The home of architecture and design in Asia-Pacific
Get the latest design news direct to your inbox!
Get the latest design news direct to your inbox!
The teams at Architectus, ASPECT Studio, Carr, Mim Design and more each have news to share, involving new leadership, associates, positions and returns.
February 11th, 2021
Leading Australian architecture and design firm, Architectus, has appointed ex University of Melbourne Executive, Alexandra Lawlor, to a newly created position of National Leader Urban Futures & Resilience. The new leadership role will see Alexandra focus on resilient design strategies for large-scale urban renewal and precinct projects, as well as lead the development and implementation of a national sustainability framework for Architectus.
Alexandra has over 33 years-experience in the architecture sector with roles spanning complex urban renewal projects such as Federation Square to most recently managing the estate development and campus design for University of Melbourne as Executive Director Estate Planning & Development.
Responsible for some of Australia’s most recognised sustainable projects, such as 1 Bligh Street and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Architectus has a long-standing focus on creating projects that are responsive, resilient and environmentally sensitive. Architectus is a founding member of the Green Building Council of Australia and a signatory to the Architects Declare Australia (ADA) climate emergency movement.
“It’s now more important than ever to design spaces that are resilient and flexible, and Alex’s role will directly lead our innovation in this area. We’re thrilled to have Alex bring her passion and expertise for holistic, resilient design to the Architectus team,” says Architectus CEO and Principal, Ray Brown.
ASPECT Studios is thrilled to welcome Katherine English as Studio Director where she will join Deb Robbins in leading the Brisbane studio in Queensland.
Katherine English has completed over 16 years of professional practice in Brisbane and prior to her appointment at ASPECT Studios delivered projects such as Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, which was Brisbane’s first high rise school, and the Anna Meares Velodrome as part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. All of Katherine’s projects have been delivered with leading architectural practices demonstrating her ability to collaborate effectively within the public space, education, tourism and mixed-use landscape spheres.
Deb Robbins brings 25 years of experience to the team and has worked on a vast range of city shaping infrastructure projects in Brisbane, most recently she led the landscape and urban design for the Cross River Rail bid phase across four inner city precincts, unlocking potential and connecting communities. Deb is passionate about ensuring city shaping projects create a legacy beyond the hard infrastructure by creating sustainable benefits for the health and well-being of the community through public realm and open space opportunities.
“Katherine and Deb’s landscape design experience perfectly complement one another, and this appointment further supports ASPECT Studios’ evolution of growth and the aspiration to strengthen our leadership, while bringing our international expertise to local markets and making a difference within those communities.
“The pair have a vast range of industry experience specific to Queensland and we are pleased to tap into this knowledge to deliver on projects that focus on sustainable outcomes that enhance the lives of its everyday users.”
Cate Cowlishaw has been named managing principal for HDR’s architecture practice in Australia.
Bringing two decades of experience serving in leadership roles with global, national and boutique architectural practices, Cowlishaw says she is looking forward to elevating and growing HDR’s business by further uniting the expertise and talents of the Australian team with the know-how of the firm’s global design organisation.
“I am passionate about growing architectural practices and helping them to achieve their potential,” she said. “This includes pursuing and winning key projects, building profile and brand position, building capability in new sectors, winning design awards and growing the team. The opportunities to help grow HDR’s Australian architecture and design practice towards even greater success are exciting and limitless.”
Following the recent announcement of a new joint leadership structure at Carr, the studio continues to build its senior leadership with two new appointments. Richard Healy and Rob Compagnino join the commercial interiors team as Associates, both coming from Bates Smart and bringing extensive experience across a range and scale of commercial projects.
Rob Compagnino joins the team bringing 15-year experience in the design and delivery of commercial workplace, retail, hospitality and residential projects. Rob’s skill and expertise lies in his ability to solve complex problems, while always interrogating the details and technical elements to ensure a smooth outcome.
Richard Healy. Richard has been a practising commercial designer for close to 10 years, and has extensive experience in delivering highly functional, yet tailored design solutions. Richard is motivated by people, “Research has consistently shown that good design has the ability to impact people’s emotional and physical wellbeing.”
The senior leadership team welcomes the two appointments, with Associate Director Rebecca Trenorden saying: “The knowledge and passion for producing human-centred interior spaces; and doing it in a way that brings value to the client makes both Richard and Rob an asset to Carr. They round out our team.”
Leading Melbourne interior design and architecture practice Mim Design has announced the appointment of Luca Vezzosi to Director of Architecture. The newly created position solidifies the award-winning firm’s holistic approach to design and supports its commitment to the seamless integration of architecture and interior design.
Italian-born Luca joins Mim Design following five years at John Wardle Architects, a formative experience in a career spanning both residential and commercial projects, and the completion of a Masters of Architecture at the University of South Australia. Luca credits an early education in fine art at L’Istituto Statale D’arte in the Northern Italian region of Liguria for his interest in the sculpted and handmade, instilling a high proficiency for technical detailing and a love for the practical skills of hand drawing and model making.
“Luca’s appointment represents an exciting milestone for our studio,” says Miriam Fanning, Principal of Mim Design. “The continuity of architecture and interior design is a philosophy central to our practice, so to have Luca leading our growing team of architects is incredibly exciting.
“Luca’s aptitude for problem solving through design, his exploratory nature and commitment to exceptional execution make him a welcome addition to our team. The studio is producing more architectural work than ever before, so it’s an exciting time to grow together,” adds Miriam.
WMK’s Brisbane studio has welcomed the return of Vanessa Parker as Project Lead (Interiors). Vanessa has spent the last year travelling the coast of Australia solo in her van.
Despite border restrictions due to COVID and a few hairy breakdowns, Vanessa managed to have the trip of a lifetime and has returned to WMK inspired and ready to take on the many exceptional interiors projects in the studio.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
