New Queensland lead gets complex projects moving
ARM appoints Katherine Rickard as Queensland lead
With strong connections to the Gold Coast and an exemplary string of projects across education, community infrastructure, health, residential, and commercial, Rickard has taken the helm in Queensland to steer a strong vision, sharpen the studio’s strategic focus, and expand ARM’s influence across the state.
Director Jesse Judd, who has been instrumental in ARM’s success in Queensland for more than a decade, is impressed by Katherine’s ability to balance design excellence with the realities of delivering projects in this market.
“ARM projects such as HOTA and the Smith Collective succeed because the ideas are coherent – everyone feels included and invested in the outcome. Getting that buy-in protects the design throughout a project’s life,” said Judd.
“Katherine quietly listens, considers and then responds with absolute clarity, making her the right fit for the high profile, complex projects ARM seeks out. Her leadership on challenging projects such as the Gold Coast Hockey Centre demonstrates that she has the nerve it takes to protect and project ideas.”
Having been in Queensland for over 15 years, ARM is intent on bolstering its national expertise with local knowledge and values. Rickard’s experience as a senior architect at the Gold Coast City Council equips her with practical insight into public policy and regulatory frameworks, and how the mechanics of great projects work.
“Our growing team is thriving, our pipeline is strong, and our commitment to shaping Queensland’s future has never felt more energised,” said Rickard. “I’m here to continue to build ARM’s local presence in Queensland and connect clients to the expertise within our firm nationally. Queensland is really having its moment in the sun, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
“I’m here to continue to build ARM’s local presence in Queensland and connect clients to the expertise within our firm nationally. Queensland is really having its moment in the sun, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Early concept for the Gold Coast Music Hall.
Rickard has taken charge of ARM’s Gold Coast Civic and Music Hall with the City of Gold Coast. Through adaptive reuse, the former Surfers Paradise Transit Centre will be reimagined as a 3,000-capacity live-music and community hub. This week, the project reaches a critical interim Design Development milestone. Construction of the $40m council project commenced early works in January with expected completion in late 2027, ready for a 2028 opening.
Principal Aaron Poupard remains a force in the local team and steers ARM’s new and existing work across all sectors in Queensland. He and the team have recently completed the concept design for the Lyric Theatre which heralds the next evolution in the ARM-masterplanned arts precinct, elevating the city’s performing arts offering, and reinforcing HOTA as a nationally significant creative destination.
“The addition of Katherine, and her taking over as studio lead marks an important shift for ARM in Queensland,” said Poupard. “She’s got that rare ability to focus on what matters; the details and the big picture, all in perfect harmony.”
About Katherine Rickard
Architect registration in Queensland (BOAQ 4648) and Victoria (ARBV 801390)
M.Arch, D.Des.St(Architecture)
Katherine Rickard’s extensive and diverse experience in architecture spans 20+ years across various sectors, including education, community infrastructure, health, residential, and commercial projects. Leadership roles in both private and public sectors, combined with expertise in design delivery, construction phase services, and stakeholder engagement, highlight her comprehensive skill set in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from inception to completion.
Actively involved in the Queensland architectural community as an awards juror for the Australian Institute of Architects, co-curator of PechaKucha Night Gold Coast and a founding member of the Gold Coast Open House architecture festival, Katherine makes academic contributions as a guest lecturer and reviewer at Bond and Griffith universities.
Her portfolio includes high-profile projects like the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Commonwealth Games legacy facilities, and the childcare centre fitout (cold shell) at the New Footscray Hospital PPP in partnership with the Western Bulldogs AFL club and Plenary Health. To her role at ARM, Katherine brings valuable experience as a senior architect at the Gold Coast City Council.