Leading Australian architecture and design firm, Architectus, has appointed Alexandra Lawlor to a newly created position of national leader urban futures & resilience.

The new leadership role will see Lawlor focus on resilient design strategies for large-scale urban renewal and precinct projects, as well as lead the development and implementation of a national sustainability framework for Architectus.

Lawlor has over 33 years-experience in the architecture sector with roles spanning complex urban renewal projects such as Federation Square to most recently managing the estate development and campus design for University of Melbourne as executive director Estate Planning & Development.

Lawlor says it was the possibility of providing a holistic approach to design resilience that attracted her to the role. 

“Architectus has already made strides in sustainability and led city-changing projects,” says Lawlor

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the deep in-house expertise to look at how we apply the collective knowledge to address challenges in both the physical and social environment for our clients.”

Architectus has a long-standing focus on creating projects that are responsive and environmentally sensitive. The practice is responsible for recent sustainable projects 1 Bligh Street and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Architectus is also founding member of the Green Building Council of Australia and a signatory to the Architects Declare Australia (ADA) climate emergency movement.

“It’s now more important than ever to design spaces that are resilient and flexible, and Alex’s role will directly lead our innovation in this area,” says Architectus CEO and principal, Ray Brown.

“We’re thrilled to have Alex bring her passion and expertise for holistic, resilient design to the Architectus team.”

Alexandra Lawlor will be based in the Architectus Melbourne studio.

Architectus senior team member Dan Solomon and Make Architects director Simon Lincoln recently explained to ADR how they restored Sydney’s iconic Shell House clock tower as part of their collaborative Brookfield Place Sydney project.

Lead photo: Alexandra Lawlor by Jesse Marlow.