Architectus and Conrad Gargett merge to expand national design capability

Following our announcement in February about entering into a strategic business partnership, Architectus and Conrad Gargett are pleased to confirm we have merged our business operations, effective today.

As a unified force, Architectus with Conrad Gargett will be one of Australia’s largest design firms with over 700 employees and seven studios. Our combined expertise spans the sectors of Education, Transport, Public, Defence, Health, Heritage, Urban Futures, Landscape Architecture, Commercial, Residential and Interior Architecture.

Architectus CEO, Ray Brown, said the strong complementary fit of both practices would deliver significant value for clients, staff, and the broader industry.

“There was a lot that attracted us to Conrad Gargett – its established presence in Brisbane, deep sector expertise in Health, Defence, and Heritage and an outstanding reputation built over 133 years, but what’s most exciting is the ability to develop and attract the best talent in the industry.

“By integrating our teams we’ll unlock so much potential for our clients and staff who will have access to great talent, new mentors and career opportunities across a diverse and sustainable practice.”

“With an ambition to become Australia’s leading national architecture and design practice, this merger ensures we’re well on track to achieve this,” Brown added.

With the Brisbane Olympics less than a decade away and investment in Health and Defence currently a focus in Australia, Architectus’ expanded footprint into Queensland and Conrad Gargett’s expertise across these sectors positions the merged practice well for the future.

Reflecting on these opportunities Conrad Gargett Managing Director, Lawrence Toaldo, said the combined team was energised by the merger. “With a national footprint and combined resource base, we’re in a strong position to scale-up for new and existing opportunities,” Toaldo said.

“In addition to the practical synergies we share with Architectus is the shared vision to create resilient and meaningful places for people. It’s terrific to be moving forward with a design philosophy to create this work together,” Toaldo added.

With the merger complete, integration is underway and will roll out over the coming months. In the meantime, current operations continue as usual for clients and projects across both practices. As part of the integration, Lawrence Toaldo will join the Architectus Board and assume the position of Group Director, Defence, Health and Heritage.