Architecture firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC) announces the promotion of Clare Kwok and James Kelly to practice associates. CHC says the promotion of Kwok and Kelly aims to support their growth this year and also signals the firm’s investment in young blood, with a number of new associates joining the team in recent years.
A member of the CHC team since 2012, the 30-year-old Clare Kwok specialises in retail and mixed-use design. The recently completed South Morang Central Shopping Centre is one of the highlights of her career with the design aligning with CHC’s commitment to developing attractive mixed-use facilities capable of flexible and continuous operation.
Kwok’s most recent work has been the new ‘experimental’ Coles store in Coburg North, part of the supermarket chain’s $1.1 billion investment to create 70 new supermarkets and 16,000 more jobs. The design of the store and the surrounding mixed-use village has transformed the once rundown site on Gaffney and Sussex Street into a hub of vibrant activity and convenience shopping.
The 27-year-old James Kelly specialises in the aged care sector and is passionate about creating modern facilities catering to the demands of residents and staff as well as their visitors. His promotion is particularly impressive, having only become a registered architect 18 months ago.
Commenting on his speciality, Kelly explains that aged care facilities are becoming significant landmarks within the urban fabric and should be beacons of design excellence that can filter down into other residential and community developments.
Providing design services to a broad range of clients for over 55 years, CHC has evolved from a small to mid-size team into a firm employing 85 team members. The firm’s expansion has been triggered by its success in the education sector with the CHC studio now spanning over two Collingwood buildings.
