International design practice, Hassell, has announced Samantha Peart as global head of sustainability.

With a background in first principles of sustainable design and engineering, Peart’s work in building sustainability strategies and initiatives spans 20 different countries and projects ranging from large-scale infrastructure and high-end commercial and residential buildings to healthcare facilities, galleries, retail developments and university campuses.

According to Hassell, Peart’s appointment will “be leading the drive for innovation in sustainable design placing the firm at the forefront of sustainable thinking and action in the architecture and design industry.”

Peart is looking forward to embedding sustainability into every level of Hassell’s operations in support of the company’s commitment to ensure all its building projects are net zero carbon by 2030. To achieve this, Peart will build on the work done to date and further develop design strategies to reduce operationally and embodied carbon on every project.

“The key to achieving great sustainability outcomes is to ensure that the people within organisations are the drivers of change,” Peart explains.

“My role at Hassell is about sustainability but it is also about organisational transformation.”

“What excites me most about this role is ensuring that sustainability practices are in the DNA of Hassell processes, and building on the great work the firm is already doing — from the way the practice designs to the way it does business.”

Before joining the Hassell team, Peart was a senior director at Development Victoria where she was responsible for designing and implementing the organisation’s sustainability strategy. Prior to this, she spent over a decade at Arup, starting in the Sydney headquarters before moving to Singapore, Los Angeles, and most recently, Melbourne.

Hassell managing director Steve Coster says he looks forward to working with Peart to progress the company and the industry in delivering multi-faceted sustainability.

“We believe we have a responsibility to inspire, educate, and demonstrate leadership in sustainable design in partnership with our clients, our community, and our planet,” says Coster.

“And after a rigorous international recruitment process, we believe Samantha has the vision to inspire our team to be world-class leaders in sustainable design.”

Imagery supplied by Hassell.

Hassell is a leading international design practice with studios in Asia, Australia, the US, and the UK. Their purpose is to design the world’s best places that people love. Hassell does this by combining strategic insight with creative design to unlock the social, cultural and economic value of places.

Earlier this year, Hassell revealed their first workplace conceptualised and built during the pandemic for a post-COVID workforce.