Australian Design Review’s round-up of practice news in Australian architecture and design in March 2026.

Appointments

FK

Earlier this month, FK appointed architect Helen Kuo as partner in an effort to strengthen the multidisciplinary design practice’s Sydney presence across Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and scalable housing delivery.

According to FK, the appointment recognises Kuo’s leadership and influence across both the Sydney studio and the broader practice. She leads FK’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and co-living discipline, and serves as the firm’s subject matter expert on MMC. Her portfolio includes build-to-rent (BTR) developments at 81-83 George Street and 89-91 George Street, Parramatta, 8-10 McLean Street, Edgecliff, and mixed-use precincts such as Stanmore Village, currently in concept design. She is also leading FK’s student accommodation project for The Living Company at Blackwattle Bay precinct.

Beyond FK, Kuo holds roles on the Government Architect NSW State Design Review Panel and contributes to industry policy as a committee member on the Property Council of Australia.

FK head of design and partner Nicky Drobis described Kuo as a “passionate and vital leader”.

“She brings deep expertise in Modern Methods of Construction and the broader living sector, but, just as importantly, she is a generous and collaborative leader who invests in the growth of those around her,” Drobis said.

Tzannes

Sydney-based architecture and design practice Tzannes has appointed Benjamin Donohoo as an associate director, expanding the studio’s core leadership group.

Donohoo built his career working at large firms, most recently as a principal at Grimshaw, where he led the design of the Sydney Metro Hunter Street Station East Precinct and Commercial Tower. Previously, he was at Foster + Partners in London and at BVN in Sydney.

Tzannes said Donohoo will support current projects in the commercial, mixed-use and multi-residential sectors, while his education and aviation experience is expected to enhance the studio’s capabilities.

“I’m looking forward to working on everything from finely crafted single residences to city-making projects that shape our urban fabric,” Donohoo said.

Plus Studio

Plus Studio has made four internal promotions and one strategic appointment across its Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne studios.

Newcomer Luis Schilling has joined the team as head of design WA – a role newly created to embed consistent design review across the studio. In Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, Matt Harrison has been promoted to senior associate for the technical rigour he brings to high-rise residential developments, while Alex Menchaca-Velasco has been appointed to associate, reflecting his role as a mentor and presence on the studio’s most demanding projects.

After 10 years with the practice, Mahtab Bahrami has been promoted to senior associate in the Sydney studio. Mau Cheng has been promoted to associate in Melbourne after eight years with the practice.

These moves bring the leadership team to 21 directors and principals and 36 senior associates and associates across its 11 studios throughout Australasia.

Carr

Architecture and interior design practice Carr announced the appointment of architects Tim Foster and Edward Armstrong as associates across its Melbourne and Brisbane studios.

Based in Melbourne, Foster joins Carr with experience across complex project typologies. Meanwhile, Armstrong brings local experience and insight to the studio’s budding Brisbane practice.

HSPC Health Architects

HSPC Health Architects has announced the appointment of Lauren O’Donnell as partner in March. O’Donnell has designed and delivered healthcare environments with the Melbourne-based practice since joining it eight years ago.

HSPC said her appointment as a partner and shareholder recognises her leadership and significant contribution to the business. She will continue to work closely with the directors and senior leadership team, including newly appointed directors Matthew Szymula and Stephen Sinclair.

In Addition

Melbourne-based interior design and architecture practice In Addition announced the promotion of Michelle Soufya to associate in March.

“Since day one, Michelle has championed the studio, believing in who we are, how we work and what we are building together,” director Ana Ćalić McLean said in a LinkedIn post. “Her commitment, leadership and generosity have helped shape In Addition into what it is today.”

Partnerships

Artisan and State Library of Queensland

Queensland’s peak body for craft and design, artisan, has announced it will now be headquartered at the State Library of Queensland. The move aims to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, professional development and sector-wide impact, according to a joint media release.

“Our partnership with State Library of Queensland means we’re building a more sustainable, connected and ambitious platform for makers – precisely because the sector needs us to,” artisan CEO Carmel Haugh says.

The partnership is set to deliver dynamic public programs, including seminars, masterclasses, talks and workshops at the State Library, alongside collaborations with regional partners to present exhibitions, residencies, markets and pop-ups.

Artisan will host craft and design practitioners and leaders from across Australia for a cross-sector symposium, MADE2026, at State Library in September. Artisan will also establish a new curated presence in the Library Shop.

“This collaboration between artisan and State Library of Queensland will support and showcase the work of makers across the state, enhance their careers and increase their access to new audiences and markets,” the state’s Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek says.

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