Australian Design Review’s regular round-up of appointments, promotions and other practice news in Australian architecture and design in April 2026.

SJB

SJB has announced a number of promotions at its Sydney studio. Gabby Suhr, Rachel Yabsley and Wes Grunsell have all stepped in to project director roles, “to lead and coordinate the design teams, including front-end architects and designers, championing creative excellence and strong collaboration. They will also oversee delivery teams, steering projects to successful completion with clarity and focus,” says SJB.

Yabsley has extensive experience across award-winning commercial, multi-residential and mixed-use developments, and is highly regarded for her strategic oversight, ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and unwavering commitment to design excellence. Her leadership has beeninstrumental in major projects at SJB, including Surry Hills Village, Quay QuarterLanes and Newcastle East End Stages 3 & 4, according to the studio.

Grunsell has worked across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on multi-residential and mixed-use developments. He leads projects from the earliest stages of design through to construction with a level, considered approach and a sharp problem-solving mindset.

While Suhr has delivered a diverse range of projects, including mixed-use developments, boutique multi-unit residential, childcare centres, luxury single dwellings and terrace housing. She has also played a key role in the delivery of affordable housing developments, including the multiple award-winning Nightingale Marrickville.

Monash University

Professor N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs AM has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, recognised among the nation’s most influential design thinkers. The respected Boonwurrung Elder joined fellow inductees Paul Charlwood, Paul Huxtable, Geraldine Maher and Cal Swann at a ceremony held at the National Gallery of Victoria. Briggs has spent decades embedding First Peoples’ knowledge into architecture, urban planning, landscape design and public infrastructure projects across Australia.

Her work has included advocating for the return of a century old thulu, or tree, from Switzerland to Australia and exploring how Indigenous knowledge systems can reshape urban water design. She also serves as Elder in Residence for Kindred People, Monash University’s Indigenous-led festival celebrating First Nations arts, knowledge and community.

Briggs says the honour reflects the collective work of Elders, creatives and knowledge holders who have shared their wisdom throughout her career. “I hope this award helps open doors for the next generation and encourages young Indigenous people to be confident in their voices,” she says.

Beyond academia, she founded the Boon Wurrung Foundation to support Indigenous youth and preserve Boonwurrung language and culture. She is also a Member of the Order of Australia, a NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year and an inductee into Victoria’s Honour Roll of Women.

Arup

Arup has appointed Giles Thomas as principal and APAC high speed rail technical director, strengthening the firm’s transport and major project capability across the region. Based in Sydney, Thomas joined the global engineering and design consultancy on 20 April, bringing almost 40 years of experience delivering major rail and transport infrastructure programs across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and the US.

Thomas has held senior leadership roles on globally significant projects including the UK’s High Speed Two project and the £6 billion Thameslink Program. His experience spans government, client, contractor and delivery partner roles, providing broad expertise in major project development, integration and delivery.

Arup APAC transport leader Michael McGowan says the appointment will strengthen the firm’s ability to support Australia’s growing high speed rail ambitions. “Giles brings deep global experience in integrating complex systems, aligning stakeholders and making best for program decisions at scale,” McGowan says.

Thomas says he was excited to join Arup at a pivotal moment for Australia’s transport future. “I’m looking forward to working with Arup’s teams and clients to help shape high speed rail and major transport programs that deliver lasting benefits for cities, regions and future generations,” he says.

TRCB

Perth architecture practice TRCB has promoted Josh Mangan from associate director to director, marking a significant leadership milestone for the multidisciplinary studio.

The appointment completes a three-director leadership team at the practice, which was formed in 2018 through the merger of Taylor Robinson, Chaney Architecture and Broderick Architects. Mangan joined Chaney Architecture in 2017, before the merger, and has become one of TRCB’s longest serving team members.

TRCB director Fred Chaney says Mangan’s promotion reflects the growth and ambition of the practice. “Josh has been part of the fabric of this practice since our establishment in 2018,” Chaney says. “Having three directors leading TRCB feels like a genuinely significant moment for us.”

A graduate of the University of Western Australia, Mangan holds a Master of Architecture, is a registered architect and serves on the Architects’ Board of Western Australia. His experience spans education, civic, transport and sporting infrastructure projects across Perth and regional WA.

Most recently, Mangan played a key role in the Metronet Morley to Ellenbrook Line, delivered with Woods Bagot for the Public Transport Authority. The project won five awards at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects Awards, including the George Temple Poole Award and the National Award for Sustainable Architecture.

Mangan has also contributed to major education, health and sports projects across Perth. “I’m really excited to be stepping into this role and working closely with Fred, Eamon and the broader team,” he says.

Unispace

Global strategy, design and construction firm Unispace has appointed Joel Sampson as senior principal, design, strengthening the company’s national leadership team across Australia. Based in Melbourne, Sampson will lead Unispace’s design division nationally, overseeing projects for multinational clients across the commercial interiors and life sciences sectors. He brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture and design, with a career spanning Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Unispace managing director Australia Kevin Mc Cabe says the appointment marks an important step in the continued growth of the business. “Hiring Joel marks the next evolution of growth for Design at Unispace and the wider business,” Mc Cabe says.

Sampson joins Unispace from Siren Group, where he served as design director leading major commercial workplace projects. Before that, he spent 16 years at Hassell, leading teams across Australia, Southeast Asia and China. Mc Cabe says Sampson’s extensive experience working with multinational clients and leading teams across APAC make him a strong fit for the practice. “Joel’s passion for design and extensive experience make him an ideal fit for our team,” he says.

Commenting on his appointment, Sampson says he is excited to join Unispace during a period of strong growth. “Watching the business grow from strength to strength over the years has been inspiring,” Sampson says. “I’m looking forward to diving into new projects and partnering with clients through the streamlined, end to end model.”

ARM Architecture

Renowned Australian architects Ian McDougall and Howard Raggatt have been awarded honorary doctorates by RMIT University in recognition of their lasting contribution to Australian architecture and design culture.

The pair received Doctor of Design honoris causa (DDes h.c.) degrees during RMIT’s doctoral graduation ceremony, acknowledging decades of award-winning work that has reshaped the nation’s architectural landscape.

McDougall and Raggatt co-founded Melbourne-based ARM Architecture alongside the late Steve Ashton in 1988. Since then, the practice has become known for bold experimentation and culturally significant projects including the National Museum of Australia, Melbourne Recital Centre, Perth Arena, Hamer Hall redevelopment and the revitalisation of the Sydney Opera House interiors.

Their work has earned some of the country’s highest architectural honours, including the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2016, seven Victorian Architecture Medals and the NSW Institute of Architects Medallion in 2023.

Both architects continue to contribute to education as adjunct professors within RMIT’s School of Architecture and Urban Design. Their honorary doctorates were presented inside Storey Hall, the landmark RMIT building they redesigned in 1995, now regarded as one of Melbourne’s most recognisable architectural works.

RMIT dean of architecture and urban design Professor Vivian Mitsogianni praised the pair for their influence on generations of architects, describing their work as courageous, experimental and deeply connected to Australian cultural identity.

Durbach Block Jaggers

Australian architects Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers of Durbach Block Jaggers have been recognised with the 2026 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, honouring their long-standing contribution to contemporary Australian architecture.

Working together for almost three decades, the trio has shaped some of the country’s most distinctive civic, residential and public architecture projects through a practice known for sculptural form, intellectual rigour and a deeply contextual approach to design. Their portfolio includes landmark projects such as Commonwealth Place in Canberra, the Brickpit Ring at Sydney Olympic Park, the UTS Vicki Sara Building, Fabric House in Newcastle and a series of acclaimed residential works, including House Holman and Tamarama House.

Across each project, Durbach, Block and Jaggers has developed an architectural language closely tied to landscape, climate and Australian cultural identity. The practice’s work is recognised for balancing experimentation with technical precision, while creating spaces that are tactile, expressive and deeply connected to public life. Beyond practice, the trio has also contributed extensively to architectural education and discourse through teaching, lecturing, curating and mentoring emerging architects.

The recognition highlights the enduring influence Durbach Block Jaggers has had on Australia’s built environment and the evolution of contemporary architectural thinking nationwide.

Architectus

Architectus has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of four new principals and seven associate principals.

Principal Andrew Low has arrived at Architectus from its Melbourne studio to lead the practice’s Commercial sector. With decades of experience on city-shaping commercial precincts and large workplaces, Low has an innate understanding of what’s driving tenants and developers in the changing world of work, and how multifaceted design solutions can meet their needs. His portfolio includes projects that demonstrate that ethos, such as Brookfield Place and One the Esplanade in Perth and The Ribbon in Sydney – all delivered while working at Hassell, where he was most recently the co-leader of the Commercial + Workplace Sector.

Karl de Beer has joined the practice as principal, Health, based in Brisbane. De Beer has extensive experience in designing complex health, research and clinical environments, further strengthening the practice’s capability in delivering future-ready, patient-centred facilities across Australia. He is highly skilled in managing consultant teams during the documentation phase of large projects. De Beer also excels in detailing building elements during construction.

Also in Brisbane, Pete Mitchell has been promoted to principal, Health. He brings valuable client-side experience to his role, sharing his practical insights with project teams. His portfolio features significant current projects such as the New Coomera Hospital, as well as completed work including the Gold Coast University Hospital Extension and the Whitty Building Clinical School.

In Sydney, John Jeffrey has been promoted to principal, Public. Jeffrey is one of Architectus’ most skilled professionals when it comes to technical and delivery challenges, playing a crucial role on projects such as the complex, globally significant Sydney Modern. His association with the practice goes all the way back to 1989 – a demonstration of his commitment to Architectus and the practice’s work designing enduring civic architecture.

The practice has also announced seven promotions to associate principal: Laura Venier, Education (Melbourne), Jonathan Riddle, Delivery (Melbourne); John Paisa, Living (Melbourne); Pedro Villanueva, Aviation (Brisbane); David Holden, Aviation (Sydney); Andrew Dowe, Commercial (Sydney) and Pete Agnew, Health (Sydney)

Across the practice, 49 Architectus designers, digital experts and corporate services staff were promoted in April.

Buchan

Global design studio Buchan has appointed internationally experienced architect Dino Delotavo as an Associate in its Sydney studio, strengthening the practice’s growing mixed use and precincts portfolio. Registered in both Australia and the Philippines, Delotavo brings more than 25 years of experience spanning Southeast Asia, Japan, China, the Middle East and Australia, with expertise across residential, hospitality, education, retail and urban design projects.

Delotavo’s approach combines placemaking, environmental psychology and user centred design to create commercially successful developments with long term community value. His career includes major projects such as Eastern Creek Quarter in Western Sydney, the Deira Waterfront Development in Dubai and the Mövenpick Resort & Spa in Bali.

Buchan Principal Malou Ellis said Delotavo’s experience in mixed use and retail design across the region aligns strongly with the studio’s work and adds depth to its client offering. Delotavo described joining Buchan as a defining moment in his career, driven by a passion for creating places that shape social and emotional experiences while becoming part of a community’s identity.

The appointment follows further expansion of Buchan’s Sydney studio, with eight architects and designers recently added across hospitality, residential and precinct projects.