Buchan has expanded its sector leadership team with three appointments across retail, hospitality and interiors. Simon Gregory has been appointed as Retail Sector Lead, Hayden Djakic as Hospitality Sector Lead and Carol Leung as Interiors Lead.
The appointments build on Buchan’s established sector leadership structure and complement the roles of Phil Schoutrop as Precincts Sector Lead, and Harvey Male as Residential Sector Lead, reflecting the practice’s continued investment in sector expertise and integrated design thinking.
Buchan CEO Laraine Sperling said the appointments recognise the depth of capability that exists within the practice and respond to the increasingly complex nature of projects across the built environment.
“These appointments reflect the continued growth and diversification of the people of Buchan and recognise the depth of expertise we’ve built across our sectors. Our clients offer complex projects that draw on multiple sectors therefore our ability to offer specialism becomes even more important to ensure informed and integrated design outcomes.”
Sperling said the interconnected nature of Buchan’s sectors and disciplines can be seen across the practice’s projects, from Melbourne Walk, Jam Factory, The Market Pavilion at Chadstone, Valentine Avenue and the soon to be completed, Waldorf Astoria in Sydney.
“While each sector brings its own knowledge and perspective, we don’t operate in silos. One of Buchan’s strengths is the way our teams integrate across studios, sharing ideas and experience to respond to project challenges and deliver more informed outcomes for our clients.”
Simon Gregory – Retail Sector Lead
With more than two decades of international experience across retail-led, mixed-use, commercial and civic projects throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the UAE, Simon brings extensive expertise to the role. His experience spans large-scale shopping centre design, mixed-use developments and civic architecture, having worked on a range of flagship retail and mixed-use projects internationally. Most recently, he has applied this experience closer to home, including The Market Pavilion and The Social Quarter at Chadstone and Westpoint in Blacktown.
“Retail continues to evolve as destinations become increasingly focused on experience, connection and adaptability. I’m looking forward to helping our clients create places that remain commercially resilient while responding to changing customer expectations.”
Hayden Djakic – Hospitality Sector Lead
Drawing on more than a decade of international experience across hospitality, commercial and mixed-use developments, Hayden’s expertise spans concept through to delivery, adaptive reuse and sustainable design within complex urban environments. Most recently, he led the Melbourne Walk redevelopment on Bourke Street, a major mixed-use project integrating retail and Australia’s first IHG dual-branded hotel in one of the city’s most prominent destinations.
“Hospitality design is ultimately about how people experience a place. Our role is to create destinations that engage the senses, foster connections and deliver enduring value for guests, operators and communities through thoughtful and considered design.”
An architect and interior designer, Carol brings more than a decade of experience across hospitality, lifestyle and wellness, workplace, education, and residential sectors throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. Most recently, Carol has played a leading role in the delivery of the landmark Waldorf Astoria at One Circular Quay, helping shape an interior experience that balances luxury, context and enduring design quality.
“The most memorable spaces are those that are felt as much as they are seen. I’m excited to continue strengthening Buchan’s interiors capability and creating environments that connect people to place through thoughtful storytelling, sustainable design and a deep understanding of experience.”
Photography | Jes Lindsay