Gray Puksand has announced the appointment of Aurelia Gachet as Associate of its Melbourne outpost, strengthening its evolving health and science team.

With over a decade of design experience, Gachet has worked on a number of major health infrastructure projects, including The Royal Children’s Hospital and Bendigo Base Hospital in Victoria. Gachet’s delivery of the Cabrini Health Gandel Wing, claimed to be the world’s most beautiful hospital by Vogue Australia, is regarded as a career highlight.

Gachet says the opportunity to join Gray Puksand, who is currently branching into the healthcare sector, as exhilarating.

“There is so much to do, with so much potential. Joining a team in its early stages allows you to have input in shaping exciting journeys with logistical, technical, and resourcing support from an established organisation. The pressure is real, but the forecast of opportunities is extremely positive,” she says.

“Collaborating with inspiring individuals such as Quentin Siek, Greg Wines, and Robert Puksand brings a lot of fun to the design process. They are all experienced, calm, and generous, which brings a grounding quality to our sector team.”

Founding Partner Robert Puksand echoes Gachet’s enthusiasm.

“Gray Puksand has made a conscientious decision in expanding its growth and investment in the health and science sector,” he says.

“With a wealth of valuable experience to draw from, I look forward to witnessing Aurelia’s contribution to the growth of our emerging health and science sector, sharing her expertise with colleagues and clients alike, and ultimately growing Gray Puksand’s influence in this field.

“With a dedicated, hard-working team of skilled, experienced, and passionate designers, we are ambitiously aiming to become a preferred design partner of healthcare organisations nationally.”

Gachet frequently lectures on architecture practices at Melbourne University, while lending her experience previously to both Monash University and RMIT University.

“My passion for healthcare architecture stems from my belief that people’s well-being and the ambition of enriching human experience should be at the core of every building, so I decided that rather than work in a hospital, I should design them instead,” she says.

“With the pandemic and subsequent recent findings of the Royal Commission after COVID-19, we have been provided with the opportunity to question all aspects of existing healthcare models, including mental health and aged-care facilities.

“I am excited about my future and look forward to continuing to grow the health and science sector at Gray Puksand alongside an incredible team.”

Gray Puksand’s current health and science portfolio includes the likes of Queensland Health, Melbourne Health, Northern Health, Austin Health, Peninsula Health, The Royal Women’s Hospital, and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre.