Embarking on its 25th year as a practice, Plus Architecture has announced 12 new senior appointments across its Australia and New Zealand studios to cap off 2022.
The appointments include the promotion of nine existing employees, with three new hires made in key roles. Two of these hires are in newly created positions, which will foster the growth of the practice.
The acquisitions and promotions are part of a future focussed strategy adopted by Plus, which looks forward to facilitating the practice’s continued growth and capabilities as it enters the next quarter-century. Plus has grown hugely across the Asia-Pacific, and now houses over 200 creatives within its studios across a range of talent and design expertise.
Plus Architecture Director Ian Briggs says the practice has looked to unearth and foster great talent, while providing support and structure for them and allow them to thrive.
“In our industry, talent is more than just resourcing work, it is intrinsically linked to the quality of client outcomes, which is why employment and engagement for us is about finding individuals who are skilled, creative, innovative and embrace our culture of pushing creative boundaries,” he says.
“Across 25 years of business, one core factor has remained steadfast - never wait for a prospect to knock before resourcing, if you see great talent make the proactive move and let the work opportunities follow.
“We are proud of our people, and proud that Plus Architecture is a company that both attracts and retains world-class creatives.”
Please find the full list of Plus Architecture’s new appointments below.
Gabriel Duque, Principal, Sydney: Offers more than 25 years’ of industry experience and has been a key part of the Plus Architecture team since 2018. With a proven track record in design and delivery of large-scale high-end projects, Duque is also a specialist in sustainable development.
Brendan Murray, Principal, Sydney: A new addition to the Plus team after having spent two decades earning a reputation for design excellence. His portfolio of major projects includes award-winning work, and his passion for place-making and active design has earned him a number of individual honours.
Zach Kwong, Senior Associate, Sydney: Has extensive experience in leading complex projects that require a high degree of collaboration and coordination within a multidisciplinary team. Rejoining Plus in 2021, he offers an unrivalled grasp of construction procurement processes that strengthen the effective management of large projects, design teams and delivery of cost effective outcomes.
Alvin Sim, Senior Associate, Sydney: Has been with Plus for three of his 18-year strong career in architecture. He combines his local and international experience to deliver thoroughly considered human-centred designs for commercial, residential, health, education and mixed-use projects.
Mahtab Bahrami, Associate, Sydney: First joining Plus in 2016, Mahtab has built up over 18 years’ experience of architectural practice, including over a decade overseas. She has worked on a wide range of projects including multi-unit residential complexes, aged care facilities, mixed-use developments, and Metro and LRT Stations across UAE, Iran and Australia.
Rafa Jurado Giner, Associate, Sydney: Hailing from Spain, Rafa joined Plus in 2018 and boasts 12 years total experience. He has demonstrated strong design versatility working on projects across the senior living and multi residential sectors while also delving into the masterplanning of several urban development projects.
Yvette Cooper, Operations Manager, Sydney: New to Plus, Yvette has more than seven years’ experience in office administration and executive support. Her astute oversight of the studio is fast becoming integral to human resourcing, event management, financial operations teams as well as supporting Plus’ three busy Sydney Directors and the wider team.
Rebecca Wright, Principal, Brisbane & Gold Coast: Rebecca is one of Plus Brisbane’s founding members and boasts more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. She has led and contributed to the success of diverse projects spanning workplace, residential, commercial, hospitality, government and retail - both locally and nationally.
Chrisney Formosa, Senior Associate, Brisbane: Joining Plus in 2016, Chrisney is an experienced design leader with over a decade of experience. Highly skilled in design with a formidable eye for detail, Chrisney leads teams in the early stages of a project to conceptualise, design and deliver compelling concept design, presentation and town planning packages for Plus Architecture's large portfolio of projects in Queensland.
Marcel Pradella, Senior Associate, Brisbane: As a Senior Associate, Marcel who joined the practice in 2020, specialises in the design and delivery of medium to large scale projects, predominantly located across Queensland’s coastline.
Erin Loudon, Operations Manager, Melbourne: As the Operations Manager at Plus Architecture in Melbourne, Erin is the glue that holds the creative teams together, focusing on the day-to-day processes and activities that keep the studio supported and thriving. Joining Plus in 2019 as a Personal Assistant to the Directors, she now enthusiastically embraces her diverse and fast-paced role as Operations Manager where no two days are ever the same.
Marc Ritmester, Associate, Auckland: As an architect with 25+ years’ experience Marc has a talent for building highly collaborative and long-lasting relationships with clients to exceed expectations. He has a passion for the technical aspects of architecture, combining exceptional attention to detail with human-centred design. He offers a rare talent for leading multi-disciplinary teams effectively while still pushing the limits of technological design.
