Leading national architecture and design firm Bates Smart today announced an expansion of its leadership group, with three senior practitioners appointed to the new position of Studio Director in Sydney and Melbourne.

The move bolsters Bates Smart’s leadership ranks as the firm responds to growth in its interior, workplace and hospitality practices, alongside continued strength in its core pipeline of commercial and multi-residential projects. It also reflects Bates Smart’s drive to deploy new systems, technologies and capabilities in a changing marketplace, and provides a platform for recruitment and succession across the firm.

Newly appointed Studio Directors are Tim Leslie (Melbourne), Natalie Lane-Rose (Sydney) and Brenton Smith (Sydney). All three are currently senior practitioners with Bates Smart.

Bates Smart Managing Director Simon Swaney said the appointments recognised the importance to architectural firms of agility and technical capability in meeting client demands in a dynamic market.

“Tim, Natalie and Brenton are highly regarded professionals with a proven record for delivering projects and client service to a high standard. Each brings a specific set of capabilities and strengths to the table. Collectively they strengthen our leadership group and capacity for maintaining high levels of client service while seizing opportunities emerging in the market,” Mr Swaney said.

Among professional highlights of the Studio Directors:

·         Melbourne-based Tim Leslie brings a strong record for client service, design development and project delivery. His projects have included 171 Collins Street, the Royal Children’s Hospital and Y4 Docklands.

·         As Joint Practice Manager in Bates Smart’s Sydney studio since 2008, Natalie Lane-Rose has overseen key projects and led development of systems to improve project efficiency and client service.

·         With an international design reputation, Brenton Smith is currently the design leader of Bates Smart’s workplace and hospitality practice in Sydney. As Studio Director, he will take the lead in workplace and hospitality in the Sydney studio.