HDR has appointed Alison Potter as design principal in its Melbourne studio – an important milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to design excellence.
Alison brings over two decades of experience spanning architecture, master planning, and urban design, underpinned by a deep commitment to regenerative design, innovation and socially responsive outcomes. She joins HDR after holding senior design leadership positions at internationally renowned firms including Grimshaw, Hassell, and Foster + Partners. Her diverse portfolio covers sectors such as health, transport, aviation, tourism, arts and culture, data centres, residential and education – anchored by a strong foundation in urban design and master planning.
“Joining HDR presents an exciting opportunity to deepen the dialogue around environmentally responsive architecture in highly complex and technical buildings,” said Alison. “I’m looking forward to driving design outcomes that not only put its users at the centre, but are also innovative and deeply responsive to place, ecology, and community.”
In her new role, Alison will serve as a conduit between HDR’s global expertise and the local market, shaping infrastructure-led outcomes that go beyond functionality to deliver social, environmental, and cultural value. She will also lead initiatives to strengthen HDR’s design culture – building a studio environment that empowers teams to question, prototype, and challenge convention.
“Design is not just a product – it’s a process of continuous exploration,” Alison added. “What inspires me is the chance to shape a studio where design culture thrives, and ideas are brought to life through tactile, collaborative practices – from drawings on the wall to model-making and hands-on material testing.”
With access to HDR’s global portfolio and technical depth, Alison will lead transformative projects across Australia, driving innovation through HDR’s regenerative design framework, advanced data-driven capabilities, and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach.
“Alison’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for HDR in Melbourne,” said Huai Lim, managing principal of architecture at HDR. “Her leadership will be central to shaping our next phase of growth, embedding design excellence into our new studio, and strengthening our presence in a fast-evolving market. With Alison on board, we are well positioned to deliver more ambitious, integrated, and sustainable outcomes for our clients and communities.”
Alison’s past work includes the award-winning Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, the New Mount Barker Hospital redevelopment, and the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, to name but a few.
A Living Future Accredited Professional (LFA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Climate Action and Sustainability Committee, Alison is recognised
nationally for her thought leadership in regenerative design and low-carbon development. She is also a Design Review panellist for the Office of Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) and the City of Melbourne.
At HDR, Alison will work closely with the Australian architecture leadership team including Managing Principal Huai Lim, Design Principal Simon Fleet, Federal Principal Tim Napper, Health Principal Conor Larkins, Education and Science Principal Graeme Spencer, and Major Projects Principal Zig Peshos, as well as the Transportation and Building Engineering teams.
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