Australian architecture and design practice Hames Sharley has appointed Elise Miles Simonovski as its new studio leader for Victoria.

Originally from Canberra, Simonovski brings 17 years of experience within the design and construction industry, fulfilling various roles and client relations spanning Commercial, Education and Defence portfolios.

“I’m very excited to join Hames Sharley, be a part of the very capable design studio in Melbourne and look forward to future years of servicing our loyal clients and producing beautiful, beneficial and functional projects,” says Simonovski. 

Holding degrees in interior design and a Masters of Architecture, Simonovski has always been a pragmatic architect, equally invested in the construction process as much as the initial development of projects. 

She believes the beauty of architecture is experienced through its use, and that affordability, return on investment and functionality are not dirty words, but practical to the solutions that architects have the responsibility to provide.

“I am enthusiastic about giving back to the design industry, its numerous talented people, and the communities they support.”

Speaking to the challenges of stepping into the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Simonovski is deeply optimistic about the industry growth that will emerge from this moment. 

“Architecture has always been a profession that solves problems in an imaginative and productive way;  the problems that require solving just happen to be different from any other design challenges we have seen before and to a much greater degree,” says Simonovski. 

“What design challenges arise from this period is hard to know, this is an unprecedented period but I know the industry is made up of resilient and creative individuals and I have high hopes that what comes from this can be seen in a positive light and is exciting to think of the prospects!”

Hames Sharley is already positioning its designs in response to COVID-19, with its recent Perth precinct awaiting the retail resurgence post-pandemic.

The practice is thrilled to have Simonovski step into this new role, showcasing her diligence and commitment to her team and clients in a time when capable leadership has never been more vital.

Elise Miles Simonovksi joins interior design principal Hollie Raymond-Baker as Hames Sharley’s latest appointments.

Lead image courtesy of Hames Sharley.