Alison Potter

Alison is a design principal in our Melbourne studio. She brings over two decades of experience spanning architecture, master planning, and urban design, underpinned by a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and socially responsive outcomes. Prior to joining HDR, she held senior design leadership positions at internationally renowned firms including Grimshaw, Hassell, and Foster + Partners.

Her diverse portfolio includes projects across health, transport, aviation, tourism, arts and culture, data centres, residential, and education — anchored by a strong foundation in urban design and master planning. Notable projects include the award-winning Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, the New Mount Barker Hospital redevelopment, and the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct.

In her role at HDR, Alison serves as a conduit between global expertise and the local market, shaping infrastructure-led outcomes that go beyond functionality to deliver social, environmental, and cultural value. She also leads initiatives to strengthen our design culture, creating a studio environment that empowers teams to question, prototype, and challenge convention.

A passionate advocate for regenerative design and low-carbon development, Alison is a Living Future Accredited Professional (LFA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Climate Action and Sustainability Committee. She also serves as a Design Review panellist for the Office of Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) and the City of Melbourne.