Global architecture and design practice Hassell has appointed experienced architect and design leader Kristen Whittle as Design Director and Equity Principal, reinforcing the firm's international capabilities in modern methods of construction (MMC) and complex, large-scale project delivery.

Based in Melbourne, Whittle will take on the role of global leader for MMC, supporting projects across the health, residential and mixed-use sectors, expanding the practice's expertise in innovative construction approaches, and helping clients unlock sustainable, efficient and customisable models of modular delivery without compromising design quality.

Whittle brings more than 25 years of experience working across Australia and overseas, combining design leadership with extensive technical and delivery expertise. Throughout his career, he has led the design for some of Australia’s most recognised mixed-use, civic, and health and wellbeing projects.

During his time as Design Director at Bates Smart, his notable projects across Melbourne include the award-winning 35 Spring Street, the new VRC Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse, BHP’s global headquarters at 171 Collins Street, and the Royal Children’s Hospital, alongside international projects such as the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C.

"Kristen’s calibre and depth of experience make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team," says Liz Westgarth, Managing Director, Hassell. "His track record in driving design excellence, technical innovation and complex project delivery will strengthen our ability to create places that are distinctive, responsive and future-focused."

Widely recognised for his work in modular and prefabricated design, Whittle led the design of Collins House (also during his time at Bates Smart), which was the world's tallest prefabricated building at the time of completion.

More recently, he has been appointed global design leader for Thrive Inspiration, a volumetric modular development consortium comprising Thrive Construct, Western Sydney University and China State Construction Engineering Corporation. In this role, he will oversee design and delivery strategies across Australian, Chinese, European and Middle Eastern markets.

“Architects have a critical role to play in solving some of the most urgent challenges facing cities and communities globally. With a strong background in place-based health design and mixed-use urban regeneration, our intention is to increase housing supply through intelligent systems design,” says Whittle.

“Hassell has the international scale, ambition and collaborative culture to lead that change. I’m excited to work with teams across the practice to create places that are not only beautifully designed but also smarter, more adaptable and more impactful.”

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