HDR has appointed Alison Potter as Design Principal in its Melbourne studio. Alison joins HDR after holding senior design leadership positions at internationally renowned firms including Grimshaw, Hassell and Foster + Partners.

Alison’s past work includes the award-winning Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, the New Mount Barker Hospital redevelopment and the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct.

“Joining HDR presents an exciting opportunity to deepen the dialogue around environmentally responsive architecture in highly complex and technical buildings,” Alison says. “What inspires me is the chance to shape a studio where design culture thrives, and ideas are brought to life through tactile, collaborative practices – from drawings on the wall to model-making and hands-on material testing.”

She will work closely with the Australian architecture leadership team including Managing Principal Huai Lim, Design Principal Simon Fleet, Federal Principal Tim Napper, Health Principal Conor Larkins, Education and Science Principal Graeme Spencer and Major Projects Principal Zig Peshos, as well as the Transportation and Building Engineering teams.

After nearly a decade with the Property Council of Australia, Francesca Muskovic is taking on a new role as Executive Director, Policy with the Investor Group on Climate Change.

As the Property Council’s National Policy Director, Francesca led the property industry’s advocacy agenda on sustainability, cities, housing and regulatory affairs. She has represented industry on numerous government advisory boards, including as a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Building Codes Board. In November 2024, The Australian recognised Francesca as one of the country’s top 100 energy players.

Francesca also co-hosts the popular climate and energy podcast Let Me Sum Up with the Energy Efficiency Council’s CEO Luke Menzel and Tennant Reed, Director of Climate Change and Energy at the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has appointed Oliver Nichols as its Oceania Director of Research and Development. With over 25 years of experience in quantity surveying, Oliver sits on the RLB NSW Board and has played a key role in delivering complex, high-value projects such as the Sydney Football Stadium, Central Barangaroo and the Sydney Metro integrated station developments at Martin Place, Gadigal and Victoria Cross.

In his new role, Oliver will oversee the Oceania RLB research team, which includes cost commentary and market intelligence reports, the RLB Crane Index® and the annual Riders Digest.

Aurecon has appointed Tony Bernabei to the role of Asset Management & Performance Lead.

Tony joined Aurecon in 2019 and has been integral to the growth and success of the Asset Management & Performance team. Notably, he has implemented decision support systems and front-end improvements to many of Aurecon’s infrastructure clients' planning processes.

"Tony’s deep passion for asset management, coupled with his comprehensive understanding of our business and markets, equips him exceptionally well to lead the team forward,” says Troy Burton, Managing Director, Program & Asset Performance of Aurecon.

Simon Crooks has been appointed CEO of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) – the organisation responsible for the delivery of the infrastructure that will support the 2032 Olympics.  

Simon most recently led the delivery of the Queen’s Wharf infrastructure precinct.  Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said: “Simon has over 40 years’ experience working and leading major infrastructure projects in the UK and Queensland with runs on the board and experience of delivering infrastructure in our market conditions.”