Buchan has strengthened its sector leadership structure with three new appointments spanning retail, hospitality and interiors, adding further specialist expertise to its multidisciplinary design teams.

Simon Gregory has been appointed Retail Sector Lead, Hayden Djakic takes on the role of Hospitality Sector Lead, and Carol Leung has been named Interiors Lead.

The appointments build on Buchan’s existing sector leadership team, which includes Phil Schoutrop as Precincts Sector Lead and Harvey Male as Residential Sector Lead. Together, the roles are intended to strengthen sector-specific knowledge while supporting collaboration across the practice’s disciplines.

Buchan CEO Laraine Sperling says the appointments reflect the depth of expertise within the practice and the increasingly complex requirements of projects across the built environment.

“These appointments reflect the continued growth and diversification of the people of Buchan and recognise the depth of expertise we’ve built across our sectors. Our clients offer complex projects that draw on multiple sectors; therefore, our ability to offer specialism becomes even more important to ensure informed and integrated design outcomes.”

According to Sperling, the relationship between Buchan’s sectors and disciplines is demonstrated across projects including Melbourne Walk, Jam Factory, The Market Pavilion at Chadstone, Valentine Avenue and the soon-to-be-completed Waldorf Astoria in Sydney.

“While each sector brings its own knowledge and perspective, we don’t operate in silos. One of Buchan’s strengths is the way our teams integrate across studios, sharing ideas and experience to respond to project challenges and deliver more informed outcomes for our clients.”

Simon Gregory | Retail Sector Lead

Gregory brings more than 20 years of international experience across retail-led, mixed-use, commercial and civic projects in Australia, the UK, Europe and the UAE. His portfolio includes major shopping centres, mixed-use developments and civic architecture, including international flagship developments. His more recent work in Australia includes The Market Pavilion and The Social Quarter at Chadstone, as well as Westpoint in Blacktown.

“Retail continues to evolve as destinations become increasingly focused on experience, connection and adaptability. I’m looking forward to helping our clients create places that remain commercially resilient while responding to changing customer expectations.”

Hayden Djakic | Hospitality Sector Lead

Djakic brings more than a decade of international experience spanning hospitality, commercial and mixed-use projects. His expertise covers the full project lifecycle, from concept and design through to delivery, as well as adaptive reuse and sustainable design in complex urban settings. He recently led the redevelopment of Melbourne Walk on Bourke Street, a mixed-use destination integrating retail and Australia’s first IHG dual-branded hotel.

“Hospitality design is ultimately about how people experience a place. Our role is to create destinations that engage the senses, foster connections and deliver enduring value for guests, operators and communities through thoughtful and considered design.”

Carol Leung | Interiors Lead

Architect and interior designer Leung brings more than 10 years of experience across hospitality, lifestyle and wellness, workplace, education and residential projects in Australia and Southeast Asia.

Her recent work includes the Waldorf Astoria at One Circular Quay, where she played a leading role in shaping an interior experience intended to balance luxury, context and enduring design quality.

“The most memorable spaces are those that are felt as much as they are seen. I’m excited to continue strengthening Buchan’s interiors capability and creating environments that connect people to place through thoughtful storytelling, sustainable design and a deep understanding of experience.”

Image: (L-R) Simon Gregory, Hayden Djakic and Carol Leung | Photography credit: Jes Lindsay

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

Let’s connect!