Award-winning Australian architecture practice FK has strengthened its Sydney studio with the appointment of three new Principals, expanding its leadership capability across residential, infrastructure and major urban renewal projects.
Zoey Chen, Leo Chandiok and Tiffany Allan bring extensive experience in the delivery of major residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across Australia and internationally, adding considerable depth to the Sydney studio.
FK CEO Mark Murphy said the appointments were an important step in strengthening the practice’s presence in New South Wales.
“Sydney is an exciting and challenging market for FK as we deploy strategies to build our structure and capability to pursue and deliver excellence in NSW. Our recent appointments at Principal level reflect our values and our aspiration for sustainable growth and sustainable design,” said Murphy.
Zoey Chen, Principal
Zoey Chen brings a wealth of experience in design leadership, urban renewal and complex mixed-use developments across Australia and internationally. With a balance of creative vision, strategic thinking and commercial understanding, she is passionate about bringing people together to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful places.
At FK, Zoey is leading Greystar’s Union Street Pyrmont build-to-rent development, while contributing to the practice’s broader design vision, collaborative culture and continued growth in Sydney.
“I believe great architecture starts with people. It’s about being curious, challenging conventions and finding better ways to shape how we live. What excites me most is the opportunity to work with talented people who share that ambition, and to create places that make a real difference to our cities and communities,” said Zoey.
Leo Chandiok, Principal
With more than 25 years of experience across commercial, infrastructure and complex residential projects, Leo Chandiok brings extensive expertise in the increasingly rigorous planning, compliance and delivery environment in the New South Wales residential sector.
At FK, Leo is enjoying leading a range of projects with build-to-sell, build-to-rent, affordable housing and hotel sectors at the forefront.
“It’s an interesting and important time for the residential sector,” said Leo.
“Projects today – regardless of scale and typology – demand a deeper level of coordination between design, planning, compliance and delivery. I’m looking forward to helping our clients navigate that complexity while ensuring that strong, considered and sustainable design outcomes remain at the very centre of every project.”
Tiffany Allan, Principal
With over 18 years of experience across commercial, education, high-end residential and mixed-use development, FK Principal Tiffany Allan brings a considered balance of design leadership, technical expertise and project delivery. Tiffany has led complex, large-scale projects from early design and Design Excellence through to construction, including award-winning projects recognised at state and national levels.
At FK, her work includes the Blackwattle Bay urban renewal project, drawing on her experience across commercial and residential sectors to explore how new housing models can strengthen connections between people and their communities.
“The future of housing is about more than buildings. It’s about creating a genuine sense of belonging,” Tiffany said.
“People are looking for stronger connections to place, community and experience. The most successful projects will be those that balance commercial objectives with human needs, creating neighbourhoods and homes that people want to be part of for years to come.”
FK Partner Helen Kuo said the scale of change underway in Sydney made this a particularly important moment for the role of design in city shaping projects.
“Housing needs are changing, major urban renewal projects are reshaping the city and expectations around design quality, sustainability and community impact continue to rise,” said Kuo.
“Zoey, Leo and Tiffany each bring outstanding leadership and technical expertise; more importantly, they bring the ambition, character and collaborative mindset that strengthens our culture and elevates those around them.”