The renowned wayfinding and visual communication design practice has entered an exciting new era in its 35 year history, with the establishment of a base in the United Kingdom and projects in Europe, North America and the Middle East on the horizon. 

Dotdash is eager for this move into the global market to not only enrich its portfolio but allow for the ongoing championing of the practice ethos – “equity for all”.

Although practice founders Mark Ross and Despina Macris are proudly Brisbane-based, Dotdash has left a mark on the global visual communication design realm having designed wayfinding for three Summer Olympic Games and one Winter Olympic Games. 

The practice primarily works on public and private projects in areas such as transport, healthcare, urban precincts, parklands, sport, education, research and many more.

Ross and Macris view this global expansion as a well-deserved and crucial leap forward for a practice that boasts extensive experience in helping people navigate the challenges of designing for complex urban environments. 

“Our skill sets are universal and vital for projects worldwide, hence our eagerness to expand,” says Macris. 

Appointments to toast a new global era

Dotdash has appointed Heath Pedrola as director of wayfinding strategy and lead of the new United Kingdom base. 

Pedrola has been a valued member of the practice as an associate for the past 13 years. His 20-year career spans projects in China, Europe, Africa, North America and the United Kingdom. 

His experience working closely with an array of environments, cultures and sensitivities puts him in good stead to head the United Kingdom base. 

“The opportunity to help lead an international studio taking on complex and challenging projects worldwide feels like a natural progression,” says Pedrola. 

Pedrola will be joined by Felicity Walsh, who was appointed to the role of director of client engagement and strategic development. 

After clocking experience as a design lecturer and project lead on the strategic direction of large-scale transport and public sphere projects, Walsh came to Dotdash in 2021. 

Walsh will continue to contribute invaluable expertise in her newly appointed role due to her substantial digital design experience, previous leadership roles in the public health sector and overseeing workshops in South Africa, Indonesia and Australia.

Walsh says she is grateful to be tasked with adding to Dotdash’s legacy as a reputable wayfinding and visual communication design company. 

“I feel fortunate to be building upon its already formidable reputation and project portfolio,” she concludes. 

Photography supplied by Dotdash. 

Featured Image: From left to right, Heath Pedrola, Despina Macris, Felicity Walsh.

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