Fender Katsalidis Expands Ownership Structure as it Embarks on a Period of Growth

Architecture firm Fender Katsalidis has restructured its practice and offered equity to seven of its directors as it embarks on a period of growth.

Established in Melbourne by Nonda Katsalidis and Karl Fender, the new structure will include the two founding partners and seven directors as new Members of the Board of Fender Katsalidis.

Fender Katsalidis’ new equity directors include Craig Baudin, David Sutherland, James Pearce, Nicky Drobis, Mark Murphy and Rob Mirams. Benni Aroni has agreed to join the Board as Non-Executive Chairman sharing the Chair role with Karl Fender.

“The diversification of the ownership base is about creating continuity with stability,” Director David Sutherland said.

“That is very important to our clients. They can see that the spirit and the approach of the practice will be further strengthened through the continuity of the leadership group as we build for the future.”

The firm is being unified under one national banner, which includes its practice in Melbourne, Sydney, and growing team in Brisbane.

“The unification of Fender Katsalidis nationally creates a coherent entity from which to service our national clientele. We are growing our presence in NSW and are dedicated to delivering projects of exceptional design quality,” Director Rob Mirams said.

Fender Katsalidis’ decade-old Sydney practice is a key focus for growth and continues to be led by Mirams. The consolidation of Fender Katsalidis comes at an exciting time for the Sydney practice, best known for its diverse body of work that spans commercial, multi residential and cultural buildings, including the award winning Garangula Gallery.

Artist's impression of Merdeka PNB118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is currently under construction.

In Canberra, its design of the NewActon Nishi building recently won two prestigious awards, while its work in Tasmania is shaping its built environment well beyond Mona.

“Nonda and I are incredibly proud of our directors who have dedicated much of their lives and careers to Fender Katsalidis,” says Founding Partner Karl Fender. “With their commitment to excellence and the practice over many years, we have grown into the successful and respected firm that we are known as today. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with each director as we move into this exciting next chapter.”

Fender Katsalidis will also continue to grow its presence in the Asia Pacific. In Kuala Lumpur, the practice has designed a 118-level tower over 600 metres tall that is set to become the world’s fifth-tallest building. The tower, which is currently under construction, is of great historical importance and landmarks the city’s Stadium Merdeka precinct and location of the country’s Proclamation of Independence in 1957.

The firm has a series of high profile projects currently underway, including the Kuala Lumpur tower, the new Mona Hotel in Hobart and Australia 108 in Melbourne.

Main image project: Australia 108, Southbank, Melbourne. Credit - Floodslicer