ARM celebrates new promotions

ARM is pleased to announce the promotions of Ark Belov, Renae Schulz and Cecilia Yao to Associate, and Dylan Li to Senior Associate.

Promotions at ARM acknowledge more than individual achievement. They recognise the people who increasingly take responsibility for projects, teams and outcomes; who strengthen the capability of the practice; and who build the trusted relationships with clients, collaborators and communities that underpin our work.

Ark Belov—Associate

Since joining ARM’s Adelaide studio in 2019, Ark Belov has established himself as an accomplished architectural technician, documenter and computational designer—and an irrepressibly curious problem solver.

His project experience includes Adelaide Festival Plaza Precinct, University of Adelaide upgrades, 485 Flinders Lane, De La Salle College, East Perth Primary School, Lot 51 Bowden Build to Rent , Melbourne Central Levels 3 and 4 Lonsdale, and Murrumbidgee and Griffith High Schools.

Ark brings an unusually broad intellectual perspective to architecture, with earlier studies spanning semiology, logic and English literature. He is particularly interested in the way architecture reflects social, economic and cultural forces, and in ensuring the built environment provides genuine public benefit and accessibility.

His technical expertise in computational and algorithmic design, modelling and documentation has made him a valuable contributor across every stage of project delivery.

Renae Schulz—Associate

Renae Schulz joined ARM’s Adelaide studio in 2021 while studying at the University of Adelaide and has grown rapidly into an important project leader within the practice.

Her work spans education, cultural, public and residential projects, including  Adelaide Festival Plaza Precinct, University of Adelaide upgrades, Yanco Agricultural High School, Bomaderry High School, Murrumbidgee and Griffith High Schools, Port Augusta Technical College, Lot 51 Bowden Build to Rent and the University of Adelaide Public Realm Interface.

Renae has developed particular strength across conceptual design, spatial planning, documentation and construction-phase delivery. Her contribution to the Port Augusta Technical College was significant across all phases of design and delivery, working closely and collaboratively with the client, consultants and construction team.

Organised, clear in her communication and highly collaborative, Renae brings both discipline and creativity to her work. She is also a talented architectural photographer, having documented the work of a number of Australian practices, including ARM.

Cecilia Yao—Associate

Since joining ARM in 2022, Cecilia Yao has become one of the practice’s quiet achievers—a highly skilled architect whose diligence, technical judgement and commitment to delivery make her an invaluable member of project teams.

Her experience includes Fitzroy Gasworks, Lot 14 Docklands, Al Siraat College and Masjid, Wyndham Cultural Centre, Bayswater Primary School, Caulfield Village, Flinders Medical Centre, 485 Flinders Lane and the VSBA Early Learning and Childcare Centres program.

A registered architect with strong expertise in Revit, BIM workflows, design development and construction documentation, Cecilia is particularly adept at navigating complex coordination across architecture, structure and building services.

Her careful approach, accuracy and growing project leadership consistently support both design quality and practical delivery. With her recent return to full-time practice, Cecilia has taken on increasing responsibility for project deliverables, deadlines and team coordination.

Dylan Li—Senior Associate

Dylan Li’s trajectory since joining ARM in 2019 has been remarkable. His promotion recognises not only the quality of his own contribution, but his growing responsibility for leading projects, teams and the work of the practice more broadly.

Dylan has built extensive experience across major public, cultural, sporting and education projects including the Waurn Ponds Regional Sports Facility, Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment, Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion, Port Augusta Technical College, Box Hill Masterplan, Lot 14 Docklands, Aura Parklands, Queensberry Street Apartments, and Six New Primary Schools for Melbourne’s West.

Dylan combines sophisticated design thinking with deep expertise in digital tools and project delivery. His experience spans the complete project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through documentation and contract administration.

Alongside practice, Dylan maintains a strong engagement with architectural education and research, having led design studios at the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and the Architectural Association. His international experience in London, Beijing and Brisbane, together with his commitment to inclusive and socially impactful architecture, brings considerable breadth to his work at ARM.

These promotions reflect four different but equally valuable forms of leadership—technical excellence, design capability, project delivery, collaboration and the willingness to take responsibility.

Please join us in congratulating Ark, Renae, Cecilia and Dylan as they take the next step in their careers and continue to shape the future of ARM.