Global architecture and design firm Buchan has appointed Laraine Sperling as its new CEO, making her the first woman to lead the firm in its 135-year history. Sperling will head up Buchan's five studios across Australia and New Zealand.

Sperling has been with Buchan since 2021, most recently as chief strategy officer. She has been instrumental in driving cultural change and transitioning the firm from a regionally managed business to a sector-focused model, including a brand refresh that reflects Buchan's values and communicates its strength in urban design and precincts. She will continue to focus on building the firm's profile, growing strategic alliances, and client partnerships.

"As one of the custodians of the Buchan brand, I am honoured by this appointment," Sperling says. "I am excited to be leading the talented Buchan team into the next stage of our growth, ensuring that we continue to build our design culture while offering sound commercial outcomes for our clients. Their vision and the success of their projects come first."

Sperling's elevation is the culmination of a 30-year career in the built environment, with extensive experience in senior roles across multi-disciplinary international design firms and client-side roles with mixed-use global developers. That breadth gives her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing an industry under constant pressure from shifting market conditions.

"The industry is going through an era of profound change, defined by technological advances, climate imperatives, and rising construction costs," says Sperling.

"Buchan remains focused on identifying new areas of opportunity and empowering a new generation within the practice to lead. My priorities are to support our team to pursue design excellence while ensuring the firm remains financially strong and resilient."

Buchan has an extensive portfolio of retail, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Its recent work includes the adaptive reuse of the Melbourne Walk precinct and the delivery of the InterContinental Hotel Group's (IHG) first Australian dual-branded hotels. The firm's design for the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, developed in collaboration with Nikken Sekkei, won the Louise Cox Award for Public Architecture at the 2026 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) International Chapter Architecture Awards.

Buchan Director and Chair Phil Schoutrop describes Sperling as highly respected and engaged across the industry in multiple regions, having earned the confidence of Buchan's clients, people, and strategic partners.

"The executive leadership team is delighted Laraine has accepted this pivotal role," says Schoutrop. "Her global career, strategic approach, and focus on cultural and generational change provide a strong foundation for leading the next chapter in Buchan's evolution."

Image: Laraine Sperling, Buchan CEO / Photo: Jessica Lindsay / Supplied.

Architecture & Design Team

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