With changes to the ownership of the business over the last 12 months, DesignInc Adelaide has announced a new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure its continued success within the architecture industry in South Australia. The new management roles will streamline business operations in the six portfolios of Strategy, People + Culture, Finance, Business Development, Service Delivery and Systems + Process.
Managing Director, Richard Stafford, provides executive mentoring to the ELT. His portfolio includes Business Strategy and Performance, Risk Management and Design Excellence. Richard is committed to ensuring the Adelaide studio is the best place to work and do business. Considering his high level of responsibility, we asked Richard who he looks to for inspiration. ‘I look to new and emerging industry leaders for ideas that will enable us to build a supportive, collaborative culture at DesignInc Adelaide. The world has changed significantly over the last three decades. The types of projects we focus on are complex and require excellent communication and teamwork. Now more than ever, collaboration and culture are vital cornerstones of a successful architectural practice,’ he said. ‘Through sharing the knowledge I have gained over decades as a business owner, I look forward to seeing the team grow into their new roles.’
Director Ben Zoontjens manages the portfolio of People + Culture that includes HR, Recruitment, WHS, CPD, Mentoring, Culture and Wellbeing. Ben said that the most satisfying part of his role is seeing the personal and professional growth of DesignInc Adelaide’s team. ‘Our culture is about promoting professional growth in a supportive environment and providing the flexibility to adapt as personal situations change,’ he said.
Carol Eckert is a chartered accountant who has supported the business through the many challenges and opportunities of the last decade. Her portfolio covers Finance, Assets and Investments and has expanded to include Office Support and Facilities. She comments, ‘DesignInc Adelaide has changed and grown so much since I joined. It’s been satisfying to be part of this growth as it evolves into an efficient, successful business.’
The world has changed significantly over the last three decades. The types of projects we focus on are complex and require excellent communication and teamwork. Now more than ever, collaboration and culture are vital cornerstones of a successful architectural practice.
Richard Stafford
Managing Director, DesignInc Adelaide
The portfolio of Business Development, which incorporates Brand Management and Communications, is led by architect and Senior Associate Ben Luppino. Ben joined DesignInc Adelaide as a Graduate of Architecture in 2006 with a passion for designing stadiums and large gathering spaces for communities. When asked about his new role, Ben said, ‘Working within the executive team is inspiring and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. My role will focus on how our studio can continue to work with our clients and professional partners in a way that creates socially meaningful spaces and builds on our reputation as leaders in the industry.
Architect and Senior Associate Sonya Montgomerie will lead the Service Delivery of DesignInc Adelaide through Strategic Workforce Planning, Resourcing, Project Planning and Reporting. She enjoys the technical challenges of complex buildings, sites and design briefs. ‘My vision centres around delivering high-quality outcomes for clients; growing our individual and business capability, and making space for the “good stuff” like design, professional development, mentoring and coaching,’ said Sonya.
Doug McCusker also joined DesignInc Adelaide as a Graduate of Architecture over 10 years ago. He will lead the portfolio of Systems + Processes that include Compliance, Technology and Security. Doug said, ‘I became an architect because I am fascinated by synergy. Working within the architecture industry allows me to explore this on many levels, from understanding the day-to-day user experience and leading a team, to the details of how a building is constructed.’
The Adelaide directors are confident the strengths and combined experiences of the new Executive Leadership Team will move the studio forward during a particularly turbulent time – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and continue to deliver projects that enhance our way of life in Australia.
DesignInc is proud to announce that we have achieved dual Climate Active certification, which certifies both our Services and Organisation. Currently, DesignInc is the only architecture practice in Australia that holds Climate Active certification for Service.
esignInc Adelaide is pleased to announce the addition of Design Management to its multi-disciplinary studio. Recognising the increasing complexity in the design and construction industries, we are introducing this new service to provide added value to our clients and their projects. We welcome Kat Povey to our Adelaide studio and look forward to her building the Design Management capability across our team.
Directors Richard Stafford and Ben Zoontjens are pleased to welcome Sonya Montgomerie and Ben Luppino as new directors for DesignInc Adelaide. The promotions double Adelaide’s directors from two to four. The four Adelaide directors look forward to working together as the Adelaide studio and the broader industry continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges.
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the progress and accomplishments of the past 12 months. For DesignInc studios in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, it has been a year of community engagement, growth and celebration.
DesignInc has joined Architecture + Design Reconciliation Industry Network Group (A&D RING) members in co-signing an open letter to the Australian public endorsing the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a First Nations Voice in the constitution.
DesignInc is delighted to announce that Wulanda Recreation + Convention Centre has been recognised in two categories at the 2023 South Australian Architecture Awards, winning Public Architecture and receiving a commendation for Sustainable Architecture.