HDR’s Melbourne studio has been bolstered via a number of internal appointments, designed to enhance the practice’s design and technical leadership capabilities.
The new architecture leadership team comprises Studio Leader Karen Curtis (top, below left), Associate Directors Huey Moo (second from left), Brendan Grayson (second from right) and Simone Benvenuti (right). The leaders and their team will look to increase the practice’s influence in the region and across the globe, forging stronger relationships with colleagues, partners and clients.
HDR’s Melbourne studio has grown exponentially in the last year, tripling in size to house 50 employees. Karen Curtis’ expertise as a highly accomplished Health Director makes her the ideal candidate to lead the studio into its new chapter.
“As an employee-owned practice with design and technical leadership, I am eager to embrace the true value of our local and global footprint in the heart of Melbourne,” she says.
“By tapping into our knowledge, data and technology exchange, we can respond to Melbourne’s market forces at speed.”
The Victorian Health Building Authority’s $675 million Community Hospitals Program, CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Part Life Re-fit and the Riverina Redevelopment Program are all being delivered by HDR. The $1 billion New Dunedin Hospital in New Zealand will also be worked on by the Melbourne outpost. These projects follow on from HDR’s designs for the Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre, scheduled to open later this year.
With new typologies emerging, Curtis is also committed to recruiting emerging talent and working with HDR’s next generation of practice leaders to create meaningful employee experiences. “We are in an exciting phase of growth,” says HDR Managing Principal Cate Cowlishaw.
“With a strong Melbourne leader, we are well-positioned to lead from the front and elevate the communities, industries and professions we serve with empathy and forward-thinking.”
