PINBOARD

After 24 years under the leadership of founder David Moir, the practice has appointed Jason Cuffe as Managing Director, alongside Joshua Small as Director – Infrastructure, and Georgia Darling as Design Principal. All three senior leaders join Moir Studio from Hassell, one of Australia's leading design firms.

The expansion marks the first major new landscape architecture studio to establish in Sydney in recent years, positioning Moir Studio to disrupt the market with its fresh approach to complex precinct-focused projects and deep experience in the renewable energy sector. The strategic appointment of the three senior leaders, signals Moir Studio's ambitious growth plans.

David Moir, Founder of Moir Studio, said: "After 24 years of leading Moir Studio, I'm proud to announce a transformative step forward in our journey. What began as a modest practice in Newcastle has become a collaborative, future-focused studio with 30 dedicated professionals and award-winning international experience in our senior leadership team."

"Our values — People, Place, and Planet — are not just words on a page; they guide every decision we make. They shape how we connect with communities, respect Country, and contribute to a healthier future. With the opening of our Gadigal office at Customs House and the addition of Jason, Josh, and Georgia, we are building on these foundations with strong, informed leadership," Moir said.

The strategic expansion into Sydney responds directly to market opportunities and positions the firm to serve existing clients while growing through new public and private sector relationships. The new office represents a significant evolution of the Moir brand, backed by 45 years of combined experience from the new leadership team.

Jason Cuffe joins Moir Studio from his previous role as Managing Principal at Hassell, bringing over 15 years of experience in shaping transformative precincts across Australia and Asia.

"It's a true privilege to take on the role of Managing Director at Moir Studio at a pivotal moment in our growth," Cuffe said. "This appointment marks a strategic opportunity to establish a new and fresh design presence in Sydney—one that builds on Moir Studio's strong capability in the renewable energy sector. This positions us for broader impact in mixed-use precincts, neighbourhoods and blue-green infrastructure with regenerative design at the core."

Georgia Darling steps into the role of Design Principal from her previous position as Senior Associate. Darling will focus on embedding principles of social equity and ecological resilience across all projects.

"Stepping into the role of Design Principal at Moir Studio marks an exciting new chapter in my career—one driven by a clear purpose: to lead with impact and collaborate across the built environment industry to create meaningful, lasting change," Ms Darling said. "A vital part of this work is storytelling—ensuring that our built environment reflects and nurtures the culture, identity, and narratives of the people it serves."

Joshua Small, appointed as Director – Infrastructure, was previously Senior Associate / Global Sector Lead – Green Infrastructure. Small will lead the firm's infrastructure projects with a focus on corridor restoration and connecting cultures, communities, and environments.

"I'm excited to join Moir Studio as Director of Infrastructure—a practice with a strong reputation in the renewables sector and a clear vision for growth," Small said. "Over the years, I've had the opportunity to lead large-scale infrastructure and corridor restoration projects that go far beyond function. These projects have allowed me to challenge the idea that infrastructure is just a separator of spaces, and instead demonstrate how it can connect cultures, communities, and environments meaningfully."

The new office is strategically located in Customs House, at the heart of Sydney's growth—a choice that resonates with the expansion and trajectory of Moir Studio itself. The historic building's adaptive re-use aligns with the firm's regenerative design aspirations.

While the firm will continue to build on its recognised expertise in renewable energy projects, the Sydney expansion represents a strategic shift towards complex mixed-use precincts, communities, and blue-green infrastructure. The firm aims to grow its Sydney operation over the next 6-12 months aligned to project and market opportunities.

The landscape architecture industry is undergoing significant transformation, with the discipline increasingly taking a central role in addressing climate adaptation, urban resilience, biodiversity loss, and community health. Recent NSW housing reforms present a critical opportunity for landscape architects to deliver high-quality, regenerative precincts.

"Landscape architects are no longer operating at the periphery of city-making—they are leading it," Cuffe said. "Today, our discipline is shaping strategic policy, guiding master planning frameworks, and driving the delivery of projects that generate social, ecological, and economic value."