No one will deny that it’s been a challenging couple of years, and there’s certainly been a lot of movement among skilled workers in the commencement of 2022. In architecture and design, in particular, we’ve observed a flurry of new appointments, both diverse and exciting. Who ever said change wasn’t a good thing?!

Architectus

Leading Australian architecture and design firm Architectus has appointed Matthew Todd as Principal, joining the education sector team and further strengthening Architectus’ education offering.

With over 25 years of experience, Todd holds dual qualifications as both a registered architect and landscape architect. His rich experience spans projects such as the Central Coast Clinical School & Research Institute at the University of Newcastle, and Jillian Broadbent Building at the University of Wollongong – a revolutionary tertiary project.

Todd comments, “My passion is education and public projects, and so I am thrilled to be joining the Architectus leadership team in the education sector. In my new role, I want to bring a truly integrated design focus on people and place, to create high quality and forward-thinking spaces that can genuinely change people’s lives.”

Aspect Studios

ASPECT Studios, a leading landscape design practice has successfully set up in the Middle East with the opening of a new studio in Dubai. The practice has been active in the region since 2016 and is currently engaged in a wide variety of development schemes, master planning and public domain projects in the area.

With an international team of landscape architects, urban designers, strategists and city-makers, ASPECT has an impressive track record for designing and delivering culturally and environmentally sensitive public realm projects. These include large scale landscape strategies, environmental improvement schemes, urban public realm renovations and foundational public spaces.

Ivan Ross, CEO of ASPECT Studios says, “Our practitioners in Dubai bring local knowledge and on-the-ground accountability while leveraging ASPECT’s knowledge and lessons learned from around the world to work across a wide range of sectors and disciplines.”

bureau^proberts

Brisbane-based practice bureau^proberts has created five new senior roles and announced two promotions ahead of an international focus in 2022. Founder and creative director Liam Proberts says his sights are fixed on raising bureau^proberts international profile after celebrating the practice’s 30-year milestone last year.

“We’re poised at the start of an exciting chapter of growth,” says Proberts. “The newly created roles support the strong design ethos central to our culture, whilst the promotions recognise the talents of our up-and-coming architects. They are our next generation of leaders.”

Terry McQuillan has been appointed Head of Architecture and Design while Skye Rayner is Head of International Projects. Dan Liddy and Andrew Bell have expanded their roles to become Project Design Leaders and Nathan Lane has been named Head of Production. Lastly, Fiona Sheils and Matthew den Exter have been made Associates for bureau^proberts.

Naomi Milgrom Foundation

Naomi Milgrom AC has announced the appointment of highly respected arts leader Elaine Chia as CEO of its new cultural precinct project in Melbourne. The site of the former Richmond Power Station in Cremorne, being developed by Milgrom, will be transformed into a new creative, civic and garden space, spanning over one hectare.

Chia has worked across Australia and internationally, most recently as Executive Director of the Adelaide Festival. Prior roles include CEO, City Recital Hall, Sydney, and Director, International Signature Projects for the Australia Council for the Arts, where she also led the redevelopment of the Australian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Art and Architecture, Italy.

“I am thrilled to have been asked to take on a key role in this exciting project, adding to the significant portfolio of cultural initiatives that Naomi has commissioned and supported such as MPavilion and Living Cities, and countless others through the Naomi Milgrom Foundation,” Chia says. “I look forward to returning to Melbourne and contributing to the cultural life of the city.”

Gensler

Gensler has appointed Ken McBryde as Design Director of its Sydney operations. This marks a significant step for Gensler Sydney, bolstering its architecture design practice and operations alongside existing urban design, architecture, master planning, and consulting capabilities. McBryde is vastly experienced having designed and managed global projects. 

He is a multi-award winning architect with a reputation as a thought leader. With over 30 years of solid architectural background with a strong design portfolio for mixed-use and commercial office developments, multi-residential, education and cultural projects.

He is widely acknowledged as an expert in his field and is highly regarded as an invaluable strategic partner to all of his clients with a demonstrated track record of delivering a variety of smart buildings, mixed-use and commercial office projects which include an array of award-winning workplace and commercial spaces. 

NH Architecture

Melbourne based practice NH architecture has announced three new appointments that reflect its commitment to creating outstanding contemporary architecture. The new appointments include Astrid Jenkin as Director alongside Hamish Lyon and Nick Bourns. Tiffany Tan and Emily von Moger have also been appointed as principals within the studio. 

Jenkin has shown an incredible commitment to design leadership across many projects at NH, including large scale public projects like the Melbourne Convention Centre, the Arts Centre Melbourne Reimagining and our recently completed additions to the Melbourne Park Precinct: Kia Arena and CENTREPIECE.

Tan has significant expertise in the management and coordination of complex projects, recently leading the Queen Victoria Market Infrastructure Works. Von Moger is an experienced project coordinator with qualifications in both architecture and construction management. She has experience in a wide array of projects and ranging across numerous project stages.

Technē Architecture + Interior Design

Technē Architecture + Interior Design announces the promotions of Sebnem MacDonald to Associate, and Gabriella Gulacsi and Sam Sempill to Associate Director. These promotions reflect the sustained growth of the design studio.

With over 20 years of experience and exposure in both domestic and international markets, Gulacsi leads the Technē Interior Design team as Associate Director. Gulacsi joined Technē in 2015, quickly applying her passion for design and creativity with Technē’s forward-thinking strategy. 

Joining Gulacsi as Associate Director is Sam Sempill, to lead the architecture team. Sempill is a multi-disciplinary designer with a broad range of project experience. With over 15 years in the industry and four years at Technē, Sempill has extensive practice management, project management, and project delivery experience.

Senior Project Architect and Urban Designer, Sebnem MacDonald, begins her new role as an associate at Technē. MacDonald’s 20 years of professional experience spans the UK, Turkey, and Australia.

Carter Williamson

Carter Williamson has announced a suite of promotions to its senior leadership team, including the addition of a new Director, two Senior Associates and two Associates. The elevated roles follow a period of continued growth and change within the practice, something Principal Shaun Carter reflects on as the “rise and rise” of Carter Williamson.

Ben Peake has been promoted to the role of Design Director. He joined Carter Williamson in 2013 and has been promoted from his previous position as Associate. Ben’s accolades include being awarded the 2019 Australian Institute of Architects Dulux Study Tour Prize and the 2014 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship to research the role of architects and citizens in city making.

Both Julie Niass and Nuala Collins have been promoted to Senior Associate from their role as associates. Thu Zaw and Elke Jacobsen have been promoted to the role of Associate.

“I’ve always had the view that architecture is not created by one person, but by many great minds.” says Shaun. “They’re not only skilled and talented, they’re wonderful people – decent, hardworking and they live by their values. As a result, they form terrific relationships with our clients, contractors and consultants.”

Ready to see who else is On The Move? We think you might like this article on last month’s On The Move.