From 1 July, Liz Westgarth will take on the role of international managing director for design practice Hassell.

This appointment symbolises a generational shift in the practice’s approach to leadership, and Westgarth is committed to leading the global practice into a new era.

Since joining in 2013, she has emerged as a highly valuable member of the Hassell leadership team, with her current role as head of design and board director a testament to her optimism and determination.

Westgarth has cultivated an extensive global career, working in London and the Middle East on high-profile commercial, retail, residential and culture projects. 

She has predominantly worked on city-shaping projects such as the Harbourside redevelopment, Sandstone precinct lands department, AMRF first building and the redevelopment of the New South Wales State Library. 

Hassell board chair Rob Backhouse says Westgarth is cherished at Hassell as a mentor and role model. 

“She is a staunch advocate for design excellence, sustainability and innovation and is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion across the industry,” says Backhouse.

Westgarth is also driven to engage with the global design community beyond Hassell via industry and client initiatives, and partnerships. She is a proud member of New South Wales Institute of Architects and the New South Wales state design review panel. 

Her accolades continue to flow, recently named the 2022 Business Women of the Year at the New South Wales national association of women in construction awards for excellence. 

Westgarth is eager to capitalise on current company momentum in a fast-moving global context. 

‘Social inequality, climate change, urbanisation and digitisation are presenting new challenges and opportunities for design,” says Westgarth.

Over the last few years, the practice has made clear commitments to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and Westgarth is vowing to strengthen how the company responds to each of these areas. 

“High-quality design can contribute to a better world and solve some of the complex challenges that our clients are facing – we can help navigate change, find regenerative design opportunities and identify more inclusive ways to connect people,” says Westgarth. 

Photography supplied by Hassell.

Read about how Hassell teamed up with the NGV for Melbourne Now.