Triple promotion at Techne | Architecture & Design

Technē Architecture + Interior Design contributed to the sustained growth of its operations with the promotion of three employees to management positions.

The design studio has promoted Sebnem MacDonald (pictured left) to associate, while Gabriella Gulacsi (pictured center) and Sam Sempill (pictured right) both move up to associate director. The evolution of Technē’s management team is something Principal Nick Travers says he and the firm are proud of.

“It allows all of us to participate in more complex projects that are infused with our creativity and individuality, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship of what we do,” he says.

With over 20 years of experience in national and international markets, Gabriella Gulacsi will lead the Technē Interior Design team as Associate Director. Gulacsi joined Technē in 2015 and grew to manage commercial projects, nurture client relationships and oversee the project lifecycle for industry leaders and blue chip clients. Gulacsi has strong business acumen, determination and work ethic to lead and mentor his team.

“Integrity and honesty are infused into our design concepts, and coupled with our niche approach, we provide a platform that inspires and delivers on time and within limits,” says Gulacsi.

Sam Sempill has also been named associate director and will lead the architecture team. Sempill is a multidisciplinary designer with extensive project experience. With over 15 years in the industry and 4 years at Technē, Sempill has extensive experience in practice management, project management and project delivery.

The new Associate Director prides herself on her ability to build lasting relationships with stakeholders that continue long after projects have ended. Its portfolio of projects spans a variety of sectors, from hospitality and wellness to high-end hospitality and residential. Sempill’s interest in the visual arts and textile design informs much of his approach to design.

“I’m excited to step into my role as Associate Director and look forward to helping shape the future of our studio. I am inspired to share the knowledge I have accumulated over time and will continue to promote gender equality in the industry,” says Sempill.

Senior project architect and urban designer, Sebnem MacDonald, begins his new role as a partner at Technē. MacDonald’s 20 years of professional experience spans the UK, Turkey and Australia. His unique international professional background covers a very diverse field – from furniture design to urban design; and from the refurbishment of heritage buildings to the conceptual design of high-rise mixed-use developments.

MacDonald has been the project manager for a number of prestigious large-scale multi-residential, hotel and mixed-use developments in Melbourne and Perth. Since joining Technē in 2019, her portfolio has grown to include Fourdrinier House, Sheahan Townhouses and a major hospitality and retail project in St Kilda. The Associate leads teams with humility and confidence while ensuring that client and stakeholder goals are met.

“My passion is to achieve high quality design while coordinating multidisciplinary teams in large, complex and bespoke projects. It’s exciting to take my passion to the next level in this new chapter of my career. she says.

Technē has helped develop many of Melbourne’s finest food and drink venues, alongside a suite of acclaimed private residences and commercial developments. For more information, visit techne.com.au.

Images: provided