Cottee Parker Architects launches "Elevate"

Media Release

Cottee Parker Architects launches "Elevate", redefining how the next generation of architectural leaders are grown.

As architectural practices across Australia and New Zealand navigate growth, succession and cultural relevance, Cottee Parker Architects has launched 'Elevate', an eight-month leadership program designed to fundamentally rethink how emerging leaders are mentored, recognised and prepared for the realities of contemporary practice.

Rather than focusing solely on promotions or technical excellence, Elevate identifies high-potential individuals across both design and non-design roles and equips them with the rnmmercial, strategic and cultural capability required to lead a modern, multi-studio architecture practice.

"The industry has traditionally relied on legacy leadership models that were shaped in a very different market."Elevate" is our response to that shift. It's about recognising potential early and deliberately equipping future leaders to manage commercial complexity, client expectations and cultural change, not just hoping they'll pick it up over time."

Matthew Caswell, Managing Director

A Deliberate Investment in People and Connection

Elevate brings together nine emerging leaders from across Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the practice's footprint and commitment to developing leadership capability across geographies.

Participants will come together in person throughout the year, investing time and presence to build relationships, share perspectives and develop a genuinely connected leadership cohort.

"Elevate" reflects a broader evolution in how leadership is defined within the practice.

The program represents a meaningful commitment of time, senior leadership involvement and resources, reinforcing that leadership development at Cottee Parker is not an add-on, but a strategic priority.

Rather than treating leadership as a reward for tenure or profile, the programme recognises capability, curiosity and influence, and invests in those attributes with intent.

"This is not a theoretical leadership programme. Participants are working on real initiatives that affect how the practice operates, how we collaborate across studios, and how we position ourselves in the market. It's about building leaders who can confidently operate across people, projects and business."

David Thornton, Managing Director | New Zealand

Equipping Leaders for Commercial and Design Reality

In an environment of increased cost pressure, heightened client expectations and rapid technological change, Elevate is deliberately focused on preparing leaders who can operate at the intersection of design excellence and commercial reality.

Participants are expected to lead client conversations, contribute to business development activity, make informed strategic decisions and influence culture, well before stepping into formal leadership roles.

A New Model for Mentorship in a Legacy-Heavy Industry

Elevate also responds to a key challenge facing established practices: how to transition leadership responsibly while honouring the legacy that built the business.

By pairing emerging leaders with senior mentors and Directors - and giving them real authority to pilot and implement change, the programme creates a two-way exchange between generations of leadership.

The intent is evolution, not disruption.

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