2021 marks the 50th anniversary of Melbourne-based architecture and interior design practice, Carr. Founded in 1971, the studio has built a legacy of outstanding design work — landing the top spot in our list of Australia’s 25 best interior designers — all under the enduring vision of its founder Sue Carr. With this significant milestone just around the corner, it seems a fitting time for a touch of change.

With its sights set on evolving the practice in sync with shifts in the market, all the while opening new progression pathways for the studio’s talented team, Carr has announced a new leadership structure, beginning the motions of a succession plan for the one and only Sue Carr.

The new leadership team will see Sue remain as Founding Principal, with a continued focus on nurturing future talent and design direction. Strengthening the senior management of the studio is a new joint leadership model with Nick Carr as CEO; and Chris McCue as Managing Director, leading the design streams of the business. The new structure means Nick and Chris both bring their specialised experience to create a robust and well-rounded design business.

“I see this as an evolution of Carr and fully trust that with both Nick and Chris leading, our studio will continue to grow. They each bring a unique skill set and each embodies the Carr philosophy,” says Sue on the new shared leadership model.

Nick Carr has had a continuous presence within the business, working across the full spectrum of commercial roles as a Director over the past 20 years. Through this intimate insight, Nick will oversee the strategic and operational side of the studio, bringing an astute commercial sensibility.

“The foundation of our success is the direct result of Sue’s visionary leadership and our shared and unwavering commitment to design excellence,” Nick comments on the future of the practice. “I believe the strength of Carr is that we don’t always take the easy road – in design and in business. We are committed to doing things differently and staying true to our design philosophy, and these principles will continue into the future.” Adding, “I see my role as one that will balance the dynamic nature of business and design.”

Chris McCue’s experience spans 20 years, working as an architect across all scales and typologies, both in Australia and abroad. Currently a Director at Carr, for the last 10 years Chris has worked in partnership with Sue, embodying and driving the design principles of the studio, honing a strong sensibility and appreciation for the relationship between interior and exterior. Chris’ key role and success in the past 10 years has been to spearhead the expansion of the architecture and residential interiors portfolio across the practice, which has seen significant growth under his direction. Chris now looks to cement the design and thought leadership across all sectors of the business, expanding in the areas where Carr can enact difference and influence.

“We have established a strong reputation for creating work that has a timeless built outcome, and that responds to a client’s brief in terms of design and commerciality. We’ve assembled a strong team, across all facets, to deliver a cohesive vision regardless of scale,” says McCue on what he sees for the future of Carr.

He continues, “Our philosophy of ‘Every Move Matters’ will continue to drive our thinking and design solutions. It’s important that we maintain a balance between the art in design and commercial performance in the delivery of our projects.”

Photography courtesy of Carr