Huai Lim joins HDR as Managing Principal of Architecture

HDR has appointed Huai Lim as Managing Principal of its Australian architecture practice. 

As the studio enters a new phase of strategic growth across the Asia-Pacific region, outgoing Managing Principal Cate Cowlishaw will transition into the newly created role of Regional Business Development Director. 

As Managing Principal, Lim will oversee the continued strategic growth and evolution of the practice, further strengthening its commitment to exceptional design, enduring client relationships and sustainable growth across the Australian studios. 

“I am looking forward to being part of an employee-owned business driven by 13,000 people across the globe,” Lim says. 

“HDR’s global knowledge exchange and unique innovation capability will challenge my design thinking and inspire my approach that is founded on people leadership and strong design delivery for our clients and, ultimately, our communities.” 

With over 24 years of multidisciplinary experience across the health, science, defence, transport and civic sectors, Lim joins HDR from Arcadis where she was Managing Director of Places. 

Previously, she led the architecture and engineering team at Jacobs across New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand. During her 20+ year tenure, she was responsible for regional growth and project delivery and talent, successfully delivering on the company’s global strategy. 

Lim describes her leadership style as inherently collaborative and inclusive across all levels of experience and seniority. 

“We are, after all, only as good as our last project, and our projects are delivered by our people,” Lim says. 

“HDR carries immense pride through its commitment to delivering projects that generate positive social impact alongside its clients and partners.” 

Lim is looking forward to working with design teams to leverage HDR’s Data-Driven Design (D3) capability, innovate across disciplines, and solve clients’ complex, multifaceted challenges. 

“These strategic appointments present a unique opportunity to enhance our design and technical leadership across the region, and reinforce our commitment to the communities, industries, and professions we serve,” says Brendan Botha, Country Director of Operations at HDR. 

“It’s fantastic to have Huai on board and I look forward to our next phase of sustainable growth in the region.” 

Based in Melbourne, Lim has been a mentor at the Australian Institute of Architects and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), as well as an active sponsor and guest lecturer at the University of Melbourne as part of her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and the architectural profession. 

She is also a volunteer at Fitted for Work, an organisation dedicated to supporting women and gender-diverse jobseekers prepare for the workforce.

Image: Huai Lim / supplied