It’s not uncommon as a business celebrates a major ‘coming of age’ milestone to look back, internally, and celebrate its most valuable asset: its people.

True to form, as Plus Architecture celebrates its 25th year in operation it has looked within and, in celebrating the personalities, skills and talent that make up its workforce, it has elevated 12 of its people into senior positions.

As Plus director, Ian Briggs, notes – when it came to team recruitment and retention across each office the business has always followed one central rule: find great talent, provide support and structure, and then get out of their way.

“In our industry, talent is more than just resourcing work, it is intrinsically linked to the quality of client outcomes,” he says, “which is why employment and engagement for us is about finding individuals who are skilled, creative, innovative and embrace our culture of pushing creative boundaries.

“Across 25 years of business, one core factor has remained steadfast – never wait for a prospect to knock before resourcing, if you see great talent make the proactive move and let the work opportunities follow.”

Sage advice from a leader who’s experience spans multiple decades in the business of architecture and design.

Among those new appointments are nine promotions and three new hires, across Plus’ Australia and New Zealand arms.

It’s part of a ‘future-fit’ strategy intended to facilitate Plus’ continued growth. This follows on the heels of what Plus credits as unprecedented growth across the Asia-Pacific region, and a diverse, passionate workforce of 200+ creatives.

As the practice has grown – and particularly in the last five years – Plus Architecture has diversified in numerous directions, expanding its services across a variety project typologies and scales and also across multiple sectors.

“We are proud of our people, and proud that Plus Architecture is a company that both attracts and retains world-class creatives,” Briggs notes.

Sydney appointments

Gabriel Duque, principal, Sydney: With more than 25 years’ of industry experience and a proven track record in design and delivery of large-scale high-end projects. Gabriel is also a specialist in sustainable development.

Brendan Murray, principal, Sydney: A new addition to the Plus team, his portfolio of major projects includes award-winning work. His passion for place-making and active design has earned him a number of individual honours.

Zach Kwong, senior associate, Sydney: Has extensive experience in leading complex projects and offers an unrivalled grasp of construction procurement processes that strengthen the effective management of large projects, design teams and delivery of cost effective outcomes.

Alvin Sim, senior associate, Sydney: He combines his local and international experience to deliver thoroughly considered human-centred designs for commercial, residential, health, education and mixed-use projects.

Mahtab Bahrami, associate, Sydney: First joining Plus in 2016, Mahtab has built up over 18 years’ experience of architectural practice, including over a decade overseas. She has worked on a wide range of projects including multi-unit residential complexes, aged care facilities, mixed-use developments, and Metro and LRT Stations across UAE, Iran and Australia.

Rafa Jurado Giner, associate, Sydney: Rafa has demonstrated strong design versatility working on projects across the senior living and multi-residential sectors while also delving into the masterplanning of several urban development projects.

Yvette Cooper, operations manager, Sydney: Her astute oversight of the studio is fast becoming integral to human resourcing, event management, financial operations teams. As well as supporting Plus’ three busy Sydney directors and the wider team.

Brisbane and Gold Coast appointments

Chrisney Formosa, senior associate, Brisbane: Highly skilled in design with a formidable eye for detail, Chrisney leads teams in the early stages of a project to conceptualise, design and deliver compelling concept design, presentation and town planning packages.

Marcel Pradella, senior associate, Brisbane: Marcel specialises in the design and delivery of medium to large scale projects, predominantly located across Queensland’s coastline.

Rebecca Wright, principal, Brisbane and Gold Coast: Rebecca has led and contributed to the success of diverse projects spanning workplace, residential, commercial, hospitality, government and retail – both locally and nationally.

Melbourne appointments

Erin Loudon, operations manager, Melbourne: Erin is the glue that holds the creative teams together, focusing on the day-to-day processes and activities that keep the studio supported and thriving.

Auckland appointment

Marc Ritmester, associate, Auckland: Marc has a talent for building highly collaborative and long-lasting relationships with clients to exceed beyond expectations. He has a passion for the technical aspects of architecture, combining exceptional attention to detail with human-centred design.

Plus Architecture
plusarchitecture.com.au

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