I earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of NSW. Working full-time while completing my degree, I didn’t take the easy path. But it turned out to be the smartest. The combination of hands-on experience, whilst studying, gave me invaluable practical, real-world insights. After graduating, I became a licensed architect.

For those familiar with Sydney, you might have driven past or even shopped at Roselands Shopping Centre. I worked with the business responsible for this project. This marked the beginning of my enduring passion for shopping centre design.

As the co-founder of Drummond and Rosen, now D + R Architects, I am incredibly proud of our achievements. Both past and present. The creativity and technical skills amongst those who have been with me for over a decade (or two), alongside recent key additions to the team, makes D + R uniquely positioned in retail development as your design and planning specialists.

I could fill an entire website with the projects I’ve worked on. From large to small and everything in between. My special architectural powers is…planning. I’m particularly fascinated by the dynamics of major tenants and love the challenge of making improvements for them and their shoppers.

Every project comes with a unique set of requirements from councils, major tenants, and clients. Accommodating the needs and requirements of all stakeholders in the design and planning process, is a critical aspect of my role as planning specialist.

What truly fills my architectural cup is the thrill of planning our clients’ retail vision. Whether it’s designing in extra car parking spaces they didn’t believe was possible, a clever design for a challenging project site, or ensuring safe and practical services integration. I thrive on making the seemingly impossible, possible.

My passion for architecture and dedication to clients are the cornerstones of my career and D + R Architects. I believe great developments are anchored in thoughtful, creative design and meticulous planning.

Today, I continue to infuse my years of design and planning wisdom into sustainable, contemporary retail developments. Which fills me with immense pride. As well as a huge sense of achievement.

I am an architect with over 25 years of experience and a registered design practitioner. My speciality is large scale retail projects and mixed-use developments, including shop-top housing.

My journey in architecture began at the University of Sydney, where I completed my Bachelor of Architecture in 1998. From a young age, I was captivated by the innovative designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, especially his masterpiece, Falling Water. This inspiration has profoundly influenced my approach to design and problem-solving throughout my career.

As a Senior Associate, I have had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, currently documenting two residential towers with retail podiums in Merrylands. I have seen the successful completion of numerous retail and commercial projects including mixed-use development in Oak Flats. Supermarket and retail developments have included the West Gosford shopping centre, expansion of Chullora Marketplace, Gateway Palmerston and Woolworths shopping centres such as Bomaderry and Bulli.

My focus is always on delivering exceptional outcomes for my clients. I use my extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements alongside my solid understanding of construction to ensure seamless project completion.

I navigate complex design challenges by fostering strong relationships with the consultant and construction teams to ensure project success. I am highly skilled at maximising the potential of a site and taking projects from conception through to completion.

I am passionate about creating spaces that not only meet the needs of the community but also enhance the environment around them. I believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can bring visions to life, one project at a time.

On childhood travels to Greece, I witnessed the poetic precision of iconic monuments. Their weathered yet enduring presence serves as a reminder, from ancient civilisations, that buildings are essential in the public domain, shaping and enriching our communities.

Influenced by those early inspirations, I discovered my career passion. I completed my Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney, graduating in 1998.

Now, with over two decades of diverse experience spanning the globe, I’ve honed my skills in both private and public sectors. In dynamic environments ranging from heritage and adaptive reuse to large-scale residential and aged-care facility developments.

My career in architecture encompasses every stage of the design and planning process. From early scoping and concept stages to detailed documentation, compliance, and construction delivery. As well as providing both practical detail resolutions and broad schematic solutions.

Experience working on large-scale residential developments includes designing urban and public spaces within the schemes aimed at achieving a high level of amenity for both residents and the broader community. Reflecting a design ethos committed to innovation and equity in the public realm.

Effective communication is at the heart of successful design and project management. My communication and negotiation skills are key strengths. Whether that be the preparation of briefings for consultants, leading meetings and, resolving conflicts. Or the ability to translate and clearly explain ideas for colleagues and external stakeholders. Additionally, the important skill of document co-ordination of all design team information. As well as knowledge of project deliverables required for tendering and construction compliance.

My international experience is diverse with notable projects:

Architect at Horden Cherry Lee Architects, London:

• Colin Campbell Court, Plymouth: Major mixed-use retail scheme extending the ‘Vision for Plymouth’ masterplan principles.
• 30 Crown Place, Hackney: An 18-story commercial office tower, with a focus on core-lift layout, basement/ground level layout, and full services coordination.
• 13 Charles II Street, Piccadilly: Project lead for the complete refurbishment of a six-story office building, including a penthouse level addition

Architect at Anamorphosis Architects, Athens:

• Western Freeway Entrance to Athens: Urban upgrade project for Athens’ major transport connection, which was an entry in the 2003 International Architecture Biennale in Rotterdam.
• The Snow-Show, Lapland, Finland: Design lead for a unique artistic collaboration exploring the potential of ice and snow as materials blending art and architecture.
  Committed to lifelong learning, I recently attained a Diploma in Project Management. Which enhances my ability to navigate and manage project constraints, including time, scope, and quality.

My career is etched with the inspiration and influence of ancient monuments that retrospectively show us how essential great buildings are in the public domain.

To shape and enrich communities into modernity. I bring a forward thinking, innovative mindset to design and planning projects. My ability to solve complex problems, ideate unique solutions, and draw on years of international experience contributes positively to each and every development.

With 35 years in architecture, 26 of those years at D + R Architects, I have witnessed many changes in the industry. From drawing by hand to now modelling in 3D. As Senior CAD Operator and Designer, the discipline of architecture has created many enjoyable challenges for me.

Working as part of a creative, dynamic team means you get to use your problem solving expertise. Not to mention, the art of communicating technical information. This has always driven the passion of architecture for me.

This flows on to my other passion of art and plein air painting. They kind of work the same way, but using different mediums.

The transfer of information for architecture is the story of lines and the other is the story of colour.

I also love walking in nature with camera in hand. Capturing moments in time. The complexity of nature has always fascinated me.

I have always been drawn to the complex. For it is through complexity, simplicity is revealed.

My architectural journey began in Chile, where I graduated with a degree in Architecture in 2006 and became a licensed architect in 2007.

For 12 years, I practiced architecture in Chile, working on residential and office projects. I was involved in every stage, from briefing and ideation to construction documentation and approvals.

Upon arrival in Australia, I worked for design studios specialising in design and fit-outs. This allowed me to gain important knowledge in relation to Australian architecture. Specifically in relation to building codes and regulations. This experience also included working with consultants, builders, and certifiers.

I joined D + R Architects in 2022, working on a range of client projects. What I appreciate most is that D + R has an amazing depth of knowledge and experience. This allows us to deliver great solutions…quickly, on time, and on budget.

What I love most about architecture is the endless possibilities. Enhancing the human experience. Evaluating how people will need to interact within communities. And to ensure that good design and planning benefit them. These are my passions.

I get great enjoyment from researching architectural projects worldwide and in Australia. Delving into creative and analytical components. As well as exploring theory in relation to design concepts.

I spend a good deal of my personal time reading books about architecture. And no matter where I am in the world, I make it my mission to analyse the local architecture.

A passion for ‘good’ design, a commitment to technical excellence, and a profound respect for cultural heritage. I bring a wealth of experience and a creative vision to every client project I undertake.