Buchan has announced a number of new appointments to its operations, signalling a major shift for the design studio.

Three of the practice’s Principals have become key sector leaders, with Valerie Mack will take the helm of Interiors for the firm, while Harvey Male will assume Living and Phil Schoutrop will lead the Precinct sector (Retail/Mixed-Use).

Buchan CEO Stephen Auld says the firm is moving to a common platform to ensure its expertise across Australia, New Zealand and China remains consistent. 

“The nature of our work has evolved and the expectations of the marketplace are ever-changing,” he says.

“This means our clients will now have access to Buchan’s collective creative strength and broad research base, regardless of their geographic location.

“It enables our clients to leverage the unparalleled experience and strategic guidance of Buchan’s talent pool of 250 architects and designers from around the world, as well as our global alliance with Nikken Sekkei.”

Auld indicates the “blended" nature of Buchan’s cohesive sectors is on show with the firm’s current major projects, including the $1 billion masterplanned community Cockburn Quarter in Western Australia. 

“The change of direction also provides diverse career opportunities for our people and will drive future growth at Buchan,” he says.

Please find more information regarding the new appointments below. 

Valerie Mack - Interiors sector lead

Valerie has enjoyed a stellar career in interior design both nationally and internationally. Her portfolio encompasses the design of many significant projects throughout Asia Pacific in the hospitality, commercial, residential and retail sectors, including the Walk Arcade development.

Based in Melbourne, Valerie will spearhead Buchan’s design team focused on the creation of workplace, hospitality, co-work and hotel destinations.

“Design of interior spaces should help to convey a unique personality that connects to both existing and prospective users, enhancing the brand experience and supporting both physical and emotional needs,” she says.

Harvey Male - Living sector lead

Harvey will lead the Living arm of Buchan’s residential, hospitality, and build-to-rent (BTR) portfolio, recognising the enormous value and opportunity that BTR presents in Australia.

A practicing architect of more than 30 years, Harvey brings extensive knowledge of residential, community focused living and BTR success in the UK and US to the role.

His most recent work spans hotel, residential, commercial, cultural and mixed-use architectural projects in Australia, India, Japan, Korea and China.

The announcement comes with procurement of Buchan’s first Australian BTR project in Brisbane.

“BTR has grown exponentially in the UK through the pandemic,” Harvey says. “Even with restrictions, the model has allowed people access to amenity and service in their immediate neighbourhoods because the design is driven by human experience. We are confident and excited by the opportunity a BTR asset class holds for Australia.”

Phil Schoutrop - Precinct sector lead

Phil brings more than 25 years of international experience in commercial architecture to Buchan’s Precinct (retail and mixed-use) stronghold.

Based in Brisbane, he has led projects in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, China, India and Africa for a broad client base, including Lend Lease, Vicinity and AMP, CapitaLand, Hongkong Land and Apple.

Buchan has a demonstrated history in creating exceptional design and commercial outcomes for its retail and mixed-use clients — big and small.

“Successful developments create a strong sense of belonging and it is this feeling that generates loyalty and a sense of community.” he says.

“We need to rethink what it means to engage the needs and lifestyles of individuals. Personalised experiences are at the heart of blended projects in the future.”

Image: (L-R) Harvey Male, Valerie Mack & Phil Schoutrop. Supplied.