HDR Appoints Alison Potter as Design Principal in Melbourne
HDR has appointed Alison Potter as design principal in its Melbourne studio — an important milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to design excellence. Her arrival coincides with the studio’s relocation to a new space designed to foster open collaboration between architecture and engineering disciplines and a strong, design-led culture.
She brings over two decades of experience spanning architecture, master planning, and urban design, underpinned by a deep commitment to regenerative design, innovation and socially responsive outcomes. She joins HDR after holding senior design leadership positions at internationally renowned firms including Grimshaw, Hassell and Foster + Partners. Her portfolio covers sectors such as health, transport, aviation, tourism, arts and culture, data centres, residential and education — anchored by a strong foundation in urban design and master planning.
“Joining HDR presents an exciting opportunity to deepen the dialogue around environmentally responsive architecture in highly complex and technical buildings,” Potter said. “I’m looking forward to driving design outcomes that not only put its users at the centre but are also innovative and deeply responsive to place, ecology, and community.”
In her new role, Potter will serve as a conduit between HDR’s global expertise and the local market, shaping infrastructure-led outcomes that go beyond functionality to deliver social, environmental, and cultural value.
“Design is not just a product — it’s a process of continuous exploration,” Potter added. “What inspires me is the chance to shape a studio where design culture thrives and ideas are brought to life through tactile, collaborative practices — from drawings on the wall to model-making and hands-on material testing.”
“Potter's appointment comes at a pivotal time for HDR in Melbourne,” said Huai Lim, managing principal of architecture at HDR. “Her leadership will be central to shaping our next phase of growth, embedding design excellence into our new studio, and strengthening our presence in a fast-evolving market.”
Potter is a Living Future Accredited Professional (LFA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Climate Action and Sustainability Committee. She is also a design review panellist for the Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) and the City of Melbourne.
