DKO has begun 2026 with a significant round of senior promotions across its Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape studios, reinforcing the practice’s focus on leadership development, collaboration and long-term growth.

The appointments span three new Directors, three Senior Associates and eight Associates, reflecting both the depth of talent within the studio and its continued expansion across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia. With more than 300 staff now working across seven studios in four countries, the promotions arrive as the practice enters the year with a strong pipeline of work across residential, commercial, hospitality, civic and large-scale urban projects.

Founder and Principal Koos de Keijzer describes the promotions as central to the studio’s sustainable growth model. “When you grow people, you grow the business. These promotions recognise individual excellence while strengthening the collective intelligence of the studio,” he says.

Among the new Directors is Isabel Munro, whose design leadership across residential and hospitality interiors has shaped many of DKO’s most highly resolved projects. Munro’s appointment reflects her role in developing the studio’s narrative-led interior design approach, underpinned by long-term client relationships. Michael Fouche has also been promoted to Director, recognised for his experience leading complex project teams and for helping establish rigorous professional standards across the practice. Landscape Director Sam McCubbin completes the trio, having played a pivotal role in growing DKO’s Landscape studio and strengthening the integration between architecture and landscape design.

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The newly appointed Senior Associates include Amandio Castanheira in New South Wales, Lionel Mawhinney in Western Australia and Rene Garcia in Victoria. Each has been recognised for a combination of design leadership, technical expertise and mentoring, contributing to both project outcomes and studio culture.

Eight team members have been promoted to Associate, acknowledging their increasing influence across design development, delivery and client engagement. The appointments span multiple studios and disciplines, reinforcing DKO’s emphasis on shared leadership across geographies.

Looking ahead, the promotions signal a practice investing deliberately in its people as it continues to scale across the Asia-Pacific. “These promotions are not only a recognition of individual contribution,” says de Keijzer, “but a statement about where the practice is heading — design-led, people-focused and deeply collaborative.”

DKO
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