ARCHITEAM DIRECTOR 2025 ELECTION - VOTE NOW

ArchiTeam Board Elections Now Open

As some of you may know, after six years of dedicated service (three terms), Sonia Sarangi will be stepping down. John Liu has also decided to step down after four years (two terms), and Wesley Spencer’s first term has come to an end. At the upcoming ArchiTeam Annual General Meeting, this creates three (3) vacancies on the Board.

Meet the Nominees:
We are pleased to have received several nominations for these positions, and now it’s time for members to vote.
Below, you’ll find links to each candidate’s Nomination Statement, providing insights into their experience, goals, and vision for ArchiTeam.

Voting Details:

Voting is open to all ArchiTeam Cooperative shareholders, with one vote per shareholder (member).
All current shareholders will receive an email (via Survey Monkey) with a unique link to cast their vote.
Voting closes on Wednesday 19 November, at 10:00 am AEST.

Your participation ensures the continued strength and leadership of ArchiTeam – thank you for taking the time to have your say.

If you haven’t received your voting email, please contact the CEO immediately at CEO@architeam.net.au .

Thank you for participating in this important process for the future of ArchiTeam.

Nominees

PAUL COOKSEY

Northern Edge Studio l South Australia

Paul has been an active member of the ArchiTeam CPD Committee since 2021, presenting, hosting, and helping plan more than 20 CPD sessions. He’s a familiar presence in the members’ Facebook group and recently facilitated the online community during the ArchiTeam Conference.

Through this involvement, Paul has developed a strong understanding of members’ needs and brings that insight to his role as an educator, advocate, and supporter of small practices. As a South Australian member, he’s passionate about expanding ArchiTeam’s reach beyond Victoria and building stronger regional networks.

With experience on school governing councils, AIA committees, and community organisations, Paul brings governance knowledge and collaborative leadership to the Board. His key goals include strengthening ArchiTeam’s CPD platform, growing interstate engagement, and raising public awareness of ArchiTeam’s role in supporting small practice.

Founder of Northern Edge Studio, Paul’s award-winning work has been published nationally and internationally. Outside architecture, he’s an avid cyclist, traveller, and devoted family man.

Paul's full Nomination Statement is available here.

JEAN GRAHAM

Winter Architecture l Victoria

Jean has been an active ArchiTeam member for over a decade, drawn to the strong sense of community and shared understanding that supports small practice architects. Over the years, she has contributed to ArchiTeam through the Awards, conferences, and the members’ Facebook group, and recently joined the Advocacy Committee.

As Director of Winter Architecture, Jean brings extensive experience running her own practice—from working as a sole practitioner to leading a team of 11 across Fitzroy and Torquay. Her projects span residential, commercial, and eco-tourism work across Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania, giving her deep insight into the realities and opportunities of small practice.

Jean balances practice with teaching as an Associate Teaching Fellow at Deakin University, where she leads a final-year Master of Architecture studio and promotes both traditional craft and digital design skills. She also serves as an ARBV examiner for Part 3 candidates and co-curates the Geelong and Surf Coast Architects Group, fostering networking and professional development within the regional community.

Jean believes ArchiTeam’s greatest strength lies in its ability to connect and empower members. Her focus is on strengthening collaboration, supporting emerging practitioners, and building strategic partnerships that promote the visibility, sustainability, and resilience of small practices.

Jean's full Nomination Statement is available here

LEIGHTON THOMAS

Contexture Architects l Queensland

Leighton discovered ArchiTeam through its PI and PL insurance but soon became deeply engaged in the community, attending MOFL lunches, conferences, industry tours, and contributing regularly in the Facebook forum. Over nine years, he has provided feedback on the Client Architect Agreement and supported members through education, advocacy, and practical guidance.

With over 30 years of experience, Leighton has worked across practices of all sizes, from two-person studios to multinationals, in Australia and internationally. He brings expertise in design, construction, finance, and contracts, with a focus on helping small practices deliver high-quality work efficiently and with reduced risk.

As Director of Contexture Architects, Leighton is passionate about supporting small practices, strengthening national networks, and expanding ArchiTeam’s reach. His priorities include encouraging more MOFL-style social and learning events to build national engagement and enhancing professional resources like the Client Architect Agreement. Leighton believes ArchiTeam represents the “national hug” of small practice architecture—a supportive network that celebrates success and shares experience. He is committed to bringing a broad, national perspective to the Board to strengthen ArchiTeam’s reach and relevance for architects across Australia.

Leighton's full Nomination Statement is available here

WESLEY SPENCER

Wexhaus l Victoria

Wesley has been a Board Director at ArchiTeam since 2023, serving as CPD Director in 2024 and Awards and Member Services Director in 2025. He has actively participated in ArchiTeam Conferences, CPD sessions, and initiatives designed to support members, including the introduction of disclaimer documents as part of the Client Architect Agreement Pack.

With over 18 years’ experience as a registered architect, Wesley has led multidisciplinary teams, specialising in heritage conservation, and currently serves as a Director on the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). His strategic leadership, industry connections, and hands-on experience enable him to develop initiatives that address member challenges across marketing, advocacy, education, sponsorship, and practice efficiency.

Wesley is passionate about helping small practice architects thrive. He is committed to fostering community, listening to member needs, and using his expertise and networks to provide meaningful support across ArchiTeam. He envisions ArchiTeam as a national hub for architects—a centre for advocacy, resources, and professional recognition—ensuring the organisation continues to strengthen the profession and support small practice architects across Australia.

Wesley's full Nomination Statement is available here

REDMOND HAMLETT

WHDA Architects l Victoria

Redmond is a seasoned architect with 18 years of experience, including over a decade as a practice director. Based in Melbourne, he is skilled in client engagement, project delivery, feasibility studies and design resolution, with a strong focus on socially relevant and culturally engaged architecture. His work spans practices of varying scales and is grounded in a commitment to both community outcomes and thoughtful urban contribution.

A member of ArchiTeam for 12 years, Redmond co-creative directed the 2021 Trajectories Conference, participated in the Breakfast Club 2025, and has entered in the ArchiTeam Awards program. He regularly attends CPD events and contributes to the Members-Only Facebook forum, particularly on practice risk and professional responsibility. His broader experience includes governance roles in community sporting organisations, seven years of teaching in academia, and three years as an examiner for the ARBV Part 3 registration interview.

Redmond is seeking to join the ArchiTeam Board to contribute to a stronger, more connected and professionally supported small-to-medium practice community. He believes ArchiTeam can play a key role in advocating for fair procurement models, strengthening national visibility, and providing practical, high-value support for everyday practice. He aims to help build member confidence, promote the value of architectural expertise, and support the long-term sustainability of the profession.

Redmond's full Nomination Statement is available here

TROY GRATION

Gration Architects l Victoria

Troy brings over 25 years of architectural and business experience, spanning small to large practices and a wide range of residential and commercial projects. For the past 13 years, he has successfully operated his own practice, gaining firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by small architectural businesses and ArchiTeam members.

An active participant in the ArchiTeam community, Troy has attended numerous Conferences, CPD sessions, and AGMs, deepening his engagement with the cooperative’s professional and educational initiatives. His experience extends beyond design to include project management, procurement, and legislative frameworks—expertise that supports his advocacy for a well-informed and properly regulated profession.

Troy is passionate about strengthening the standing of small practice architects within the industry. He aims to raise ArchiTeam’s profile through collaboration with professional bodies such as the ARBV, VBA, and AACA, and by promoting recognition of the value architects bring to clients and communities. He sees ArchiTeam as a vital platform for professional development, advocacy, and industry engagement, and is committed to ensuring it continues to empower members and advance the profession.

Troy's full Nomination Statement is available here