HDR Adds Brisbane to Australian Architecture Practice
HDR has established its architecture presence in Brisbane, advancing the firm's growth across architecture and engineering in Queensland and marking the next phase of investment in its Australian architecture practice.
Building on the momentum of opening an integrated Melbourne studio in 2025, the architecture team is joining HDR's existing Brisbane workplace in the central business district (CBD) alongside its transportation and building engineering teams. The move expands HDR's ability to support clients across health, science, education, defence, transportation, mission critical, and digital infrastructure markets.
Huai Lim, HDR managing principal of architecture, said the expansion reflects HDR's long-term commitment to its Australian practice.
“Brisbane represents an important gateway to future growth opportunities across Australia,” Lim said. “By bringing together our multidisciplinary expertise, we can deliver integrated solutions that help clients navigate increasingly complex challenges, unlock new opportunities and create lasting value for our communities.”
Sam Faigen, technology, media and telecommunications sector leader, said Queensland's growth trajectory presents significant opportunities for integrated design and delivery.
“Expanding our presence in Brisbane enables us to work more closely with clients and partners to design high-performance environments that support innovation, economic growth and long-term resilience.”
“Increasingly, our clients are seeking teams that can bring together diverse expertise to solve complex challenges across the built environment.”
Supporting this growth is a strengthened leadership team spanning architecture, interiors, planning, design leadership and project delivery. The practice includes 137 architecture professionals supported by more than 250 people across HDR's entire business in Australia.
Graeme Spencer, education and science principal at HDR, said the expansion speaks to the increasing role of design in supporting Australia's sovereign capability and innovation priorities.
“Research, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and industry are becoming increasingly interconnected. The challenge is no longer to design individual buildings in isolation, but to create connected environments and precincts where people, technology and industry can work together effectively.”
HDR’s Australian architecture practice has grown from its long-established Sydney base into a connected national network spanning Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with an expanding presence in Perth, Adelaide and Darwin.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, HDR is now a global company specialising in architecture, engineering, environmental, and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
