The first quarter of 2025 heralded a period of growth and transformation in architecture and design, with practices broadening their influence, experiencing leadership shifts and inaugurating new operations – here’s what you need to know.

Jasmax appoints prominent women to senior positions

Jasmax has appointed two prominent Australian women to senior roles, strengthening its Australian presence. Minnie Cade joins as Principal at the Sydney studio, while Leslie Butterfield becomes Independent Board Director. These appointments support the firm’s expanding operations, following the Sydney studio’s opening in 2022 and the upcoming Melbourne studio launch in February 2025 after acquiring Canvas Studios.

ARUP appoints APAC managing director to drive Asia Pacific growth

Arup has appointed TC Chew as APAC Managing Director to lead its growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region. Previously Arup’s Global Rail Business Leader, Chew will relocate to Singapore and oversee a workforce expansion from 6,400 to 10,000 by 2030. The firm will also introduce a new APAC leadership structure, effective 1 April 2025, to address demand for sustainable infrastructure and urban development.

“Arup’s strengths in supporting sustainable outcomes across a range of growing sectors position us well to address the sizeable demand for resilient infrastructure, mobility, greener energy and vibrant, inclusive cities. Our focus in APAC will be supported by borderless collaboration across our offices, so our clients can better access the wide range of technical expertise we possess,” says TC Chew.

New appointments reflect strong demand at Yerrabingin

Yerrabingin has expanded its team with an Associate and three new Project Officers, responding to increasing demand for its expertise in Indigenous-led design. Kelsey Bonds-Carter joins as an Associate in Victoria, with Francisco Fisher as a Project Officer. In Sydney, Mathew Ford and Marco Bugler step into Project Officer roles. The Aboriginal-owned studio continues to grow as architects and developers seek to integrate designing with Country into the built environment. The new appointments bring expertise across architecture, landscape design, and community engagement, strengthening Yerrabingin’s impact nationwide.

Cundall launches power service in Australia with key appointment

Cundall has launched its power systems consultancy service in Australia with the appointment of Nanda Muthuvel as Technical Director in Melbourne. Relocating from Singapore, Nanda’s expertise in voltage infrastructure and renewable energy projects strengthens Cundall’s local consultancy offerings. His appointment supports the firm’s work on energy storage and the renewable energy transition in Australia.

 “I am excited to join Cundall’s team in Australia and bring my expertise in critical power systems to support our clients’ transition to renewable energy and energy storage solutions,” says Nanda Muthuvel, Technical Director. “Having supported the Australian data centre market from afar for several years already, the opportunity to expand this work across innovative projects and collaborate with a talented team in Melbourne and Asia is very exciting.”

Plus Architecture expands regional footprint with strategic Canberra studio

Plus Architecture has expanded its regional presence with the opening of its eleventh studio in Canberra. Led by Studio Head Paul De Sailly, a Canberra native with extensive experience in large-scale developments, multi-residential projects and civic architecture, the new studio strengthens the firm’s commitment to the city’s evolving design landscape. The studio’s establishment aligns with Canberra’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, offering opportunities to contribute to the ACT Government’s net-zero emissions goals by 2045. Plus Architecture will leverage its national and international expertise to support diverse projects across sectors, including build-to-rent, mixed-use developments and civic architecture.

Stephen Turner from Gray Puksand announces his retirement

After 29 years of remarkable service with Gray Puksand, Stephen Turner is retiring, concluding a distinguished career that has greatly influenced the practice. Stephen’s leadership helped shape the firm’s national presence and pioneered a research-driven approach to educational design.

Coopers Hill acquires Scape Design, strengthening its global leadership in hospitality landscape architecture

Coopers Hill has acquired Scape Design UK, Europe’s leading hospitality landscape architects, expanding its global reach. The merger introduces Coopers Hill’s first European office in London and strengthens its position in high-end hospitality landscape design across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

“The merger with Scape represents a significant milestone, enabling us to realise our ambition of delivering a truly global service offering for our clients,” says Allen Kerton, Managing Partner & Design Director of Coopers Hill. “Our combined intimate knowledge and in-depth expertise of local environments and cultural influences position us uniquely to create meaningful places, experiences and memories by balancing architecture, luxury and the wilderness of nature, regardless of a project’s location.”

Kirsti Simpson to be inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame

Kirsti Simpson, Global Leader of Workplace Interiors at Woods Bagot, has been inducted into the 2024 Design Institute of Australia (DIA) Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrates Simpson’s profound impact on workplace design, both in Australia and globally. As one of seven distinguished designers honoured this year, Simpson’s career is celebrated for shaping innovative, flexible spaces that foster community while addressing contemporary challenges. With a history of “firsts” – including being the first female partner, managing partner and board member at Hassell – Simpson’s vision continues to influence workplace design across 17 locations worldwide.

Collins Pennington joins Architectus

In February 2025, Collins Pennington will join Architectus, bringing decades of experience in public, education and residential sectors to the Canberra studio. Led by Andrew Collins, the practice will contribute local expertise to Architectus’ vision for design-driven, human-centric spaces in the city.

“I know I can speak for my team when I say we are humbled and excited to start sharing our local expertise and vision for Canberra’s future,” says Andrew Collin, Associate Principal at Architectus.

Helen Kuo Joins FK as Principal

FK has appointed Helen Kuo as Principal, enhancing its leadership in Sydney. With over 20 years of experience in co-living, build-to-rent and sustainable urban design, Helen brings a progressive approach to housing diversity, modular construction and resilient precincts. Her appointment underscores FK’s commitment to innovative, community-focused design as the firm continues to shape Sydney’s evolving urban landscape with significant residential projects.

PTW has announced new promotions

PTW has announced new promotions, celebrating the dedication, excellence, and potential of their team members. Grace Pelle-Lalli has been promoted to Senior Associate, David Wang to Associate, and Dorothy Lam to Marketing Manager. These milestones highlight the firm’s commitment to recognising and fostering talent within their team.

Next up: Build-to-rent projects call for considered design