New Principal headlines Sydney promotions in 2025

Culture / News / Studio News / Research

Internationally experienced architect and urban designer, Dr. Michael Kahn (pictured) is DesignInc’s newest Principal.

DesignInc Sydney are proud to announce a series of promotions to start 2025—headlined by the appointment of Dr. Michael Kahn (pictured above) to Principal, Urban Design.

Mary Anne McGirr, Director at DesignInc Sydney, said:

“These promotions reflect the personal and professional growth of our team, as well as complementing the strategic direction of the studio. Congratulations to the team on all their hard work and we look forward to seeing them continue their journey in the business.

“We especially welcome Michael into the senior leadership team where he will head up the urban design discipline, building on a portfolio that extends across every sector.”

Michael joined DesignInc as a Senior Urban Designer in 2021, rising to Associate in 2023 and attaining his architectural registration in Australia in 2024. His appointment as a Principal and his role as Head of Research for the national practice complements his international architecture and urban design experience—which consists of civic and cultural facilities and city-shaping transport infrastructure—and a background in academia.

Since 2022, Michael has led the Western Harbour Tunnel project at DesignInc, working across disciplines in the delivery of this catalytic mega-project that will not only transform the way people move to and through Sydney, but deliver amenity in the form of public parks and recreation spaces for residents. In his role as Head of Research, he is leading the national research team on a piece that examines the processes and potential of co-design in architecture.

“The built environment is a stage upon which the daily life of the city plays out,” said Michael.

“What we do as designers directly impacts the lives of people now and well into the future. Our team is eager to continue to work on major projects that leave lasting legacies on our city and improve the everyday experience for Sydneysiders and visitors alike. We have a very talented team who’ve worked on some of the biggest projects across the state, including Metro, rail station accessibility, and Western Harbour Tunnel; we look forward to being a part of shaping the region’s future and enhancing connectivity and liveability”

Michael Kahn

Promotions