On top of a string of noteworthy leadership changes, the month of July also saw instances of previously-separate architectural practices joining forces to re-invent themselves. All your On the Move news is here.

DesignInc

Trapp Architects, a multi-disciplinary Brisbane-based practice, has joined the DesignInc group. In line with the change, Managing Director of Trapp Architects Di Lund, will also join the DesignInc board of directors.

“Given our experience working with Trapp, we are confident that Di and the Trapp team are a great cultural fit for DesignInc – both in the sectors that we work in and how we work with our clients,” the board said in a statement.

GroupGSA

Liam Higginbotham, an interior designer with a history of success across the workplace, retail, aviation, education and hospitality sectors, has been appointed Principal of GroupGSA’s Sydney studio.

In addition to Higginbotham’s promotion, the group has also appointed four new associates – Izabella McFadden, Jai Negi, Neda Sabet and Pooja Arora; along with two new Senior Interior Designers – Grace Davidson and Jordan Ottley.

Hassell 

Hassell has announced four new Principals across its Australian studios. Ewen Wright, an experienced transport infrastructure architect with a passion for the built environment of the public domain, will lead the Brisbane studio.

Jeff Morgan brings his 20 years of international and local experience across institutional, commercial, retail, serviced apartment and residential projects to the top job in Sydney.

Morag Lee, an architect who has clocked up 30 years’ experience in the healthcare, will lead the Perth studio.

And Stephen Watson brings his 15 years’ experience leading and delivering complex design projects in the health sector to the Brisbane studio.

JDA Co.

JDA Co., a practice that is well-versed in adapting urban environments to natural disasters like floods and bushfires, has made three appointments.

Kane Murray, whose experience includes drafting work in North Queensland and the UK, joins the Brisbane practice as a Technical Detailer; Lily Pepper comes on board as an architectural graduate; and Chris McCormack joins as architectural student.

Left to right, Victoria Cybulski and Jelena Alavanja of Studio Kate.

Studio Kate by Kate Nixon

Victoria Cybulski, a former Senior Designer at Hare + Klein has been named Head of Design at interior design practice, Studio Kate by Kate Nixon. A professional with over 17 years of experience in both Australia and the UK, Victoria brings with her a demonstrated ability to see projects through to completion in a considered and timely manner.

In addition, the practice has also welcomed Jelena Alavanja, who holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and a Master of Architecture and Diploma of Interior Design, to the role of Designer.

m3architecture

Brisbane-based studio m3architecture has marked 25 years in practice with the appointment of two new directors, Elan Barr and Jonathan Goh. 

Elan has been with the practice for nine years and has contributed to projects in the education, cultural, heritage and commercial sectors; while Jonathan, who has also spent nine years at m3architecture, has a track record of success in the education sector.

MGS Architects

Melbourne-based architecture, urban design and interiors practice, MGS Architects, has modified its senior leadership team. Catherine Ranger and Katherine Sundermann, both of whom were previously Associate Directors, have been elevated to Director level.

According to the practice, the two appointees represent the next generation of MGS leadership. They each bring accomplishments in design and agenda-led architecture and urbanism to the executive team.

PMDL McGlashan Everist

PMDL and McGlashan Everist have joined forces to create a strong new presence in Melbourne and Geelong, to be known as PMDL McGlashan Everist.

The combined global team of PMDL, including PMDL McGlashan Everist, is now comprised of over 70+ team members. PMDL McGlashan Everist has design studios in Melbourne and Geelong, further supported by PMDL studios in Sydney, Hong Kong and Macau, delivering specialised architecture and interior design services.

Rothelowman

Rothelowman has promoted Jackie Arter to the position of Principal of People and Culture. She joins a leadership team of 12 national Principals at the practice.

An integral part of the architectural firm for more than a decade, Jackie brings with her specialised and strategic expertise that will ensure people and culture remain one of its core pillars. Or as she put it: “As Principal, I’m committed to ensuring that the firm maintains a culture of inclusiveness and has established frameworks in place to do so.”

Keep Indesignlive up to date with your On The Move news, contact us here.

We think you might like this article profiling Huw Wellard of Wellard Architects.