Architecture studio Crone Partners has announced the promotion of Michael Banak to Director, and Niall Durney to Practice Director and Design Studio Director.

In a statement released by the firm, these promotions plan for the continued growth of the business in both new and existing markets.

Michael Banak

With 18 years of architectural experience working on large Master Plan developments and Commercial, Residential and Retail projects under his belt, Banak first joined Crone Partners in 1994, and is now the firm’s new Practice Director.

He manages a number of design and documentation teams for projects in Australia and overseas, specialising in overseas project collaborations, façade technology and Environmentally Sustainable Design.

Banak has also worked extensively on Australian and international projects located in the UAE, USA, China, India, Philippines and recently in Papua New Guinea. Some of his noted projects include 400 George Street, World Square Ernst & Young Centre, 275 George Street (5 Star Green Star certified).

Niall Durney

Durney first joined Crone Partners in 2012 to take on a design leadership role within the firm, and has now been made Practice Director. Focusing on International projects and competitions, he leads small to large teams on the concept and design development on a variety of projects, from specialist Laboratory works, Rail Infrastructure to large scale Commercial and Residential towers.

He previously worked for PTW architects as a Senior Design Architect where he led the concept design translation of the Sydney CBD Metro scheme in association with RSHP.

Durney currently coordinates a Masters Studio in Design at The University of Technology Sydney, School of Architecture, and has been visiting critic and teacher since 2007.

Images: cronepartners.com.