SJB has announced several promotions at their Sydney studio, setting the firm on a strong growth path by recognising the individuals who are shaping the future of the practice.

Jacqueline Connor, Joel Sia, Tamara Kerr, Liam Williamsz and Noel Roche have been promoted as associates, while Rebecca Donoghue, David Maes and Stewart Cowan are the new senior associates at SJB Sydney.

With recent accolades at the National Architecture Awards including 52 Reservoir Street awarded The Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture, Quay Quarter Lanes awarded The Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design, and Newcastle East End highly commended for Urban Design as well as a swath of new competition wins, SJB’s growth remains stronger than ever.

“These promotions acknowledge individuals in our team who have developed their leadership and professional nous working in our studio over the years and now are leading complex architectural and urban design projects,” SJB director Jonathan Knapp says.

“SJB is in a prime position for continued growth as we build on our capabilities in education, health and civic sectors as well as complex and collaborative mixed-use precincts,” Knapp added.

“As a member of the Architects Champions of Change Coalition and strong advocates for equality and equity in the workplace, SJB has committed to achieving gender equity at the leadership level (40-40-20) by 2025 and director level by 2030,” SJB director Adam Haddow says.

“We foresee the directors of SJB in 10-20 years to be those who are working here today. We celebrate those who have been promoted, and look forward to recognising many more of our team who are excelling in our profession,” he notes.

Jacqueline Connor, Associate

Jacqui has an ambitious commitment to providing solutions to design challenges generated through her experience in high-end residential projects. She recently held the position of NSW Chapter Councillor and was previously the National Chair of EmAGN, the Emerging Architects + Graduates Network of the Australian Institute of Architects, and the Chair of the NSW committee (DARCH).

Joel Sia, Associate

Joining SJB in 2013, he has worked across a broad range of complex projects in both urban and architecture. Starting out on the initial phases of Newcastle East End and Showground Precinct, his versatility as a designer has seen him involved in boutique commercial and residential developments such as 100 Harris St and Pienza.

Tamara Kerr, Associate

With SJB since 2015, Tamara works at all scales and phases of a project, primarily leading the delivery of high-end multi-residential developments as well as education and mixed-use projects. A strong advocate for women in the construction industry, Tamara represents SJB as Champions of Change Implementation Leader to deconstruct barriers and foster construction knowledge and growth in younger members of the practice.

Liam Williamsz, Associate

Liam has experience leading the design of large precincts, detailed built form and public domain master plans, interdisciplinary urban design research, competitions and technical built form analysis. He has worked on regeneration projects and community consultation in Sydney and London for public and private clients. Liam is currently working on the master plan for Sydney Olympic Park 2050.

Noel Roche, Associate

Noel is a passionate architect with a rigorous and thoughtful approach to design. He has worked on a number of award-winning architecture practices, both internationally (in Germany and Ireland), and locally in NSW. His wide portfolio spans cultural buildings such as museums and recreation centres, commercial fitouts, multi-residential towers and single residences.

Rebecca Donoghue, Senior Associate

Rebecca has played a key role in several high-profile multi-unit residential, commercial and mixed-use projects as well as completing work for complex public domain projects and smaller alterations and additions to single dwellings. She is versed in timber design and CLT integration and is highly skilled in BIM technologies. Her approach is enhanced by complementary skills in urban design, reflecting a commitment to the built environment that is sensitive to place and makes a positive contribution to the broader urban context.

David Maes, Senior Associate

David’s background in engineering and his experience from his origins in Belgium have translated to his precise communication on projects and highly resolved design outcomes. Since joining SJB in 2018, his contributions to the Nyul Nyul Packing Shed, Canberra Brickworks and most recently, Billyard Avenue, have proven his leadership in our studio. David’s interests in sustainability and new and innovative technologies have enhanced the Sustainability focus group.

Stewart Cowan, Senior Associate

Stewart’s expertise focuses on mixed use multi-residential and commercial building typologies. His contributions to Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore with Lume and the recently completed Huntington demonstrate his ability to manage complex stakeholders and draw out great outcomes during the construction process. Joining SJB in 2017, Stewart’s frank get-it-done approach is enjoyed across the Documentation focus group and throughout our studio.

Photography: Katie Kaars