Architectus has appointed Richard Burley as its National Strategic Leader -  PPPs (Public Private Partnerships) and Major Projects. A newly created position, the leadership role will see Burley leverage his 25-years of international industry experience to lead the development, structuring and delivery of PPPs and major projects in collaboration with Architectus’ Sector Leaders.

Architectus Principal and CEO Ray Brown says the appointment will ensure the practice delivers consistently outstanding PPPs and major projects.

“Richard’s appointment to this new role will enhance our delivery of PPPs and major projects, which is especially important as major infrastructure development booms across Australia as part of economic recovery post-pandemic.”

With a focus on the strategic aspects of project delivery and privately financed government projects, Burley’s experience spans the transport, infrastructure, health, education, commercial, residential, justice and defence sectors, across Australia, Canada, the US and Hong Kong over a 25 year period..

He recently worked as an independent consultant and prior to that was Project Director, Social Infrastructure at John Holland, focusing on social and economic infrastructure PPPs including the $1.4 billion New Footscray Hospital PPP and North-East Link PPP. Richard was also Vice President, Project Delivery (North America) at Plenary’s Vancouver office which included a return to Melbourne to manage the Plenary/Acciona/Ferovial bid for the Melbourne Metro Tunnel PPP.

Burley says he is excited to return to an architectural practice after many years working for within different enterprises.

“I began my career as an architect and eventually moved client side with an opportunity to work across a range of significant projects globally, so it’s fantastic to be able to come full circle and re-engage with my design roots at Architectus.

“I’m passionate about engaging with clients and finding new ways to innovate and create efficiencies in the end-to-end design process. Architectus has a wonderful culture and talented team that I’m looking forward to working with on a range of city-shaping projects, leveraging my industry experience and relationships in the PPP and infrastructure space to bolster their market position.”

Burley will be based in Architectus’ Melbourne Studio.