Should I Stay or Should I Grow?
Our four award-winning designers will explain the thinking behind their decisions and what led them down different paths to running, growing, or consolidating their practices.
Online
180 Mins
Not too long ago, it was assumed that the only option to increase profitability for design studios was to grow - more clients, more staff, bigger offices, etc.
In the current environment, that presumption is being challenged. Many practices are questioning how to maintain design excellence while maintaining profitability and considering the implications this has for optimal studio size and scaling. What opportunities arise for studio participants across all levels of experience?
Mecca has assembled a panel that offers a high level of experience in practice leadership and intentional scales. Our four award-winning designers will explain the thinking behind their decisions and what led them down different paths to running, growing, or consolidating their practices.
Albert Mo (now AMoA) has recently closed a medium size practice after 23 years in business to reduce studio size. Albert is known for his expressive residential projects that push boundaries and explore new modes of design centred around the sensory experience. His design approach emphasizes context, both site and human, and celebrates everyday rituals and objects, and the subtle beauty of everyday moments.
Jon Clements is a founding director of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB). JCB was established in Melbourne in 1998, and the practice has steadily grown and currently employs approximately 80 architects and interior designers. In 2015 Jon was National President of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and President of the Victorian Chapter between 2012 and 2014.
Roger Nelson FRAIA is founder and now retired Managing Director of NH Architecture and has extensive experience in scaling up. Roger has built a highly regarded national profile as an urban designer and architect and is recognised in the industry for his ability to deliver a quality design outcome whilst managing the commercial imperatives of a project. Roger was the project principal for the major redevelopment of Myer’s flagship Bourke Street store, in the heart of Melbourne. The rejuvenated store has proved a huge commercial success, winning the prestigious Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture in the AIA Victoria 2011 Awards series.
Mel Bright leads Studio Bright (previously known as MAKE Architecture). Her projects have been consistently recognised in State and National awards with citations reflecting the complex and consistent processes that must be in place to achieve the design excellence demonstrated. Studio Bright's Quay Quarter Lanes (8 Loftus St) was the 2022 recipient of the National Architecture Award, Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing.
This CPD panel discussion was recorded at our live event held on Wednesday March 19, 2025 at the award-winning studios of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects in Melbourne. Canapes and drinks were served by Antonietta's Kitchen, Melbourne. If you missed out on this live event, please join us next time!
In the current environment, that presumption is being challenged. Many practices are questioning how to maintain design excellence while maintaining profitability and considering the implications this has for optimal studio size and scaling. What opportunities arise for studio participants across all levels of experience?
Mecca has assembled a panel that offers a high level of experience in practice leadership and intentional scales. Our four award-winning designers will explain the thinking behind their decisions and what led them down different paths to running, growing, or consolidating their practices.
Albert Mo (now AMoA) has recently closed a medium size practice after 23 years in business to reduce studio size. Albert is known for his expressive residential projects that push boundaries and explore new modes of design centred around the sensory experience. His design approach emphasizes context, both site and human, and celebrates everyday rituals and objects, and the subtle beauty of everyday moments.
Jon Clements is a founding director of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB). JCB was established in Melbourne in 1998, and the practice has steadily grown and currently employs approximately 80 architects and interior designers. In 2015 Jon was National President of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and President of the Victorian Chapter between 2012 and 2014.
Roger Nelson FRAIA is founder and now retired Managing Director of NH Architecture and has extensive experience in scaling up. Roger has built a highly regarded national profile as an urban designer and architect and is recognised in the industry for his ability to deliver a quality design outcome whilst managing the commercial imperatives of a project. Roger was the project principal for the major redevelopment of Myer’s flagship Bourke Street store, in the heart of Melbourne. The rejuvenated store has proved a huge commercial success, winning the prestigious Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture in the AIA Victoria 2011 Awards series.
Mel Bright leads Studio Bright (previously known as MAKE Architecture). Her projects have been consistently recognised in State and National awards with citations reflecting the complex and consistent processes that must be in place to achieve the design excellence demonstrated. Studio Bright's Quay Quarter Lanes (8 Loftus St) was the 2022 recipient of the National Architecture Award, Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing.
This CPD panel discussion was recorded at our live event held on Wednesday March 19, 2025 at the award-winning studios of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects in Melbourne. Canapes and drinks were served by Antonietta's Kitchen, Melbourne. If you missed out on this live event, please join us next time!