Buchan is pleased to announce Will Lakin has been appointed as Principal in Buchan’s Perth studio, continuing their commitment to be a globally recognised leader in design.

“Will is a valuable addition to Buchan, bringing with him longstanding experience in architecture and master planning, alongside notable business and entrepreneurial skills. We look forward to the continued success of our Perth studio supported by Will’s appointment,” says Lou Cotter, Buchan Perth Managing Principal.

Will began his career in London where practicing contemporary architecture in a predominantly historical environment introduced him to the fine balance of adaptation and preservation in heritage buildings and precincts. The satisfaction and reward Will found in this work paved the way for his interest in master planning.

“I am interested in the macro and the micro; the sustenance of cities and communities and how that is achieved at human scale” Will says.

Will’s approach to master planning and working with clients and communities is underpinned by what he describes as “the two Es: experience and economy.” The intended experience of the envisioned project and the economic capacity that supports that vision.

Will brings experience in the aged-care, childcare, student accommodation, hotel, hospitality and commercial sectors. He has lectured at numerous universities and institutions in Perth and around the world and has acted in an advisory capacity to government bodies. This includes the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage State Design Review Panel, providing advice on the design quality of major development proposals.

“Buchan has an excellent design culture centred on people, relationships and communities. I look forward to continuing my exploration into what makes for successful built environments, bringing this knowledge to our clients’ projects and ultimately to the people and communities of Western Australia,” Will says.

Buchan is one of Australasia’s most acclaimed architectural, interior and brand experience practices, operating across 11 locations in Australia, New Zealand, China, UAE and the UK for more than 130 years. Their team of over 340 professionals has created some of the world’s most recognised retail, mixed-use, hotel, residential, education, entertainment, transport, civic, health and commercial projects.