November 2025 brought about significant leadership changes across pockets of Australia’s architecture and interior design industry, as well as studio updates and individual honours. View them all below. 

DIA welcomes new CEO

Simone LeAmon. Photo: supplied.

At the end of November, the country’s peak voice for design, the Design Institute of Australia, announced that Simone LeAmon has stepped into the role of chief executive officer.

LeAmon joins the DIA following more than a decade as the inaugural curator of contemporary design and architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where she shaped its design collection and program. Prior to joining the NGV, LeAmon built a career delivering commercial and creative projects across furniture, product, jewellery, interiors, digital and experimental design through her design studios n+1 equals and Simone LeAmon Design and Creative Strategy. 

She has also held positions as an adjunct professor in the College of Design and Social Context at RMIT University, mentored emerging practitioners, and served as an advisor to government and industry, contributing to national design discourse and policy. In 2021, she received the Good Design Australia Women in Design Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to advancing Australian design.

“Simone embodies the spirit and ambition of Australian design,” SIA president Ryan Russell said. “Her career has been defined by creativity, intellect and vision; qualities that sit at the heart of the DIA’s mission. As the country’s peak body for design, we are committed to advocating for the profession at a national level, strengthening its impact and amplifying the role designers play in shaping Australia’s future. We are delighted to welcome Simone as CEO and look forward to the leadership, energy and clarity of purpose she brings to the organisation.”

LeAmon holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne and a Master of Design (Industrial Design) from RMIT University.

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects appoints new CEO

Grant Galvin. Photo: AILA

Earlier in the month, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) announced the appointment of Grant Galvin to the role of AILA CEO. He replaces outgoing CEO Ben Stockwin.

Galvin brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across commercial, not-for-profit and membership-based organisations, including as former CEO of Master Builders Queensland and, more recently, deputy CEO of Kevin Murphy Group.

AILA president Heath Gledhill welcomed the appointment.

“Grant’s proven track record in organisational transformation, stakeholder engagement and governance aligns perfectly with AILA’s vision for the future,” Gledhill said. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing the role of landscape architecture in shaping resilient, inclusive and vibrant communities.

“Grant’s appointment comes at a critical moment, as the landscape architecture profession must assert its influence in shaping climate-resilient cities and environments. With his proven leadership and strategic acumen, Grant is well positioned to elevate our voice and secure our seat at key decision-making tables.”

New directors at Bates Smart

Left to right: Jill Woodley, Matt Davis and Naigel Carusi. Photography: Gavin Green

Bates Smart welcomed a new director and two studio directors in November.

According to the firm, incoming director Matt Davis rejoined the firm in 2019 and is highly regarded in architecture, urban design and planning. He brings experience across private practice, academia and government.

“It’s a real honour to be part of the extraordinary Bates Smart legacy,” Davis said. “Our long history of city-shaping projects is something I’m very proud of, and we remain committed to creating places that are memorable, engaging and generous – places that are good for people and good for the planet.”

Bates Smart’s new studio directors include Jill Woodley and Naigel Carusi. 

Turner looks internally

Left to right: Petra Magendanz, Kalpana Rink and Tiffany Kuo. Photography: Turner

Architecture and design firm Turner has recently elevated three long-term team members in aid of the practice’s work in large-scale mixed-use precincts and residential projects.

The promoted team members include Petra Magendanz, who has been promoted to associate director, Kalpana Rink, who has been promoted to senior associate and Tiffany Kuo, a new associate.

“These three team members have each been associated with Turner for close to a decade, or longer,” managing director Karl May said. “During that time, they have made important contributions to key projects that have built our reputation as a leader in designing large-scale mixed-use precincts and residential projects.” 

Mather Architecture rebrands to Trella Architecture & Interiors

Nikki Butlin and Jeremy Mather. Photo: Trella Architecture & Interiors. 

ACT-based architecture and interior design studioMather Architecture announced a rebrand in November. After 13 years, the practice has rebranded to Trella Architecture & Interiors. 

The studio says the move “formalises its integrated service model of delivering architecture and interior design under one roof with expanded capabilities”. It said the rebrand also reflects growing demand for practices that can deliver end-to-end projects. 

Trella hopes to address key industry challenges in the nation’s capital and surrounding regions by delivering high-quality, affordable housing, revitalising mixed-use precincts, and driving adaptive reuse and sustainable urban renewal projects.

The rebrand also marks the appointment of Nikki Butlin as co-director alongside founder Jeremy Mather, formalising the collaborative leadership that has defined the practice’s growth.

AIA names NSW fellowships for 2025

AIA NSW fellows luncheon 2025. Photo: Stanley Images

At the annual NSW fellows luncheon on 3 November 2025, the Australian Institute of Architects announced this year’s newly elevated fellows, honorary fellows and life fellows.

Fellowship is awarded annually to those who have “demonstrated outstanding and enduring services to the architecture profession”. Honorary fellowship acknowledges individuals who, while not architects themselves, have advanced architecture’s role in creating more sustainable and resilient communities. 

Life fellowship is the highest honour class of Institute membership, awarded to fellow members who, in the opinion of the National Council, have rendered notable contributions to the progression of architecture in design, construction, literature, education, public service, or in any other way deemed worthy of the honour.

The list of 2025 elevations includes life fellows Bill Tsakalos, Eva-Marie Prineas and Peter Lonergan. 

New honorary fellows include Prof. the Hon. Bob Carr, Brett Boardman, Dr Danièle Hromek, Dr Noni Boyd and Tina Perinotto.

Among the elevations were also fellows Linda Babic, Nicholas Brown, Andrew Burges, Andrew Burns, Scott Carpenter, Lisa-Maree Carrigan, Jacqueline Connor, Tamara Donnellan, Susan Harper, Sarah Hill, Carolyn McFarland, Russell McFarland, Sophie Pickett-Heaps, Mark Raggatt, Craig Teasdell, Nicholas Turner, Darlene van der Breggen, Philip Vivian, David Welsh, Elizabeth Westgarth and Kati Westlake.

Penny Morris, David Boyle and Jade Young were honoured in memoriam as a life fellow and fellows, respectively.

Related: View last months roundup of industry appointments.