Architectural and interior design practice Bates Smart has appointed a dedicated advisory board as part of a strategic development plan. 

The advisory board comprises five prominent Australian business leaders with diverse experience spanning sectors including property, legal services, finance and corporate business management.

The board members are: John O’Neill AO, chair of the advisory board and chairman of The Star Entertainment Group; Fiona Hindmarsh, non-executive director of Hindmarsh; Julie Levis, partner of Clayton Utz; Greg Paramor AO, non-executive director of Charter Hall Group and former managing director of Folkestone; and Colin Smith, managing director of Phoenix Consulting.

Bates Smart managing director, Simon Swaney, says the advisory board will establish a clear strategy for the future and ensure the practice is well equipped to respond to
opportunities while maintaining exceptional design quality.

“We welcome our newly appointed advisory board and their strategic guidance that draws on their diverse skills to strengthen the practice. Our directors are delighted to have their
experience spanning various sectors, regions and genders available to them as well as their immense capabilities to support the cultural and fiscal success of our practice,” he says.

Bates Smart also announced the promotion of Kellie Payne (Sydney) and Cian Davis (Melbourne) as directors, with Rachael McCarthy (Melbourne) advancing to studio director.
These new appointments are in addition to further staff promotions across the Melbourne and Sydney studios with a total of 21 associate directors and associates named.

“We congratulate Kellie and Cian, who now join our directorship, for their dedication and achievement in delivering excellence over a number of years, and Rachael who will skillfully continue to develop our Melbourne workplace strategy and design capabilities,” says Swaney.

“We value their expertise and leadership enormously in not only offering exceptional client service but in nurturing the growth of new and existing talent. Our business has undergone a significant generational change and the new appointments to the leadership group continue this change and will be supported by our talented teams in their respective architecture and interior design fields.”