Architectus announces a striking 60 promotions, Gray Puksand expands its residential capabilities with a new appointment, Studio Johnston strengthens its leadership team and policies, plus more in this month’s round-up of industry appointments.

Gray Puksand expands residential portfolio with new appointment

Gray Puksand’s new senior associate Luke Stokes. Photo: Supplied.

National architecture and design practice Gray Puksand announced the expansion of its living sector in September, appointing senior associate Luke Stokes to bring additional capability in residential design. Stokes will spearhead Gray Puksand’s new ‘residential living’ sub-sector, establishing it as a dedicated focus within the practice. 

The new portfolio will include build-to-rent and build-to-sell developments, student accommodation, affordable and social housing, lifestyle-led residential developments within mixed-use precincts, and essential services accommodation such as co-living and key worker accommodation. This dedicated focus complements the practice’s existing portfolio in the senior living sector, led nationally by senior associate Pragya Gupta.

National managing partner Nik Tabain describes the practice’s expansion into residential living as “a natural progression” and “timely response to a national priority”.

Stokes brings with him more than a decade of experience across residential, workplace, retail and hospitality projects, having developed a strong specialisation in multi-residential design through roles at SJB and Breathe.

“Gray Puksand’s legacy across education, workplace, commercial and healthcare projects forms a strong foundation for residential living,” he says. “It allows us to bring proven ideas about flexibility, wellbeing and placemaking into housing and, in doing so, create outcomes that are lasting, sustainable and valuable to the communities they serve.”

Architectus announces huge number of staff promotions

Architectus recently announced 60 staff promotions. Photography: Supplied.

This week, Architectus unveiled 60 staff promotions across its Australian studios, including three new principals in its education, defence and transport sectors.

Kellee Frith is the practice’s new principal of education in Melbourne, while Nic Martoo is the new principal of defence in Brisbane and Vivian Sin is principal of transport/rail in Sydney.

Left to right: Architectus’ new principals Kellee Frith, Nic Martoo and Vivian Sin. Photography: Supplied.

Architectus also elevated two staff to associate principals, including Stuart Uren (defence) in Adelaide and Gary Anderson (infrastructure) in Sydney, with the latter also holding the responsibilities of sustainability leader and delivery leader for infrastructure.

The firm also announced the following staff have been appointed to senior associates: Jonathan Archibald (urban futures, Sydney), Elijah Christopher (commercial, Sydney), Luís Salgado (commercial, Sydney), Zainab Tinwala (commercial, Sydney), Gavin Crump (digital, Adelaide), Milos Vajdic (digital, Adelaide), Ankita Sardana (infrastructure, Adelaide), Dan Stanning (interior architecture, Adelaide), Jade Taniora (living, Brisbane), David Oliver (public, Brisbane) and Ryan Tucker (infrastructure, Perth).

The firm also confirmed a swathe of promotions among its associates, senior architects, senior designers, architects, interior designers, designers and corporate services. 

 “These promotions demonstrate our commitment to equipping the practice to meet the significant shifts transforming the built environment, while strengthening the partnerships to deliver high-quality design,” CEO Ray Brown says.

New directions for Studio Johnston

The refreshed team at Studio Johnston. Photo: Supplied.

Studio Johnston has announced a series of leadership promotions, new team members and a refreshed parental leave policy.

Reflecting the Sydney-based architecture studio’s collaborative leadership model, Studio Johnston has promoted both Stefania Reynolds and Stefanie Robinson to directors. According to the firm, the promotions recognise the pair’s long-standing contributions to Studio Johnston’s portfolio of residential, multi-residential, interior and public projects.

Left to right: Studio Johnston’s new directors Stefania Reynolds and Stefanie Robinson. Photography: Supplied.

Meanwhile, Kate Pereira has been appointed studio director and Matthew Mar has been elevated to senior associate, alongside a host of movements at more junior levels of the firm.

At the same time, the studio announced the introduction of a new parental leave policy that offers 12 weeks of paid leave to all employees, regardless of gender or carer status. 

McKimm moves north

Melbourne-based architecture, design and construction firm McKimm is expanding into South East Queensland, establishing its first interstate office to meet growing demand for high-end residential projects in the region. 

The Bayside Melbourne studio will remain the firm’s head office, while the Gold Coast base will support its growing pipeline of projects along the east coast, following the completion of several projects in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

Founding director Nick McKimm and director of architecture Danica Garizio will oversee the new office. McKimm, who purchased an apartment in Burleigh Heads in 2021, says the expansion reflects both professional and personal ties to Queensland.

“Spending time on the ground has given me a clear view of how the market is evolving,” he says. “There is a growing appreciation for homes that are well-designed, functional and responsive to climate and lifestyle. With strong population growth and major infrastructure investment ahead of the 2032 Olympics, it is the right time to establish a permanent presence.”

As part of its expansion, McKimm has acquired a site in Burleigh Heads, where the team will design and construct a new residence that reflects the practice’s values and principles.

“We’re not chasing scale,” McKimm explains. “The Queensland market is becoming more design-conscious, and we see an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the architectural landscape by bringing our approach to homes that are tailored, durable and aligned with the way people actually want to live.”

Related: View last month’s round up of industry appointments here.