Plus Architecture is opening three new studios in some of Australia’s fastest growing regional locations, as part of a new strategy to leverage emerging opportunities to shape the sustainable expansion of Geelong, Hobart and Adelaide.
The announcement reflects a period of strong growth for the practice, which now has 10 studios across Australia and New Zealand; and places Plus Architecture’s experienced team at the forefront of a new wave of development.
Each of the new studios will be led by experienced members of Plus Architecture’s existing team, leveraging the practice’s international network and more than 25 years’ of experience in delivering design innovation and world-class architectural solutions.
As these cities continue to experience accelerated development post-pandemic, Plus Architecture Director Patric Przeradzki believes establishing an on-the-ground presence uniquely positions the practice to be best placed to shape the future of these cities.
“Offering more affordable, well-balanced lifestyles and vibrant cultural experiences, Geelong, Hobart and Adelaide are fast becoming popular destinations for people moving away from our largest cities. With this exciting period of growth comes increased demand for new well-designed developments and improved infrastructure that provide long-term strategic solutions for communities,” Przeradzki says.
“We already have a strong network and existing project portfolio in these regions, so establishing a local presence is a natural next step for Plus Architecture.” Plus Architecture Director Ian Briggs adds that post-pandemic population growth trends in cities like Geelong, Hobart and Adelaide are providing exciting long-term opportunities to enrich their built environment.
“We see the development of these dynamic regional cities as important priorities in Australia’s future, and look forward to working hand-in-hand with local industry and government to improve the day-to-day lives of these local communities,” Briggs says.
Geelong
As the Studio Lead in Geelong, Project Architect Dominic Versace will provide crucial leadership in expanding Plus Architecture’s cross-sector portfolio in what is now the nation’s second fastest growing city.
After completing his architectural studies at Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront Campus, Versace joined Plus Architecture’s Melbourne studio in 2017 and has since demonstrated his well-rounded leadership experience across all project stages and his ability to deliver high-quality architectural solutions.
An advocate for regional development, and in line with the recently approved Central Geelong Framework, Versace is committed to Plus Architecture’s vision to play an instrumental role in shaping a thriving hub for current and future generations and support emerging architects through mentorship opportunities for local students.
Hobart
The Hobart studio will be led by Tasmania-local and Project Architect Georgina Hall. Having worked in Plus Architecture’s Perth studio since 2017, Georgina returned to Hobart earlier this year. Plus Architecture Director Ian Briggs, who also hails from Tasmania, will be working closely to support the Hobart team.
As Tasmania experiences an uplift in population and tourism numbers, the Hobart studio will seek to work with local stakeholders to boost the supply of affordable, environmentally-friendly housing, healthcare, education and other critical infrastructure.
Adelaide
Senior Associates, Areej Hashmi-Weyman and Wayne Schiller, will be at the heart of the Adelaide studio’s vision to support the long-term growth of the city, with the population forecast to increase by 20,000 people in the next 20 years.
Hashmi-Weyman previously worked with Plus Architecture in Melbourne, before moving to Adelaide in 2022, re-joining the practice this year. Schiller, originally from South Australia, joined Plus in 2022. Having both worked in urban design and architecture internationally for over 20 years, Hashmi-Weyman and Schiller bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the Adelaide studio. Together, they will be focussed on expanding Plus Architecture’s portfolio in South Australia with the healthcare, aged-care, hospitality and education sectors among their key priorities.
The new teams in Geelong, Hobart and Adelaide are now focussing on deepening their connections with local government and industry and expanding existing project portfolios, as part of Plus Architecture’s ongoing commitment to shaping long-term architectural solutions for communities across Asia-Pacific.