After nine years at DKO, Daniel Nolan has been promoted to Senior Associate—a testament to his expertise in architecture, planning, and urban design.

Having played a pivotal role in shaping some of Sydney’s most significant residential and mixed-use developments, Nolan’s promotion marks an exciting new chapter for both him and the practice.

In this conversation with Architecture & Design, he reflects on his journey at DKO, the challenges and opportunities of navigating the NSW planning system, and his vision for the future of architecture in Western Sydney and beyond. 

Architecture & Design: Congratulations on your promotion! How does it feel to step into the role of Senior Associate at DKO?

Daniel Nolan: Thank you! It feels incredibly rewarding to take on this new role at DKO. The promotion is a sign of trust from our directors and an opportunity to further contribute to the practice’s vision of growth whilst delivering impactful designs.  I am excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly as we embark on some of our most significant projects in Sydney.

You’ve been with DKO for nine years—what have been some of the key moments in your journey that led to this achievement?

Transformative opportunities have shaped my professional journey at DKO Architecture. While still completing my architectural studies, I joined DKO when the practice was rapidly growing and establishing itself as a leader in the multi-residential sector.

Early in my career, I contributed to some of Sydney’s first design excellence competitions, including the landmark EVE apartment project in Erskineville. This transformative development reimagined the industrial fabric of its context into what is now a vibrant residential precinct.

As I progressed, I had the privilege of working on a diverse range of significant design competitions and projects, including 85 Harrington Street, 189 Kent Street, The Quadrangle in Castlecrag, Huntley Green in Alexandria, Leppington Town Centre, the Gosford Waterfront, and Nelson Street in Chatswood to name a few. These experiences refined my approach to architecture, offering me an intimate understanding of the complex interplay between design conception, planning approvals, and project delivery. (*whilst at FJCstudio, formerly FJMTstudio)

Over time, the scale and complexity of my projects have grown, yet my commitment to delivering architecture that enhances the urban fabric, responds sensitively to its context, and fosters meaningful connections has remained at the core of my practice. This ethos continues to guide my contributions to DKO and the broader built environment.
 

Your expertise in the NSW planning system has been highlighted as a major asset. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in navigating this system, and how have you overcome them?

The NSW planning system is dynamic and multifaceted, shaped by the involvement of many stakeholders and is underpinned by ever-changing policies. One of the key hurdles I’ve encountered is the resistance some projects face during the approvals process, even after achieving design excellence through GANSW-mandated competitions. These projects, while often delivering the best outcomes for their sites, may not fully align with planning controls. This misalignment can lead to resistance from authorities despite the design's inherent quality and contextual appropriateness.

Overcoming these challenges requires bringing all stakeholders - clients, architects, planners, and authorities - to the table for open and transparent discussions. Collaboration is critical to bridging gaps between design aspirations and regulatory frameworks. By fostering alignment on a shared vision, we can collectively ensure that thoughtfully designed housing is delivered efficiently and in a way that benefits both the community and the site.

Ultimately, my expertise lies in guiding clients through these complexities, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring projects gain the necessary, and often concurrent approvals without compromising design integrity or quality.

Can you share any insights into the upcoming housing and mixed-use projects you’ll be leading this year?

This year, I'll lead several transformative projects with the potential to deliver around 2,000 much-needed apartments, addressing both market and affordable housing demands. These include a mixed-use precinct adjacent to Leppington Station and two previous competition-winning designs at Gosford Waterfront and Chatswood. Each project is of a city-shaping scale and provides high-quality housing, setting new standards for integrated urban living. By prioritising thoughtful public spaces and strong urban design outcomes, these projects will act as "first movers" in their precincts, creating benchmarks that inspire future developments and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

How do you see your new role influencing the future direction of DKO’s work in NSW?

As a Senior Associate, I will focus on strengthening DKO’s presence in NSW by championing design excellence and building lasting, collaborative relationships with our clients and across the built environment industry. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to mentor emerging talent within our practice, nurturing their growth and encouraging innovative thinking. I aim to ensure that every project reflects DKO’s values, design ethos and commitment to creating meaningful, impactful spaces that resonate with clients and communities.

What excites you most about the projects you’ll be leading, particularly in the Aerotropolis Growth Corridor and Western Sydney?

The Aerotropolis Growth Corridor presents an unparalleled opportunity to redefine urban development in NSW. What excites me most is the chance to embed community-focused urban principles at the heart of this transformation while embracing innovative, forward-thinking planning strategies. Western Sydney’s diverse and vibrant communities provide a rich tapestry for creating tailored, site-specific responses that celebrate the region’s unique identity. Many of these sites offer a blank canvas, enabling us to push boundaries, foster creativity, and lay a strong foundation for the region’s sustainable and inclusive future growth.

Sustainability and community impact are key themes in your work—how do you plan to further these priorities in your new role?

Sustainability and community impact are central to my approach to architecture. In my new role, I plan to further these priorities by deepening our commitment to designing site-specific and community-centred projects. Architecture is inherently a collective art form, where the richness of a project is brought to life through the communities it serves.

I firmly believe in the principles of regionalism—every project must respond thoughtfully to its unique site and context to create meaningful and enduring solutions. By prioritising the needs of the people at the heart of our projects, we design spaces that foster a sense of belonging and care for the environment. This creates places with lasting value, supporting the communities they serve and broader sustainability goals by promoting resilience and the place's longevity. Through this approach, I aim to shape projects that leave a positive and lasting legacy.

 

What advice would you give to younger architects aspiring to progress into leadership roles within the industry?

Stay curious and committed to designing solutions that are deeply responsive to the site and its context. Embrace opportunities to work across diverse project scales and view challenges as valuable opportunities for growth and learning—they often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

Seek a practice that aligns with your values and design philosophy, and prioritise building strong, collaborative relationships with your team. Take the time to explore how the best outcomes can be achieved, balancing creativity with practicality. Embrace the power of mentorship and remain open to learning from everyone, regardless of their experience level.

I’ve been fortunate to have the directors at DKO play a significant role in my professional growth, and I’m excited to continue that legacy by guiding and supporting the next generation of architects.

How has DKO’s company culture and mentorship played a role in your career development over the years?

DKO’s collaborative culture has been instrumental in my professional growth. The practice offers the opportunity to work on transformative projects within an environment that prioritises innovation, learning, and excellence. A key part of this is the experience gained from working with our integrated teams across architecture, interiors, and landscape design. This multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach shaped my early learnings of how these disciplines come together to create exceptional places.

At DKO, we believe that culture shapes success. While strategy provides direction, a positive, collaborative culture fuels innovation and transforms ideas into realities. The trust and guidance I’ve received at DKO have shaped my design approach, fostered creativity, and enabled me to develop as a leader committed to delivering exceptional outcomes.

Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional goals as you embark on this new chapter at DKO?

Professionally, I aim to lead projects that set new benchmarks in delivering community-focused urban spaces. Personally, I look forward to working hand in hand with the next generation of architects and contributing to a built environment that leaves a legacy. My goal is to continue learning and evolving while driving meaningful change in the communities we serve.

As I begin this new chapter at DKO, my professional goal is to lead projects that redefine what it means to create urban spaces that are genuinely responsive to the communities they serve. I’m eager to work alongside emerging designers within and outside of DKO, sharing my knowledge while learning from their fresh perspectives and shaping a built environment that has a lasting impact. I’m focused on continuous growth—personally and professionally—striving to drive projects that meet today’s needs and contribute meaningfully to the future of our cities and the people who live in them.

Image: Daniel Nolan / Louise Hawson