HDR’s Melbourne Studio Elevates Design & Technical Leadership Capability

HDR has bolstered its Melbourne studio leadership team with key elevations and hires across the architecture practice following a period of significant growth. The new architecture leadership team comprises Studio Leader Karen Curtis, supported by Associate Directors Simone Benvenuti, Huey Moo and Brendan Grayson. Together, they are building on the studio’s strong foundation and collaborating with colleagues, partners and clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and across the globe.

The HDR Melbourne studio has tripled in size over the past 12 months, comprising of over 50 staff, and as a highly accomplished health director with international experience Curtis is expertly placed to propel the studio into its next phase of growth.

“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,” Curtis said. “By tapping into our knowledge, data and technology exchange, we can respond to Melbourne’s market forces at speed.”

Three of HDR’s most significant projects are being delivered from Melbourne, and since Curtis came onboard as project director of HDR’s two largest health projects the studio has been going from strength-to-strength. Major projects include: 

• Victorian Health Building Authority’s $675 million Community Hospitals Program: 10 new community hospitals that will provide Victorians with improved access to a broad range of walk-in hospital, community health and social care services closer to home.
• CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Part Life Re-fit: High-containment laboratories that can prevent and respond to exotic and emerging animal and zoonotic diseases.
• Riverina Redevelopment Program: An $1.8 billion project that stretches across three defence establishments, being jointly delivered between our Melbourne and Sydney studios.
• The $1 billion New Dunedin Hospital: The largest health-related building project in New Zealand’s history.

These projects are building on the recent completion of Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre, which is scheduled to open 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,” said 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.”

HDR’s Melbourne studio now comprises over 50 staff who form part of the 200-strong Australian business.