Talented duo join Warren and Mahoney’s Sydney studio

This is a supplied media release

Multidisciplinary architectural practice Warren and Mahoney has appointed two leading architects as Principals to its Sydney studio.

Nicholas Bandounas (at right in pic) and Vish Kunjur (at left) have more than 16 years’ experience working as architects in the private and government sectors, with a strong focus on design and strategic business development. The duo forged a strong relationship while working together as Practice Directors at Crone Partners in Sydney.

Bandounas is an award winning architect who believes it is paramount to use innovation as a driving philosophy in all projects. He used this philosophy to good effect on projects in Sydney as diverse as 505 George Street in the Sydney CBD and Macquarie Bank Building on King Street Wharf.

505 George St challenged planning controls and successfully proposed a 260m super slim residential tower that nearly doubled the allowable height. The Macquarie Bank Building features a dramatic external diagrid structure and a large central atrium with interconnecting bridges and flexible workspaces.                                                                                                                       
With degrees in both architecture and engineering, Bandounas is in a unique position to understand the foundations of good building design.

“I believe in the old adage that architecture should have a profound effect on our lives. Architecture should not only shape our space physically and socially but also touch us personally. In an age of disposable consumerism, architecture has the potential to create equilibrium and be the ‘constant’, but in order to do this we must design environments that have purpose, and that last.”

Kunjur, with experience in all aspects of architecture and interior design, is more than qualified to step into a role overseeing Strategy Business Development for Australia and International market sector. He believes that “creative collaboration” drives innovative outcomes on the projects he leads.

He has worked on landmark buildings, including the redevelopment of the residential apartments at Australian Embassy in Tokyo, and Prof. Marie Bashir Centre - Mental Health Hospital. He was also seconded to Indonesia for the redevelopment of infrastructure of Banda Aceh following the Tsunami of 2004.

Kunjur says that he and Bandounas plan to use their joint expertise to help build the Warren and Mahoney Sydney studio through “good design, solid business strategies, great office culture and targeted marketing.”

Peter Marshall, Managing Director at Warren and Mahoney said:

“Nicholas and Vish both have outstanding leadership and business development skills, which are underpinned by strong design and technical expertise. We are delighted they have joined the Sydney studio and we believe they will be a significant asset to developing our business in both our Sydney and Melbourne Studios, and potentially into Asia.”

Warren and Mahoney employs 250 architects, designers and technical staff and operates from six locations across New Zealand and Australia.