Global design and architecture firm Populous announces the appointment of award-winning architect and designer Fiona Nixon for a dedicated leadership role in the Asia Pacific region.

As the new APAC Head of Design, Nixon will be responsible for shaping and elevating architectural design processes across all Populous projects throughout the region. She will oversee design standards while working closely with project teams across APAC and collaborating with the firm’s global design network.

With a career spanning Australia and Singapore, Nixon specialises in the planning and design of complex, program-driven environments for living, learning, leisure and work. Her portfolio includes the Lalu Hotel Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, the Victorian College of the Arts Centre for Ideas and the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, and Changi Airport Group Headquarters in Singapore.

To be based in Populous’ Singapore studio, Nixon will work across the Asia Pacific region while collaborating with Global Head of Design Christopher Lee. The studio is currently involved in several high-profile projects contributing to Singapore’s urban development, including the 30,000-seat NS Square and 15,000-seat arena complementing the iconic Marina Bay Sands precinct.

“What excites me about this role is that it’s new and it’s purposeful. I’ve got a very specific task to ensure that we are leading by design and I’m really excited by that challenge to look across APAC and bring inspiration from projects globally. This will ensure that our designs prioritise the communities who use them and bring people into the places they love to be,” she says.

According to Populous Managing Director – APAC Richard Breslin, Nixon’s appointment reinforces the firm’s commitment to design excellence.

“Fiona brings a cross-section of expertise that we are very fortunate to have with more than 35 years of experience across Australia and Asia specialising in the design of experience-driven buildings and interiors,” Breslin says.

“We are excited to have Fiona as part of our team sharing her passion for integrating buildings into the fabric of cities and delivering lasting civic, social and economic value.”

Nixon joins Populous’ integrated network of design leaders responsible for setting design standards and supporting architectural teams through reviews, mentoring and education as well as promoting equitable design across the firm’s portfolio.

Global Head of Design Christopher Lee informs that Populous’ regional leadership structure enables knowledge-sharing and innovation across projects and building typologies worldwide.

“Fiona’s appointment is an essential part of our global design network. We are really excited about the ability of our regional design leaders to implement knowledge and learnings across our teams and help deliver consistent design excellence for our clients,” Lee explains.

A licensed architect in Singapore, Australia and APEC, Nixon is also a member of the Singapore Institute of Architects. In 2024, she received a Life Fellowship from the Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of her contributions to the profession.

Photo courtesy Populous

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

Let’s connect!