Global design practice Buchan has appointed Sandra Stewart to lead the firm’s growing health and well-being sector.

With 30 years of experience across health and mixed-use, Stewart’s focus will be on building exemplar projects across public and private health drawing on her expertise in the growing area of health precincts.

Stewart said the opportunity to help Buchan strengthen its position in the health sector attracted her to the role, where she will work with the practice’s teams across Australia and New Zealand.

“The evolution of health is exciting – where it’s headed, what the possibilities are and how many different sectors are aligning to make health projects a success,” said Stewart.

“Health facilities are becoming ‘town centres’ in themselves because of the scale and the combination of public and private coming together. Health is about well-being, and the campus model presents boundless opportunities to serve local communities. There’s retail coming on board; village greens and playgrounds; and the new health hubs are looking for niches in the market where they can supplement the public and private offer.”

Working across all facets of design and delivery, Stewart has technical expertise in feasibility studies, acute health, community health and mixed-use/retail developments. She confidently leads large, multi-disciplinary teams on complex projects and has a commercial focus that ensures good outcomes for her clients.

Stewart most recently worked with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network as Project Director on two major hospitals, spearheading the $658m Sydney Children’s Hospital and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, andthe $619m Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Award winning projects with Stewart’s involvement include the $150m Wollongong Central, $220m Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and $250m Rouse Hill Town Centre.

Stewart contributes to the profession through mentoring programs and as an assessor for the New South Wales Board of Architects. She has sat on the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Professional Advocacy Committee.

Buchan CEO Stephen Auld welcomes Stewart and said she will be integral to the practice as it continues to expand its health capability and client base.

“Sandra’s high-level management, commercial and technical skills will be pivotal to the stewardship of our health team as we pursue opportunities in that sector. She will also support Buchan’s next generation of design practitioners to pursue design excellence.”

Photography | Jes Lindsay