction of the firm in her new role as Associate Director.

“We are thrilled to see Brad and Polly step into their new roles,” says Neill Johanson, principal at Davenport Campbell. “They are both seasoned operators who can see beyond the horizon to help clients navigate their way through workplace complexities with ease. We are excited to see them take on new challenges and have no doubt that they will continue to excel and be instrumental to the company’s future growth and success.”

Foreground

After almost five years with the practice, Daniel Coomber has assumed a directorship at Foreground Architecture (formerly FMSA Architecture.) A natural leader and respected member of staff, Coomber has made significant contributions since joining the business, including growing Foreground’s education sector portfolio into one of the practice’s largest specialisations.

“As our practice celebrates its half century milestone, we continue to build our strength in leadership. Daniel Coomber is an exceptional addition to the capability of the practice, adding design, technical and management excellence,” says co-director Greg Anson.

Fellow director Riordan Gough adds: “Daniel’s composure, thoughtfulness, intelligence and affability underscore his success and popularity with clients and colleagues. We are thrilled to have him on board as a director as we chart a course for the next 50 years.”

Geyer

The Sydney office of Geyer has seen some recent movement. Julia Moreira and Amy O’Regan, have been promoted to Client Design Leaders. Julia and Amy will work closely with clients whilst further developing their leadership and mentoring skills, both managing their respective design team.

HDR

Defence is the name of the game at HDR with key leadership appointments and promotions in the sector. The new leadership team has more than 100 years of combined experience and deep industry knowledge to deliver complex projects and programs for the Australian Department of Defence.

“Our multilateral approach to defence design means that the growth and development of the sector is being continually shaped by the breadth and deep expertise of our national and local resources,” says HDR managing principal Cate Cowlishaw. “With a strengthened and diversified leadership team, we are well-positioned to build on our capability edge and operate in a digitally charged and increasingly complex geopolitical climate.”

Hot Black

Emma Gaffney has been part of the team at Hot Black for the past six years. Having joined as client experience manager, Gaffney has now been appointed as associate director and will steer the strategic objectives nationally. Hot Black sees her people-centric focus as crucial and it has organically shaped her role over the years to focus on the operational side of the firm to pioneer its ‘people and culture’ elements.

Open House Melbourne

The OHM Weekend returns in 2023 on the weekend of 29th-30th July with an exciting new programme of events built around the theme of the ‘Collective City’. It addresses the question such as: how will we reinvent, re-purpose and adapt our city to live better together?

Executive director, Tania Davidge, will steer the organisation into its 16th year. Davidge is a design advocate, architect, writer and co-founder of the architectural research practice OoPLA. She says: “As an architect with a strong interest in public engagement and participation, I’m excited to s\build on the legacy established by the previous executive directors. OHM is one of the rare forums dedicated to building public conversation focused on the issues that impact the design of our cities, towns and public places. Its work is incredibly important. I look forward to opening up Victoria’s unique places and spaces, presenting built environment issues important to Victorians and showcasing the metropolitan and regional projects that are shaping the future of our state.”

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We think you might also enjoy reading about February’s On The Move, careers in design column, here.