Simon has over 20 years’ experience in architectural and façade design, starting his career at Arup Associates in the UK as an architect in 1996. Simon now leads Arup’s Vic/SA façades team, a position he has held since January 2016.

Since arriving in Melbourne in 2006, Simon has led façade design teams on a series of landmark projects within commercial, residential, health and education sectors, including 80 Collins Street, 171 Collins Street, 1 and 3 Melbourne Quarter, 271 Spring Street, 35 Spring Street, 111 A’Beckett Street, Carlton Connect and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Simon’s experience of designing facades in the Melbourne context sees him engaged with a wide range of contractors, fabricators and suppliers. This work has also been on a range of project scales, providing a broad perspective on how local construction industry responds to challenging façade designs. The quality of Simon’s built work can be attested to in Melbourne’s commercial high-rise landscape and on some of Melbourne’s major health facilities.

James is a structural and facade engineer with over 20 years of experience. Widely acknowledged as an authority on structural glass, he is perhaps best known for his highly innovative designs for glass envelopes, stairs, bridges and other structural elements in Apple’s iconic retail stores around the world.

He co-founded Eckersley O’Callaghan in 2004, his ongoing interest in the development of structural glass design has led to the firm’s involvement with many challenging and award-winning glass projects around the world. This was recognised in 2010 when the practice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Innovation.

James is a member of the Design Council Board of Directors, the HS2 Design Panel and a member of the South East Design Panel. He has taught at the University of Portsmouth and is currently a visiting professor at the TU Delft School of Architecture.

In 2016, he received the Milne Medal from the International Association of Bridges and Structures for Excellence in Structural Design, one of the highest distinctions for an individual in the industry. In 2017, he received the Phoenix Award for his contributions to structural glass. In 2018, James was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2019, James was awarded the IStructE Gold Medal.

Viggo is Design Director and Partner at Henning Larsen, market and design responsible for APAC with a particular focus on Australia.

Having established several projects in Australia, Viggo is instrumental in Henning Larsen’s success in Australia and in setting up the new office in Sydney. In his role, Viggo facilitates collaboration within the global Henning Larsen design community, and he works with Australian partners and clients to create innovative solutions that will shape the practice’s life-centric approach to the built environment.

With over 15 years of experience, Viggo has a broad global perspective, and he oversees projects of many typologies, including cultural institutions, office buildings, and higher education projects across Europe, Asia, and Australia. His ability to lead clear concepts and subsequent project processes with an understanding of the local context has been at the root of many significant contributions to Henning Larsen’s international portfolio.

Recently, Viggo led the winning proposal for the Canberra Theatre Centre, the new home for Australia’s capital of culture. He is also the partner in charge of Sydney’s city-shaping mixed-use waterfront development, now called Lighthouse at Darling Park, and a biophilic high-rise in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

Viggo’s contributions to the design of the award-winning SDU Campus Kolding, featuring a dynamic, climate-responsive façade, resulted in one of the world’s first low-energy universities. Campus Kolding serves as an inspiration for Henning Larsen’s work on educational buildings around the world.

Given his international profile, Viggo delivers insights into Henning Larsen’s design method and projects at conferences and events globally.

Wang Yongli is a Director of the International Sales Department of the Glass Deep Processing Division of NorthGlass. She is a technical expert in glass deep processing and has been engaged in the international sales of deep-processed glass for 20 years. She has led teams to participate in the design, management, and execution of many overseas projects.

Since NorthGlass was established in 1995, it has developed the very first horizontal toughened glass production line in China. This changed the production history of toughened glass in China and ended the need for importing from foreign suppliers for specialty glass. NorthGlass continues to challenge itself in research, innovation, and the production of unusual shape requirements and size requirements.

The size of NorthGlass jumbo size glass ranges from 3.6 meters, 12.8 meters, and 18 meters to today's 24 meters. Developed 3*8m 3D multi-curved glass, forward and reverse curved tempered glass, and customized 3*18m digitally printed glass to adapt to the diversity of colors. In order to make the insulating glass last longer, long-term energy-saving insulating glass was introduced, the air leakage for these insulated glasses will still meet the national standard within 25 years.

John is a façade specialist with over 30 years’ experience working throughout Australia, Southeast Asia, China, Europe and the Middle East on projects ranging in size from Shanghai Tower to single residential.

John is currently an Associate Principal at fjcstudio. He commenced his professional career as a Structural Engineer before focusing on the engineering of the façade and was the Founding Director of Arup Façade Engineering in 1989. He led Façade Consulting teams until joining Yuanda in 2010, then the world’s largest curtain wall contractor, as Technical Director for Southeast Asia.

John is attributed with developing the discipline of Facade Engineering in the region and leading the change from ‘Envelope as Exclosure’ to ‘Facade as Filter’. He is known not only for his design skills but also his collaborative approach to the delivery of facades.

Born in Peru and now based in Australia, Rafael completed his architecture degree at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences and his master’s in architecture and urbanism at the Architectural Association in London. Then as a lead architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, Rafael led international teams on major commissions and competition‐winning bids, including the Grand Theatre of Rabat, Tokyo National Stadium and the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, the world’s largest airport terminal. As well as large‐scale residential and mixeduse projects across Australia.

In 2016, Rafael and Monica Earl co‐founded Contreras Earl Architecture (CEA) with the vision to design original, inventive buildings that contribute to the evolution of architecture and toward a better future for our communities and cities. By using advanced software, robotics, materials and construction processes, CEA is liberated from traditional building practices and forms, free to explore creative, avant‐garde ideas for the benefit of the environment and people.

CEA design process is driven by the careful analysis of contemporary life and the desire to create buildings that coexist with the built and natural environment. CEA synthesise research and understand patterns in nature to deliver site‐specific solutions that are rich, beautiful and functional – like the natural world. The architecture that emerges is innovative and advanced, imbued with warmth, soul and artistry. Sculptural forms and organic lines encourage public engagement and optimise environmental performance.

Some of CEA’s award winning and ground‐breaking buildings includes the Living Coral Biobank, the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility and the Australia’s first Air Taxi Vertiport.

Nick commenced working as a structural engineer with Connell Wagner in 2004. He pivoted his career towards the design of special structures, glass and façade systems when working with Dewhurst Macfarlane in New York from 2008-10. Since 2011, Nick has been working as a façade specialist with Arup (initially in Melbourne, now based in Adelaide) and is presently the Building Envelope (façade) skills leader for Arup’s Australasia region.

Beyond facades, Nick is an advocate for the Circular Economy, contributing to a research project in the field as well as speaking on panels and providing advice on Arup’s Circular Building Toolkit. Nick believes we should try to avoid the use of products and systems which are not readily dissemblable (e.g. adhesives!), and seek systems and processes which enable re-use of materials and components, at all stages of the project lifecycle.

Nick also contributes to growing talent in the Engineering industry: as a member of Consult Australia’s SA Chapter committee, as a past member of the industry advisory board at the School of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide, as well as other volunteer roles which enable him to help inspire school aged Australians to consider engineering career pathways.

Alex is a leading sustainability engineering consultant in Australia’s Built Environment. He has led the sustainability strategy on a number of Sydney’s most sustainable and recognisable developments, with a track record of delivering high-performance, beautiful outcomes for a low-carbon future.

With more than a decade of experience in the field of façade engineering, architecture, and construction, Alberto joined Mott MacDonald in 2022, where he currently serves as a Principal Façade Engineer and Engineering Sciences Practice lead for the Australian region.

He started his career in façade engineering - contractor side, before joining renowned architectural practices such as Foster and Partners and Grimshaw. As in-house façade consultant, he developed a strong experience in integrated design and architectural detailing.

Alberto has worked on several flagship projects across Europe, the UK, and Australia, including certified Passivhaus and Leed Platinum projects. This has allowed him to build solid international experience with a focus on the resolution and optimization of high-performance building envelopes, from concept to completion. Additionally, his involvement in teaching and research activities with the University of Sydney has led to the development of a solid body of research in moisture management and façade innovation, as well as the publication of several scientific publications and two books titled ‘Rethinking building Skins’ and ‘Moisture and Buildings’.

Neil is a Technical Director in Inhabit’s Sydney office, where he leads technical quality and engineering consulting. He is an internationally respected façade specialist with a particular focus on delivering challenging designs.

Neil has more than 25 years international experience working across the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia. His focus has been the delivery of major projects and iconic buildings with leading international architects including Gehry Partners, Fosters, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Rem Koolhaas, SOM, RMJM, Rogers Stirk Harbour.

Neil has delivered the façades of some of the iconic buildings of the City of London skyline as well as providing strategic façade advice to projects across London, Birmingham and Manchester, including the Elephant Park Development and the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village in Birmingham.

In Australia Neil has provided façade technical input across the delivery of numerous developments, including Barangaroo and the ICC in Sydney, Victoria Harbour in Melbourne and the Brisbane Supreme Court and District Courts project.

Craig is the Technical Director at BVN. He is an architect with over 35 years’ experience across multiple building types in Australia, Europe and the UK. He currently sits on the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter DBPA Working Group as well as acting as their representative on the NSW Building Commissioners Watershedding Community of Practice. He also acts as the AIA's representative on the ABCB Technical Reference Group charged with developing proposals for updates to the waterproofing requirements of Section F of the BCA.

Pete is a Structural and Façade Engineer. His background has included leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and structural engineering of major buildings and infrastructure projects before moving into the specialist field of façade design. He has worked all over the world, with globally high profile Architects to deliver complex infrastructure projects on site in developing countries.

This combination of design and site experience has shaped Pete’s approach to projects. He interrogates the architectural vision and clients’ commercial objectives and by understanding cost and construction drivers he can propose solutions to align these with sustainability and long-term operational objectives. The results of this approach can be seen on numerous of high-profile projects in Sydney.

Prior to joining Apex, Pete spent 27 years at Arup where he was a Principal and leader of the NSW Facades Team, a team of 32 people dedicated to façade, diagnostic, materials and ESD engineering and design.

Pete’s passion is to be involved in projects from concept stage right through to site and operational stages. In this way he can deliver pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to meet clients needs and architectural vision

Mariana Yanes joined Mirvac in 2020 as a Project Design Manager. With over 10 years of experience in Property Development and a strong background in Architecture.

Mariana is a detail-oriented professional who enjoys the creative process and is continuously motivated by Design Excellence. Her collaborative approach fosters effective teamwork, ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged, and their needs are met.

Mariana’s experience across residential and commercial developments coupled with her strong problem-solving skills, contributes to finding optimal solutions in complex situations.

James is an accomplished Development Manager with over 15 years in the property and construction industry. His career commenced in construction management where he gained an in-depth understanding of the intricacies, opportunities and challenges inherent to the building process. James made a strategic transition to development management in 2017 and now leads his teams to deliver key projects across Sydney from acquisition to handover. He is passionate about reshaping urban landscapes and has curated his skills across multiple asset types including commercial, retail, hotel, and residential. Innovation, quality, and sustainable development underpin his values and vision as he creates his developments into places people love to live and work.

Dr. Sarah Gilder is a Senior Associate architect at HASSELL with over 20 years’ experience in large scale building design and delivery. She is currently working on the delivery of the new Harbourside development at Darling Harbour by Mirvac, in particular the curtain wall facade to the residential tower. She has taken leading roles on award-winning projects including the passive-house designed Woodside Building with Grimshaw Sydney, and the new Sydney Fish Markets and, the soon to be completed, Caulfield Grammar School Teaching and Learning building with 3XN.

With a passion for product design and development, Rami started his career in 2005 with a degree in Tool and Die making, using Pro-E and Uni-Graphics 3D software for Tyco Electronics. In 2009, he was introduced to the world of Production Engineer for External Venetian Blinds, delivering projects such as 1 Bligh Street, The Bond, QUT etc. After completing further studies in mechanical Engineering, Rami joined Climate Ready Engineering, providing Product Solutions in Shading system automation, specialising in Shading Control Systems and collaborating with Builders and architects to bring their visions to life. Rami is now a Solution Engineering Manager within Climate Ready Engineering and oversees the commissioning processes for all current projects.

Oliver first discovered his passion for unique and challenging projects in 2008 when he first joined the window shading industry as an installer. After graduating from university with a degree in project management, he delved into managing and successfully delivering national rollout programs for fit outs in the retail, commercial, education, hospitality and health sectors. His experience also expanded internationally into multiple areas such as Macau, the Maldives and Port Moresby to name a few. Fascinated by their unique approach to custom based solutions for window shading systems and sustainable facades, Oliver decided to join the Climate Ready Engineering team in 2020. Since joining, Oliver has managed multiple iconic projects and has always championed the vision of the Designers and Architects and brought them to life. Oliver’s background and understanding in window shading system installation and project management makes him the perfect candidate for managing, coordinating and delivering large scale projects.

Michael’s focus is on innovation, strategy, market, channel and product development for the Australian commercial facades segment, concentrating on the development of the AZURE® Façade System.

Prior to BlueScope, Michael has extensive experience within technical design, fabrication, supply, installation and launch-to-market various facade solutions for leading global companies from Europe, North America and Asia into Australian architectural construction projects, creating solutions in ventilated facade material in steel, aluminium, porcelain, terracotta, engineered stone, cementitious and composite metal/wood laminated façade panels.

Jeff is an architect and Principal at HASSELL, with over 20 years of extensive international and local experience. He is currently working on the adaptive reuse of the Lands Building in Bridge Street, the First Building in Western Sydney’s Aerotropolis, and 110 Walker Street in North Sydney. Jeff also chairs MECLA’s Aluminium Working Group bringing together all parts of the aluminium value chain to understand the challenges and opportunities for bringing about a low carbon future in Australia.

Angus Macleod joined Vector Foiltec in 2003 and is currently one of the Technical Directors for the Vector Foiltec group. He is based in Melbourne and mainly services the Australian, New Zealand and South East Asian markets but also acts as a consultant for ETFE projects around the world. Angus has a background as a Structural Engineer which allows him to interact with design teams at a very high technical level.

Vector Foiltec are the world leaders in ETFE cladding systems and have been involved in the construction of numerous high profile projects including Project Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport, the National Stadium in Singapore, Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, and the recent Minneapolis Vikings Stadium in the USA.

Vector Foiltec have numerous offices and have experience in designing lightweight and unusual structures in some of the world’s most extreme climates – from the Middle East through to the Austrian Alps.

Sean is a Principal at fjcstudio, a multi-disciplinary design studio noted for its commitment to design excellence, innovation, sustainability, reconciliation and the enhancement of the public domain. Sean is Head of Architecture in the Sydney studio.

Sean has led a broad spectrum of projects across varying typologies including large-scale urban renewal, commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. He values the role of architecture in making the city and is dedicated to creating rich urban and spatial experiences.

As the Head of New Business for Micos Group, Ciara holds a pivotal role within the Micos team, spanning across diverse market sectors. Boasting a remarkable 50+ year history, Micos is renowned for its specialisation in Curtain Wall, Windows, and Doors, making them a prominent name in Australia's facade contracting landscape. The company's roots are deeply embedded in Class 2 Residential buildings, collaborating with top-tier builders and developers such as Mirvac, Lend Lease, and Richard Crookes.

A qualified Architectural Technologist, Ciara has spent over a decade immersed in the world of facades from building product manufacturing through to facade contracting. Her extensive expertise and business acumen have earned her a well-deserved reputation, both within the facades market and the broader building industry. Recognized for her proficiency in technical and commercial domains, Ciara has become a sought-after authority in her field.

With a solid technical background in façade systems and a Mechanical Engineering degree enriching his practical insights, Ali is a seasoned professional with a track record of delivering exceptional results. Currently a Project Engineer at Sharvain Projects, they've led complex façade deliveries, notably managing Liverpool Civic Place, a $600 million project comprising diverse façade types across multiple buildings.

Bringing extensive experience in the design and fabrication of various façade systems, Ali has excelled as a Production Engineer for over 5 years. His expertise spans projects in the Middle East and across Australia.

Ali's approach to project delivery seamlessly integrates the latest technologies in the construction industry, enhancing project outcomes and pushing the boundaries of façade delivery. This mindset, coupled with his academic foundation and extensive hands-on experience, solidifies his commitment to delivering outstanding results.

Daniel is a highly qualified professional with over 20 years’ development and delivery experience across a range of sectors including infrastructure, commercial, mixed use, retail and hotels. At Built he is responsible for the delivery of the group’s $1.25 bn development pipeline which includes Younghusband, Melbourne’s largest carbon-neutral adaptive reuse precinct and the new $600m Liverpool Civic Place precinct.

Francesco's journey began with a passion for engineering and problem-solving. After completing his engineering degree, he embarked on a career path in oil and gas.

Embracing the World of Construction Following a successful tenure in oil and gas, Francesco decided to pivot to the construction sector, drawn by the opportunity to contribute to innovative urban developments and iconic structures.

The Power of Cross-Industry Experience Drawing from his earlier experience in the oil and gas sector, Francesco implemented innovative practices and technologies that further elevated Permasteelisa's position in the construction industry. His cross-industry knowledge enabled him to think outside the box, resulting in unique and efficient solutions for complex construction projects.

Francesco's journey from an engineering enthusiast to a globally renowned project manager serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and cross-industry experience. Through his work in Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Australia, he has left an indelible mark on the construction sector, pushing boundaries and redefining excellence. As the construction industry continues to evolve, Francesco's story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of project managers and engineers to dream big, embrace change, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Sreenivas Narayan is Technical and Compliance Director for India, the Middle East, and South Asia Pacific at Siderise Group and is responsible for developing and delivering the technical strategy for the business in the region.

His experience in the passive fire protection industry lies in developing business in new markets, promoting the technology of fire containment in modern building construction, and undertaking comprehensive fire testing programs for the for 15 years. He has collaborated with over 57 cladding manufacturers to complete more than 200 large scale system façade tests.

As an avid advocate of advancing fire safety to build the safest buildings possible, he works with architects, contractors, and developers to ensure code compliance and encourages the adoption of fire safety standards and practices in countries that lack regulation.

Sreenivas believes that all stakeholders involved in building construction should aspire to get it right the first-time round. By connecting people to the information they need and sharing knowledge to build collective intelligence, he hopes to leave a legacy that will inspire future generations.

Seeking to advance his knowledge and understanding of fire safety engineering, he is also an active member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), and the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and CTBUH.

Luis graduated as an Architect from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 2016. He commenced his professional career in Spain, then worked in studios both in Germany and Switzerland before moving to Australia in 2018. He has worked at fjcstudio for the last 5 years where he is a Senior Designer and has been involved in a variety of projects as well as undertaking projects independently.

Luis has a strong technical background with a deep understanding of construction.He has high design aspirations, with a particular focus on “facades as re-active skins”, a concept he studied for his thesis “Synergy, architecture, and landscape in the work of RCR,” and has influenced his approach to architecture.

On the Liverpool Civic Place project he has been responsible for the facades since the beginning of 2020. He has pursued the outcome that not only responds to the environmental conditions but also roots the building in its setting, making the user part of the bounding skin (and space) and thus blurring the limits of indoor and outdoor.

Cameron McCleery is the Australian Sales & Marketing Manager of the Flat glass Division at AGC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. He handles the sales & marketing business of Low E coatings, SunEwat, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), in Australia. Cameron has been in the building construction industry for more than 20 years. Prior to his career in AGC, Cameron held various senior roles ranging from National Sales Manager Australia / New Zealand to Specification Manager in the Polymer industry. In these appointments, his versatile experience in commercial roles enabled him to understand the evolving needs of the building industry. He has always been passionate about innovative building technologies that improve human well-being and the environment.

Itay, has over 20 years’ experience within the international stone surfacing industry and 18 years of that has been involved with Cosentino.

In 2014, Itay successfully led operations as Regional Director of Sales for Cosentino Israel. He also played a pivotal role in restructuring and leading Cosentino’s fabrication business in the East Coast and Midwest of the United States. Shimony earned his BA and LLB in Law and Business with a speciality in negotiations from the IDC University, Israel.

In 2021, the multinational positions him at the head of its operations in Oceania to act as change management leader and lay the necessary foundations to guide the transformation of the sector in general, and specifically of quartz surfaces segment, bringing with him an incredible amount of knowledge and passion for telling the Cosentino story - about their developments and most importantly their journey for sustainable and environmentally conscious stone solutions.

Glenn Carlton is the Architectural Design Manager for Guardian Glass, responsible for the Australia and New Zealand region. Glenn’s professional life has been within the construction industry, having spent 10 years working on high-performance façade systems, and the last 5 years promoting the virtues of High-Performance glazing and greater sustainability in building materials.

Glenn is Guardian’s Sustainability lead for the Asia Pacific region, ensuring Guardian has a range of products that comply with the Responsible Products Framework of Green Star Buildings (the first glass manufacturer to do so). Additionally, he has developed alternative supply chains to deliver these Green Star-compliant glazing systems, whilst limiting the cost premiums typically associated.

One of Glenn’s current projects is working with a team of colleagues exploring how Guardian can increase product circularity by incorporating higher volumes of recycled glass from the Australian and New Zealand markets back into architectural glass production. This includes products that have traditionally been difficult to recycle such as coated and laminated glass.

Glenn is very much looking forward to speaking about all things façade with the attendees at this years ZAK World of Facades, Sydney.

Claire Wu is a Façade Engineer at BG&E with over 8 years of experience in residential, commercial, infrastructure and health, working with sandstone, metal cladding and various glazing systems. Claire has a key eye for details and wants to be a part of designing the connection between people and the places they live, work and play in.

Natalia is a Façade Designer with background in Architecture. She discovered the world of facades about over 5 years ago after moving to Australia from Brazil and immediately fell in love with it. Her experience ranges from residential and commercial developments with a nice mix of cladding types, such as metal, brick and sandstone. With a high interest in sustainability, she also has experience with thermal and condensation assessments; ensuring that buildings not only exhibit aesthetic excellence but also prioritize energy efficiency.