We have significantly expanded our capabilities with the strategic appointment of three senior leaders across Australia and New Zealand.
The appointments come as unprecedented demand for innovative urban development solutions across the regions’ major cities drives the practice’s continued growth. Building on 27 years of delivering inspiring and impactful projects, we are strengthening our expertise to meet increasing demand for complex, large-scale developments across Australasia.
Sydney studio: strategic mixed-use and community focus
Our Sydney studio, established in 2014 and currently comprising 56 professionals, welcomes John Walsh as Principal. Walsh brings extensive design expertise and international experience spanning five continents across education and community projects, commercial office buildings, and mixed-use developments.
With a diverse portfolio, Walsh is passionate about elevating client briefs to create spaces beyond what is initially envisioned. His experience includes developing urban school models and exploring how educational facilities can be integrated into high-rise contexts.
Walsh's notable previous projects include 50 Hudson Yards (New York's fourth-largest commercial office tower) and MOL Headquarters in Budapest (the tallest building in Hungary). Since joining Plus Architecture, he has been involved in The Lighthouse Mount Druitt – a multimodal arts and community centre for the Salvation Army – and the Inner City School Waterloo project.
Commenting on the appointment, Director Sumedh Kataria said: "John's appointment s5 His international experience with billion-dollar developments and innovative educational facilities directly aligns with our studio's growth trajectory and we anticipate his expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban design in Sydney.”
Queensland studios: multi-residential and design leadership
The practice's Brisbane and Gold Coast studios, comprising 60 professionals managing over $4 billion in active projects, have appointed Edward Armstrong as Senior Associate to support their growing portfolio across multi-residential, commercial, workplace and health sectors.
With over 22 years of industry experience, Armstrong brings expertise in masterplanning, architectural innovation, and design leadership of projects including community buildings and large-scale mixed-use developments. He is known for his ability to conceptualise and deliver visionary solutions across diverse project scales, while having a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of architects.
Armstrong's recent major projects include a 6 tower mixed development in West End, Brisbane with an end value of over $2.1B, the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital for Health Infrastructure NSW and the Rockhampton Museum of Art for Rockhampton City Council, reflecting his ability to manage large, complex developments.
Commenting on the appointment, Director Danny Juric said: "Edward's leadership arrives at a pivotal time as our Brisbane and Gold Coast studios expand across multi-residential, commercial and health sectors. With 75 active projects in Queensland, Edward's masterplanning expertise and proven delivery capability will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations, driving our continued pursuit of design excellence and market leadership in these strategic growth areas.”
New Zealand studio: expanding trans-Tasman capabilities
New Zealand operations, established in Christchurch in 2015 and Auckland in 2016, have strengthened their leadership with the promotion of Elke Vermeulen to Senior Associate. Based in Auckland and servicing projects across New Zealand, Vermeulen brings 15 years of architectural experience and proven expertise in managing complex, large-scale developments.
With particular strength in multi-residential, justice sector and hospitality projects, Vermeulen has established herself as a versatile leader. Her portfolio includes major developments such as Pacifica Penthouses and multiple projects for the Ministry of Justice, Police and St Cuthbert's College, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex project requirements while maintaining strong client relationships.
Commenting on the appointment, Director Hamish Davies said: "Elke's promotion comes at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our trans-Tasman operations. Her deep understanding of the New Zealand market, combined with her proven delivery capability, will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and pursuing new opportunities across our target sectors. We see Elke as fundamental to our continued work in positioning Plus Architecture as a market leader in New Zealand."