Architecture and design studio appointments in August 2025
Architecture and design studio appointments in August 2025
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August proved a bustling period of change and senior staff rotation across the Australian interior design and architecture community, with agencies observing team leadership changes at various levels of seniority.
Yerrabingin welcomes new principal and associate of designing with Country
Yerrabingin associate principal Claire Hickon. Photo: supplied.
Yerrabingin has elevated Claire Hickson to associate principal and Caleb Wright to associate of designing with Country, reflecting the studio’s growing engagement with Aboriginal Australians as demand for First Nations-led design continues to rise.
Yerrabingin associate of designing with Country Caleb Wright. Photo: Jessica Lindsay.
Hickson, a cultural heritage specialist who joined in 2020, plays a key role in Connecting with Country strategies and senior management. Wright, who came on board in 2024, brings notable landscape architecture expertise, as well as a refined focus on integrating First Nations land and water management into contemporary design.
Founder and CEO Christian Hampson says the appointments strengthen Yerrabingin’s ability to deliver collaborative outcomes with a strengthened sense of First Nations-centric dialogue at their core. “Claire has worked very closely with Chris and myself on strategic planning over the last six months to develop a nimble and resilient business model,” Hampson says.
“What differentiates Yerrabingin is our ability to translate First Nations’ knowledge into pragmatic design outcomes. Claire and Caleb both bring valuable skills to our inclusive co-design process, supporting our team’s commitment to a future with caring for Country at its heart.”
TCL Studio welcomes Lucas Dean as principal
Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) has strengthened its Queensland presence with the appointment of Lucas Dean as studio principal in Brisbane. Since establishing its Brisbane base three years ago, TCL has delivered a range of projects across Queensland, growing a strong team with an ethos fixated on people and place.
Dean’s appointment marks a new phase for the Melbourne-headquartered studio, expanding its east coast operations to enhance Queensland’s design landscape. Dean’s leadership will guide the studio as it continues to pursue innovative architectural standards and community-oriented services, while also strengthening TCL’s long-standing commitment to groundbreaking urban design.
Plus Architecture rebrands and appoints Edward Armstrong as senior associate
Plus Architecture has announced a major rebrand to ‘Plus Studio’ in August, in conjunction with news that Edward Armstrong has joined its team as senior associate, bringing more than 20 years’ experience on large-scale projects to the new role. Armstrong’s arrival comes at a pivotal time in the firm’s expansion, with Queensland studios in Brisbane and the Gold Coast overseeing 75 active projects across multi-residential, commercial and health sectors.
Formerly stationed at Conrad Gargett, where he spent six years honing his skills in project delivery, Armstrong is recognised for his ability to lead ambitious developments with advanced industry know-how and design vision. His appointment reinforces Plus Studio’s growth trajectory across Queensland as well as within the Australian architecture community at large.
“Edward’s masterplanning expertise and proven delivery capability will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations, driving our continued pursuit of design excellence and market leadership in these strategic growth areas,” Plus director Danny Juric says.
Adelaide-based studio Matthews Architects announces three senior appointments
Matthews Architects associate architect Robert Rattray. Photo: supplied.
Matthews Architects has strengthened its leadership team with three senior appointments, promoting Robert Rattray and Scarlett Marshman to associates architects, with Kristy Mogridge positioned in the role of associate and studio coordinator.
Rattray, who joined in 2022 from Scotland, brings extensive international experience and has contributed to key projects including Can:Do Hindmarsh and Ngutu College.
Matthews Architects associate architect Scarlett Marshman. Photo: supplied.
Marshman, with more than five years of experience, has quickly emerged as a valued addition to the firm since joining in 2025. Her contributions have included supporting BIM implementation and mentoring graduates, while working on projects such as the Hahndorf Commercial Precinct and Spider Bill Wines Cellar Door.
Mogridge, who has been with the practice for six years, now oversees a variety of important responsibilities, including marketing, finance and administration.
Matthews Architects associate and studio coordinator Kristy Mogridge. Photo: supplied.
Managing director Gerald Matthews says the appointments reflect their high levels of dedication and impact, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to design excellence and team harmony.
“I’m proud to recognise the contribution of these three team members,” he says. “Their appointments are a reflection of their hard work and dedication, and it’s rewarding to see their growth within the practice. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they have on our team and our projects.”
Woods Bagot brings Simon Lincoln on board as Sydney studio principal
Woods Bagot principal Simon Lincoln. Photo: supplied.
Woods Bagot has welcomed Simon Lincoln as principal in its Sydney studio. Lincoln joins from Make Architects, where he was a partner and Asia Pacific director, leading the Sydney studio there for over a decade. He has more than 20 years of experience on mould-breaking design projects, including Brookfield Place Sydney and The Capella Hotel, both recognised for their influence in reshaping the city’s built environment.
“Simon’s appointment represents a significant addition to our Sydney studio and the broader Woods Bagot global network,” Woods Bagot principal and Sydney studio chair John Prentice says.
“With his strong experience leading design teams on city-shaping projects – ranging from mixed-use developments to high-end hotels, large retail centres and inner-city transport hubs – Simon’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver world-class architecture and design solutions for our clients.”
Lincoln’s international portfolio spans projects in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Beijing, bringing a global perspective to Woods Bagot’s Australia operations. “I’m excited to be joining Woods Bagot at such an exciting time for the practice,” Lincoln says. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the studio’s continued growth and working with the team to deliver exceptional, city-shaping projects.”
Bates Smart appointments across all levels
Bates Smart has announced a new cohort of leaders across its studios, recognising contributions to design innovation, client relationships and project delivery. Matilda Leake, Sun Mi Kang and Joshua Shin have been elevated to associate directors, reflecting their significant role in shaping practice direction.
Ten new associates have also been appointed: Bryan Fan, Miguel Ferreira, Jason Haworth, Jaymz Hingert, Karlita Lam, Ella Marmion, Kathryn Melia, Samantha Poole, Nikko Sudirman, Annika van Leeuwen, Amelia Williams and Celia Yau. Collectively, these promotions demonstrate a clear investment in the studio’s next generation of leadership while underlining the ongoing growth and ambition of Bates Smart as a whole.
Melbourne design studio Wardle appoints new senior staff
Wardle has announced a series of senior appointments that reflect its focus on design innovation and studio culture. Alan Ting has been promoted to principal, while Chloe Lanser, Leigh Hanekom and Adam Kolsrud will move into associate principal roles. Meanwhile, Megan Fraser and Jack Davies join as associates.
Dedicated lead positions have also been created, with Alexandra Morrison as sustainability lead, Justine Makin as communications lead, and, in Melbourne, Di Hu as creative technologist. All positions emphasise Wardle’s focus on nurturing talent, sustainable working practices and innovation in design.
New senior associate appointed at Buchan
Buchan senior associate Peter Beaton. Photo: supplied.
Global design studio Buchan has appointed Peter Beaton as its new senior associate. Based in Sydney, Beaton will be supporting the interiors team across Buchan’s various studios, with a focus on delivering large-scale projects in hospitality, residential and commercial sectors.
Beaton brings more than 25 years’ international experience to the role, including eight years in London where he has involved in several spaces within the luxury department store Fortnum & Mason. On home turf in Australia, he contributed to the Star Casino Sovereign VIP Gaming Room – the largest private gaming room in the country – and the Darling Harbour International Convention Centre.
Buchan director and principal Anthony Palamara asserts that Beaton’s appointment will reflect the expansion of the organisation’s high-end interior portfolio. “Interiors are integral to our overall design approach,” Palamara says, “and having someone of Peter’s calibre and experience on board will substantially strengthen our interiors capability and help grow our top-tier offering.”
Related: View last month’s round-up of industry appointments in architecture and design here.
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