Brisbane-based architect Ann-Maree Ruffles is Hames Sharley’s new Studio Leader in Queensland. With a plethora of design experience across residential, health and master planning projects, Ann-Maree brings more than 25 years’ experience to her new role.
Ann-Maree’s appointment solidifies the Queensland Studio’s formidable track record in the nation’s South East. For more than a decade, Hames Sharley’s Queensland studio has been delivering projects across a myriad of sectors including health, retail, commercial and defence. The Queensland Studio’s significant footprint stretches from Cairns through to the New South Wales border, responding to the needs of both regional, city and coastal clients.
As the studio expands to meet growing demand, Ann-Maree looks set to lead a team of up to 20 designers. “Hames Sharley is widely recognised as empowering communities to flourish, via delivering transformative design solutions,” Ann-Maree says. “This philosophy aligns well with my own future-focused approach and I look forward to supporting the team to continue to innovate and collaborate from within this mindset.”
In addition to heading up the Queensland studio, Ann-Maree will lead Hames Sharley’s Seniors Living projects along the entire East Coast.
“We’re experiencing a time of exciting evolution within the Seniors Living sector,” Ann-Maree explains. “Rather than being constrained by any one specific building type, we’re now designing a myriad of living environments — including houses and apartments — in which most levels of care can be received.”
Ann-Maree’s goal is to create communities that circumvent the distress and isolation that results from relocation. Instead, she aims to design living environments that can accommodate diverse shifts in personal circumstances such as changes in familial structure and physical and mental health.
Ann-Maree’s own portfolio pedigree includes design for people living with disabilities. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, has served as an Awards Juror for the Australian Institute of Architects and an examiner for the Board of Architects of Queensland.
For more than 15 years, Ann-Maree managed her own architecture practice — specialising in residential design. Committed to ongoing learning, Ann-Maree’s research extends to global study tours. Most recently, she visited the Netherlands, France and the US where she explored international approaches to housing and living environments for life. Back on home soil, Ann-Maree continues to research residential approaches to living environments for all.
Ann-Maree Ruffles, Hames Sharley Queensland Studio Leader, is available for interview.
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