Architecture and design firm Buchan is expanding its global reach and building strategic partnerships to meet growing demand for cross-sector design in new and existing markets.
A brand refresh for 2024 signals a new focus for the 130-year-old practice, which has simplified its name from Buchan Group to Buchan to align with its one-studio vision. A bold colour palette, dynamic graphic language and new website reflect the practice’s evolving culture and aspirations.
Buchan CEO Stephen Auld said the refresh reflects the energy within the Buchan team as it consolidates its studios in Australia and New Zealand and expands to service clients in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
“We’re committed to staying fresh and ensuring a strong future that builds on our legacy. Our new branding embodies that ethos, and the high value we place on our team. We’re excited to push ourselves and challenge business-as-usual to deliver the highest quality design locally and internationally.”
“Large and complex projects rely on a depth of expertise and resourcing,” Auld adds. “Collaborating with firms that have complementary skillsets increases our capacity and greatly benefits clients.”
He cites the firm’s South Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop in Sydney, designed in collaboration with Sissons Architects, Mirvac Design and Curio Projects. The project was awarded a prestigious Prix Versailles in 2023, making it onto the Prix Versailles’ list of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful’ projects.
Buchan’s alliance with sports venue specialists HKS has seen the two firms collaborate as part of a wider team on the proposed Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Stadium and Urban Neighbourhood Precinct.
Buchan’s Head of Strategy, Laraine Sperling said Tāmaki Makaurau is a good example of how the practice is building on its strength in growth sectors such as mixed-use precinct design, health and sporting venues.
“The way cities are designed is constantly changing as the boundaries between sectors continue to blur. Precincts increasingly mix diverse offerings such as wellbeing, entertainment and sport. We’re addressing the challenges of urbanisation by designing high-performing destinations.”
Sperling said Buchan’s appointment to design the Australian Pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka is another example of how the practice operates internationally.
“Our Expo 25 design team is located in studios across Australia and New Zealand, and the Pavilion is being delivered by our Japanese partners, Nikken Sekkei. It’s a great example of how we are building global teams to deliver the best outcomes for our clients, regardless of physical location.”