Simon is a principal of BKK. He leads architectural and multi-disciplinary teams on a range of projects from home extensions to major infrastructure.
He is a recognised leader in the architectural community for his strong urban design focus and broad architectural experience.
Simon has been a leader in many projects involving public artwork such as the new Refik Anadol commission Wind of Lilydale at Lilydale Railway Station and the iconic Building 17 façade at Monash University with Callum Morton. He worked recently with Wadawurrung artists to incorporate original drawings into the shared-user path and balustrades of a new bridge along Barwon Heads Road near Geelong.
Simon has worked extensively in design advocacy. This has included presenting to governments, stakeholders and approval bodies in support of public artworks. It has also been through his many roles in broadcast and print media, and formally in government contexts such as the Office of the Victorian Government Architect Design Review Panel.
Simon has led design-studio courses for architecture students at Monash and RMIT Universities. He has been a guest lecturer at the Universities of Melbourne and Tasmania.
BKK Architects is a Melbourne-based practice of 26 people established in 2000.
They deliver projects that are public, multi-residential, cultural and educational. These range in size from individual homes to exhibition spaces and major infrastructure.
Playfulness, social and community connections, leadership and advocacy define the BKK approach.
Some recent high-profile projects have included the 2020 ACMI Renewal at Federation Square and new railway stations for Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Merinda Park. The Whitehorse Performing Arts Centre, a completely new build, is currently under construction. All incorporate art.
BKK Architects actively seek out projects that bring opportunities to team up, whether it’s with artists, exhibition designers, user experience experts or other architects. Many BKK projects have involved collaborating with artists and art commissioners and advocating to ensure public artworks are integrated and constructed with excellence.