Four accomplished architects from Conrad Gargett will join the leadership team at award-winning design firm Architectus, further strengthening their design capabilities in Health, Defence, and Heritage sectors. This follows the merger of the two iconic practices last month, and the subsequent consolidation of their teams.

Drawing on Conrad Gargett’s 133-year-old history and strong reputation in these sectors, the experienced new leaders will help the practice deliver the best design outcomes for clients, especially at a time when there is increasing investment in Health and Defence in Australia.

Conrad Gargett’s managing director Lawrence Toaldo has taken up the strategic role of Group Director – Health, Defence, and Heritage. Reputed for his ability to resolve complex briefs and transforming them into enduring architecture, Toaldo has led several significant projects including the Frankston Hospital Redevelopment in Victoria; major sustainment and capability projects for the Air Force, Army and Navy; and the redevelopment of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral Precinct in Brisbane.

Conrad Gargett’s director Rebecca Moore will take up the role of Sector Leader – Health + Science. Moore, who brings her extensive experience in design and project management, both locally and internationally to the table, has navigated large, complex hospital projects, working closely with clients and communities to understand their objectives and create purposeful architecture layered with innovation, research, and inspiration. Her notable projects include Victorian Heart Hospital, Mater Hospital South Brisbane, and Queensland Children’s Hospital, alongside many strategic health and science strategic business cases.

Also joining the Architectus leadership team are Conrad Gargett principal David Gole and director Gillian Donaldson, who will take up positions as Sector Leader – Heritage and Sector Leader – Infrastructure, respectively. These two exceptional architects will bring their expertise across the conservation of heritage buildings and retail, mixed-use, industrial, and commercial development.

Gole has built a reputation for outstanding work in the conservation of heritage buildings and sites, both locally and globally, through projects such as the redevelopment of Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre and the Rockhampton Art Museum.

Donaldson’s achievements encompass everything from leading successful rollouts for retail chains to negotiating for clients so they secure the best lease terms and fitout scope for their sites.

Additionally, 15 principals will bring further experience and expertise from Conrad Gargett to the practice’s combined leadership team.

“It’s brilliant to see the merger taking shape as we welcome these outstanding leaders to the Architectus team. Each role is crucial to the continued evolution of our practice and our ability to respond to our clients’ needs as we take on increasingly complex design challenges,” Architectus CEO Ray Brown said.

“We’re excited to work closely with our Conrad Gargett colleagues to build on the synergies between our firms and deliver exceptional design outcomes for our clients.”

Post the April 2023 merger, Architectus has become one of the largest design firms in Australasia, with around 770 talented designers and specialists working across eleven studios.

The practice’s combined expertise spans the sectors of Education, Transport and Infrastructure, Public, Defence, Health, Heritage, Urban Futures, Landscape Architecture, Commercial, Residential, and Interior Architecture.

Image: (Clockwise from top left) Lawrence Toaldo, Gillian Donaldson, David Gole and Rebecca Moore

Branko Miletic

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