JPW appoints a new director, FK appoints a principal, Hames Sharley welcomes a geologist into its midst and more in this month’s round up of industry appointments.
Sydney-based design practice JPW kicked off 2025 by sharing the promotion of Matteo Salval to director. The architect, who has worked with JPW since 2011, developed his expertise internationally and in Australia across diverse sectors and scales, with a particular focus on renewals in heritage contexts.
“Since joining JPW, Matteo has led some of our most ambitious projects, consistently bringing dedication, leadership, and a commitment to design excellence for our clients and our city,” JPW’s announcement read.
Multidisciplinary design practice FK, formerly Fender Katsalidis, has announced the appointment of Helen Kuo as a principal at FK’s Sydney studio.
Kuo brings more than 20 years of experience across design and delivery of managed asset classes such as co-living, build-to-rent, student accommodation, retail centres and commercial headquarters.
FK partner Craig Baudin says Kuo’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Sydney studio.
“Her depth of experience and knowledge in co-living, modular housing, and sustainable design will ensure we continue to lead the charge in delivering diverse housing solutions across Sydney,” he says.
DKO, an architecture and design firm working across six studios in Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, announced Matthew Kirkaldie’s elevation to senior associate at the Melbourne office earlier this month.
It’s a full- circle move for Matthew Kirkaldie, who has worked at DKO for more than nine years and previously relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to lead the studio’s major developments.
Hames Sharley, an interdisciplinary design practice operating across Australia, recently appointed a qualified geologist as a leader in its people and culture division. Noreen Byrne is the firm’s new principal of people and sustainability, a role that involves “supporting the full lifecycle of both the business and its people, creating an integrated and sustainable approach to work”, Byrne says.
“My passion lies in people and transforming workplaces for the better,” she explains. “My science background has shaped my perspective and prepared me to think critically, strategically and holistically.”
Lead image of Noreen Byrne and colleague supplied by Hames Sharley.
View last month’s round up of industry appointments in architecture and design.