Since co-founding Gray Puksand more than 30 years ago, Robert Puksand’s unwavering dedication to industry-leading design and guiding approach to leadership has grown the business to become one of Australia’s leading architecture practices.
Having established the Victorian Chapter Urban Design Committee in 2011 and previously acting as President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Robert is passionate about advocating for the value of design across all levels and sectors.
We recently sat down with Robert, now Gray Puksand’s National Health and Science Lead, to discuss our increasing work in the sector, the importance of wellbeing-centric design, and how he coaches his team to success.
The decision to expand Gray Puksand’s design services into the health and science sector was a natural evolution according to Robert, who has led the team for the last several years.
“The ethos of Gray Puksand centres around using design to influence the world around us and providing better outcomes for the community.
“We’ve been involved in the education sector for several decades and in that time, have seen the power of good design in our work. This led us to realise we could also make a real difference in the health space.”
The Health and Science team now work in every part of the sector, with their projects ranging from small fit-outs to entire master-planned healthcare and research precincts.
“These projects often present incredibly specific requirements in the delivery of clinical spaces, operating theatres, imaging rooms and research laboratories. This can be challenging, however often leads to us implementing some really exciting design solutions.
“Outside of these spaces, the majority of a hospital doesn’t have to be clinical. This is where we really focus on deinstitutionalisation to create an environment that improves outcomes for both staff and patients.”
