For almost half a century Hames Sharley has been shaping the built environment, across typologies and geographies, to enhance the human experience, enabling communities to flourish.

As one of Australia’s first inter-disciplinary teams of demographers, geographers, urbanists, researchers, architects and designers we practice as a cooperative of humble experts and humanists united by a shared commitment to design that serves people.

Today we are joined in that pursuit with the appointment of three exceptional leaders; Director Susanne Pini, Principal Rob Corcoran and Victorian Studio Leader Megan Carroll. Together, they add decades of local and international expertise in architecture, design, and construction, strengthening our collective vision for the practice.

Susanne Pini is a highly respected, award-winning leader in architecture and urban design, celebrated for her transformative approach to masterplanning, mixed-use projects, and public realm design. With over 30 years of global experience across Australia, China, the US, and Canada, she consistently delivers visionary, human-centered environments.

Renowned for her expertise in creating places for people, Susanne combines strategic thinking and creative leadership with a meticulous, forensic approach, ensuring projects build resilient communities which are culturally resonant, and socially impactful.

“Susanne’s transformative approach to the ‘live, work, play’ paradigm brings a distinct vision to Hames Sharley which aligns perfectly. We are thrilled to have her continue shaping places that enrich both communities and the human experience,” says Caillin Howard, Managing Director.

As Principal, Rob Corcoran is an industry heavy-hitter across the retail and mixed-use space, with lead roles on iconic projects such as Chadstone, Castle Towers, and Westpoint. More recently, creating communities with a mix of retail, BtS and BtR to the inner suburbs around Melbourne. He believes that long-term success is delivering solutions that work for everybody, from inception to completion.

“We’re better as a collaborative team with active engagement and buy-in from everyone at the table from the very start – that’s how we create great communities and spaces that make their lives better,” Rob says.

Megan Carroll offers extensive project delivery experience, most recently leading the 19,000sqm SEEK HQ building in Melbourne, and has a deep commitment to the design process underlined by her strong human-led approach to people and culture.

“I’m dedicated to creating spaces that inspire creativity, foster collaboration and strengthen connectivity, values I hope will nurture and support my team as we evolve together,” Megan says.

Caillin notes that the appointment of these accomplished individuals enhances Hames Sharley’s national team of thought leaders, advancing the practice’s research-led, design-driven approach, united by a shared vision to amplify humanity.

“Each of them brings invaluable expertise aligned with Hames Sharley’s core defining value of a deep passion for collaboration. This collaboration extends beyond our teams to include our clients and the communities we serve,” he says.

“This collective effort is essential in crafting designs that enable communities to flourish.”