GroupGSA has appointed James du Plessis as Principal to lead its Brisbane studio into an exciting new phase of growth.

With 23 years in architecture and extensive expertise across education, commercial, residential and workplace sectors, Du Plessis will play a key role in scaling up the global architecture firm’s expansive portfolio across the state, with a particular focus on Brisbane’s housing density needs.

“Brisbane needs 900,000 new homes by 2046 to accommodate 2.2 million new residents,” du Plessis said. “One of the things that Brisbane and Queensland could certainly do better is catch up on medium-density housing. There is an opportunity for more three- to five-storey scale developments, which I think Brisbane can deliver in an interesting, subtropical specific way.”

GroupGSA has a longstanding history of executing key density housing projects across Australia.

In Queensland, the firm recently unveiled its vision for Hampton Yards, a mixed-use development at Woolloongabba, consisting of three residential towers of varying heights (up to 40 storeys) situated above a two-storey podium and public plaza.

Notable projects in New South Wales include the State Significant Development at Eden St, Arncliffe, comprising 744 mixed-tenure residential and social housing apartments, and Australia's first affordable housing and retirement living hybrid model for Anglicare.

In February, GroupGSA’s proposed design for a 48-storey residential tower at 9-13 Blaxland Rd, Rhodes was selected as the first to proceed under the New South Wales Affordable Housing Incentive program.

Born in South Africa and educated in Australia, du Plessis studied architecture at the University of Queensland (UQ). Since 2022, he has served on UQ’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning’s Industry Advisory Board. Prior to joining GroupGSA, he was a senior practice director at BVN, where he served as project director for the recently completed UQ Brisbane City campus.

“James brings extensive experience and perspective to GroupGSA in education, workplace and mixed-use residential, which aligns with our extensive portfolio in these sectors across our studios, nationally,” GroupGSA director Lisa-Maree Carrigan said.

"We are excited by what James brings to GroupGSA and for this new chapter in our Brisbane studio, working with our talented designers and engaging with our clients."

Du Plessis’s appointment coincides with a suite of new senior appointments and promotions at GroupGSA.

In Victoria, Adrian Rivalland and Lindy Fetherston have been appointed associate directors, with Jay Griffin joining as an associate director in New South Wales.

Also in the Sydney studio, associates Pei Goh and Roberto Gutierrez have been promoted to associate directors while Jordan Ottley was elevated to associate within the interior design team. In Melbourne, Patrick Kenny was promoted to associate within the Victorian architecture division.

Image: James du Plessis / Supplied.

Branko Miletic

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