Turner is currently within the midst of great change, looking to expand its operations into broader sectors including hospitality and build-to-rent, as well as focussing on designing for wellness post-pandemic.
With these changes comes two new senior appointments in the form of Gemma Bainbrigge moving to Business Development Manager and part of the Senior Leadership Team, and Monique Franklin as Senior Associate, Head of Interiors. The practice has also internally promoted Claire Mallin and Carolina Álvarez Arellano to Associate Directors.
Claire and Carolina have been at Turner for eight and ten years respectively, spearheading many of Turner’s most prestigious projects, including George & Allen Waterloo, West End Residences Glebe, AMG Sydney and 85 Macquarie Street Parramatta.
Monique brings sophisticated wellness, sustainability, and luxury insights from the Asia Pacific to the firm. As Senior Associate of Interiors, Monique will lead interior concept and development across the multi-residential, retail, hospitality, workplace, and mixed-use sectors.
“The pandemic has shifted perceptions and human need, primarily in relation to how we value space, hygiene, environment, and our wellness. These considerations are leading to new design treatments that include a focus on light and space, touchless technology, plus hygienic and sustainable materials. There is significant opportunity for the team at Turner to review traditional methods and bring atypical approaches to our briefs for clients, putting the human experience front and centre,” she says.
Having spent the last three and half years working in Hong Kong and on developments throughout Southeast Asia, Monique will be drawing on her diverse design site context skills and translating these into opportunities for Australian clients.
Gemma has over a decade of interior design experience, having previously worked for Mirvac and Bates Smart, as well as nine years in sales. Gemma will expand Turner’s client base and partnership network, forging connections with people, corporations and suppliers. Gemma believes that people skills, underpinned by research and values alignment, are where the strongest relationships are formed.
“It’s an exciting time to join Turner, as the firm actively looks to build on its momentum in build-to-rent, hospitality, and commercial sectors. It’s about really understanding the markets and showing leadership in them, representing them with a decidedly Turner approach.”
Turner’s Managing Director, Karl May, says the firm has used the disruption of the past 12 months to its advantage, repositioning its offering and growing the team through the difficult period.
“The disruption caused by COVID has had extensive ramifications for how we will design buildings, create precincts and plan cities. People are simply more aware of their environments. The property industry will be looking at how they can make the consumer, occupier, or worker experience exceptional while also upholding a new level of safety. This opens opportunities for us to support our clients in creating and reimaging new spaces and places. We’re excited to embark on a new phase for the firm.”
May says the firm is delighted to have promoted both Carolina and Claire alongside the new additions to the team, reflecting the strong expertise and leadership of Turner’s people. Claire’s expertise spans a range of projects with a recent focus on commercial and community infrastructure. Her strong focus on design rigor and clarity sees her navigate projects of all sizes and complexities, successfully delivering for her clients, while Carolina leads a broad range of projects at Turner, from residential, commercial, and car dealerships to masterplans across all stages of development from inception to construction. She focuses on incorporating unique design elements in her work, such as art, moments of accidental meetings, and emotional expression translation.
Image: (L-R) Claire Mallin, Carolina Álvarez Arellano, Monique Franklin, Gemma Bainbrigge
