Perth Studio Chair Kukame McPierzie wins 2019 Western Australian Emerging Architect Prize

The designer is considered a “rising” star within the Global Studio and has taken a lead role in key transport, workplace and education projects. McPierzie, who was lauded for being “instrumental in the design and delivery of ‘city changing’ schemes” when he won the local award, credits a sense of responsibility for his achievement.

“Being an architect is more than a job. As architects, we have a responsibility to make places better and help facilitate meaningful and positive change for people and communities. That’s the challenge I’m constantly energized by,” said McPierzie.

A steadfast local, McPierzie gives back to Perth’s architecture community through advocacy, engagement, participation and education. Energetic and genuinely eager to share his experience, he is involved in the education sector with the University of Notre Dame, Curtin University, the Australian Urban Design Research Centre and the University of Western Australia, where he has run a Master of Architecture design studio since 2017.

Whether he’s working on a masterplan, placemaking or addressing the “missing middle” – the lack of well-designed, medium density housing in Australian cities – McPierzie has worked on a wide range of projects spanning urban design, master planning, public architecture, education, community, residential, and temporary installations – choosing to develop a portfolio that crosses a variety of sectors.

With previous leadership roles under his belt, McPierzie describes his appointment at Woods Bagot as an alignment of design values and like-minded philosophy.

“Joining Woods Bagot felt right as soon as I met the team. There’s a shared vision for where the company is going and a collective passion for design is infused throughout the global studio. Local experience and knowledge are enhanced by understanding and access to a breadth of national and global expertise,” McPierzie said.