With the celebration of its 30th anniversary, Gray Puksand introduces a new direction of leadership that reflects the eminent practice’s continued commitment to place people first, lead through design and build on knowledge. Founding partner, Robert Puksand explains, “Our mission is to do better and to move architecture and design beyond commodity towards something that adds real value to people’s lives. We like to think of architecture not as an object but as an environment that can engage and help foster a greater sense of community.”

The practice is already an industry leader in commercial, education and workplace design and is currently further developing its senior living and health/science portfolios. It has also increased its capacity for large-scale complex projects across all four studios (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra) and is doing so with a new generation of leaders.

“Our mission is to do better and to move architecture and design beyond commodity towards something that adds real value to people’s lives.” – Robert Puksand

The promotion of 15 team members nationally to Partners, Senior Associates and Associates includes 7 new Partners in 3 states, 3 new Senior Associates and 5 new Associates across the Sydney and Melbourne studios. Each brings their own extensive experience and knowledge to the leadership team, emphasising a culture of diversity that aids in delivering tailored responses to clients and their needs.

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Kelly Wellington, Partner. Achieving uncompromised levels of service and quality, Kelly is a methodical practitioner with over two decades of experience in managing architecture and master planning projects across a diverse project portfolio including multiple residential, mixed-use, commercial and education sectors.

Verdon Styles, Partner. A UK registered architect with over 25 years’ experience in the workplace, commercial and hospitality sectors, Verdon has a proven track record in undertaking projects from design inception through development, documentation, contract administration and completion stages.

Dale O’Brien, Partner. Dale is an Interior Designer with the primary focus of leading workspace, retail and commercial refurbishment projects at Gray Puksand. Dale’s intimate understanding of construction methodology, programming and consultant coordination, enables him to produce work at the cutting edge of design.

Chris Scoble, Partner. Chris is a talented and accomplished Project Leader who takes a key role in education and commercial projects at Gray Puksand. Chris’ management brings inspired solutions and his 25 years’ experience in Architecture and Interior Design spans education, commercial, workplace, retail, institutional and residential sectors.

John Czechowski, Senior Associate. With over 25 years’ experience, John’s comprehensive project knowledge extends over many sectors including commercial, education, master planning, mixed -use, public, residential & luxury residential, rail and stadia. John has a keen interest in projects involving a high degree of technical and functional complexity requiring an exquisitely crafted and refined outcome.

Fernando Torres, Senior Associate. Fernando has studied in Portugal and Australia, he has 20 years’ experience delivering projects in both countries. His portfolio of work reflects his desire to explore different programs and typologies, focusing on the uniqueness of each brief.

Anna Radice, Associate. Previously the director of her own design firm and a registered architect in Italy, Anna has over 10 years’ experience in various projects and construction of home units, individual houses, modular and prefabricated houses, civic, industrial and commercial buildings.

Andy Liu, Associate. As a registered building practitioner (VBA) with over 19 years of experience, Andrew specialises in delivering interior projects and construction management. He works collaboratively with clients, designers, services engineers, building certifiers and contractors to resolve design issues.

John Pinkerton, Associate. With over 45 years’ experience in the building industry, John has been responsible for projects ranging from small residential to multi-million dollar commercial and retail developments. John’s technical ability is outstanding as he provides insights into build-ability and detailing to deliver considered buildings to budget.

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Barry Hackett, Partner. Having practiced architecture in both Ireland and Australia, Barry is experienced in all aspects of design, contract documentation, administration and project management possessing strong problem-solving design skills across educational, health and various other commercial fields servicing both governmental and private sector clients.

Donna Wheatley, Partner. A nationally recognised workspace and education expert, Donna utilises her skills in strategy, concept design, stakeholder engagement and change management to deliver world class spaces over a variety of sectors.

Rob Fraser, Senior Associate. Rob is an engaging and inclusive operator with a strong track record in leading successful, diverse teams in the design and delivery of complexed projects and services across all areas of the industry including residential, social infrastructure, commercial, retail and light/heavy industrial.

Aimee Munro, Associate. As an experienced and dynamic interior designer, Aimee’s strength in design is her broad attention to detail, bringing her passion for innovation together with a deep knowledge of user experience to create a space that is visually exciting whilst providing ultimate functionality.

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Maria Correia has been promoted to partner in Brisbane. Maria has over 20 years’ experience working on interior design, retail design to brand and customer experience projects. She has worked in leading international brand and retail agencies from luxury, fashion, leisure, workspace, beauty, financial services and technology.

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Jeames Hanley, Associate. Jeames has a diverse range of experience having worked in leading firms in Australia, London and New Zealand and brings both BIM and digital leadership expertise. Jeames is an emerging industry leader and shares Gray Puksand’s vision for the future as a leading design practice.

These new leaders will be at the head of crafting outstanding spaces for working, living and learning and are also responsible for mentoring other team members. Gray Puksand is reinvigorated as it enters an exciting new, future-focused chapter.

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