The Design Institute of Australia

The Design Institute of Australia have announced a new policy team that will focus on elevating the importance of design in Australia and its contribution to the economy, society and the environment.

Newly appointed senior policy advisers John Gertsakis FDIA(hon) and Denise Ryan will join DIA Policy Committee chair Bradley Schott FDIA to further develop and promote the DIA’s national policy agenda.

“The appointments reflect the ongoing program of reform and new initiatives being implemented to position the DIA as a constructive and positive voice for good design, smart policy and responsible prosperity” said Jo-Ann Kellock FDIA(hon), the DIA’s CEO.

Assemble

After being involved with Assemble an advisory role, the company have appointed Emma Telfer to the role of Director of Culture & Strategy with the business looking to extend its capacity to provide fairer, more financially accessible and better-designed housing in Australia.

Emma joined the team having spent the past three years in an Executive Director role – and two years prior as Creative Director – at Open House Melbourne. She is a passionate urbanist and deeply interested in the role housing strategy, urban design and architecture place in shaping our cities and communities.

Gray Puksand

Gray Puksand Brisbane appointed Andrew Allsop as Partner. Andrew Allsop, formerly Director of Architecture at GHDWoodhead, joined Gray Puksand’s Brisbane studio at a time of strong growth for the architecture firm; with recent Education and Retirement and Living project wins.

A design focused architect with over 20 years’ experience, Andrew will lead the Education portfolio in Brisbane. Joining as a Partner, Andrew said, “I’m excited to join the team at Gray Puksand and keen to contribute to further growth and innovation.”

Kevin Miles, State Managing Partner of Gray Puksand’s Brisbane studio, said, “We are delighted to welcome Andrew. He will be a great asset to the team and we are excited by the depth of experience Andrew brings to Gray Puksand Brisbane.”

PMDL Architecture

PMDL announced the appointment of Dilhan Surin to the Sydney team in a leadership capacity for Interiors. Dilhan joined the team after returning from Design Director roles at PDM INTL. Singapore and TP Bennett London where he was also a key member of their advisory team focusing on workplace change practices and the cultural behaviours of Generation X, Y and Z.

Dilhan has delivered many large-scale projects across a wide range of industries for high-profile clients as well as undertaking integrated fit outs internationally. Dilhan expressed excitement to be back in Australia, closer to family and friends, and the opportunity of joining the multidisciplinary team here at PMDL.

Bates Smart

A prominent influencer of urban policy and projects in Australia, Matt Davis returned to Bates Smart as a Studio Director. Matt was a founding partner of Davis+Davis Architects and a member of the inaugural SA Planning Commission and Integrated Design Commission of South Australia.

A highly regarded design architect within the Bates Smart team in 2002-2006, Matt was integral to the winning competition scheme for the 420 George Street development, and as design lead on the award-winning Queanbeyan Government Service Centre and 55 Miller Street, Pyrmont.

Regarding his new role Matt said, “There’s never been a more important time for cities, or more urgent need for our neighbourhoods to be better connected, more sustainable, full of life, and loved by communities. Design offers such a powerful way of creating great places and inspiring collaboration toward more desirable and optimistic futures.”  

Six Degrees

Six Degrees has invited two long-term team members to join their Board. Sarah Bennett and Michael Frazzetto joined the Board of Directors in November 2019. The decision to increase the size of the Board reflects the four founding Directors’ focus on long-term strategic planning for the future.

On welcoming Bennett and Frazzetto, the Board stated, “Both Sarah and Michael are strong leaders who have been with Six Degrees for over 15 years and have made significant contributions to our business and unique culture. It seems very natural to invite them both to become Directors”, adding, “These promotions highlight our core values of empowering and developing the talent within our practice. We are also pleased to be improving gender balance at the senior level.”

A further three studio members are also promoted into new leadership roles. Prani Hodges will oversee performance and productivity in the role of Best Practice Manager. Horaci Sanchez will progress the evolution of Six Degrees’ design principles to larger scale projects. Dan Demant will be stepping into the role of Delivery Manager.

Have you been promoted, made a move somewhere new or setting up shop in a new city? We want to know about it! Send updates through to editorialteam@indesign.com.au.

To build your team or to be placed in the team for you contact SUE@recruitindesign.com.au