Architectural firm Billard Leece Partnership (BLP) has made four senior appointments from within their Sydney studio, with Vicki Murphie and Shane Wood promoted to associate directors, while Katarina Vrdoljak and Matthew Kenchington are now associates.

These promotions reflect their immense talent and experience, their design leadership and client-focus, and in wider terms an investment in the practice’s future.

Director Tara Veldman says there is a need by her firm to attract the best and brightest and those who share the practice’s spirit of collaboration, and passion for great design.

"By identifying and nurturing future leaders from within our team, the practice is continually strengthened," says Veldman, adding that the calibre of their clients are a testament to this approach.

“I’m grateful to work with such a passionate group of people. We are very proud of Vicki, Shane, Katarina and Matthew, and value their broader engagement with our business."

"Their diverse knowledge and experience will continue to create inspiring projects for the benefit of our clients,” says Veldman.

Vicki Murphie, associate director: A highly versatile and experienced interior designer, Murphie brings industry leading expertise to her role as BLP’s Workplace Sector Leader. She creates bespoke and innovative designs for a diverse range of workplace, lifestyle and interior environments for Australian and multinational clients: key projects include workplaces for Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, the 25,000sqm Darling Square workplace for Commonwealth Bank Australia, and some 20,000sqm of workplace for Optus Melbourne.

Shane Wood, associate director: As BLP’s Education Sector Leader, Wood’s passion for new approaches to pedagogy is complemented by a skilled and innovative approach to designing for teaching and learning. He has completed a truly impressive portfolio of education projects for a long list of clients across all levels of learning, and currently leads the Picton High School Redevelopment and Central Coast Schools Package.

Katarina Vrdoljak, associate: Vrdoljak has been working as a designer for over 17 years. Her broad experience in design and complex project delivery is underpinned by a strong research focus and an Evidence Based Design approach, which links people’s health and wellbeing to the built environment. Key projects in her portfolio include The Grove for St Basil’s Aged Care Randwick, Royal North Shore Hospital Redevelopment PPP, the NSW Secondary Schools Renewal projects and currently the Bulli Hospital Aged Care Centre of Excellence.

Matt Kenchington, associate: Kenchington is a skilled design architect with a strong focus on health and community projects. With local, regional, national and international experience, he specialises in the masterplanning, design and delivery of large and complex projects. Significant projects include Coffs Harbour Hospital Redevelopment, Palmerston Regional Hospital, and currently the $632m Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment Masterplan.