Award-winning architects.
Innovative creative thinkers.

Ed Mitchell

Director

Ed established FORUM after 15 years of experience in Melbourne and Adelaide with a leading international design practice, most recently as a principal.

As the vision behind many city-changing, award-winning architecture and urban design projects in both Adelaide and Melbourne, Ed has broad experience across master planning, commercial, cultural, heritage, residential and education projects. Ed’s mantra is simple; long-lasting and trusted client relationships, equal great outcomes.

He’s worked with some of Australia’s most influential and respected private clients, as well as State and Federal Government departments over the last 15 years. Graduating from the University of Adelaide with a double degree, Master of Architecture, and Landscape Architecture, Ed’s also a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and a registered architect in South Australia and Victoria.

Rory Sheppard

Director

Rory established FORUM after 10 years of working in London and Melbourne with a leading international design practice. With a previous career in Corporate Finance and Management Consulting, he brings a unique perspective and commercial understanding to our projects.

Rory has traversed across the globe throughout his career, working on projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, focusing on master planning, commercial, cultural, heritage, residential and education. Possessing a communication style that expresses graphic and visual design with vivid clarity, he’s able to provide clients with a rich vision and appreciation of their project.

Graduating from Monash University with a Master of Architecture, he’s a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and also holds degrees in Economics and Finance from the University of Adelaide.

David Harrap

Director

David joined FORUM in 2023, bringing with him over 20 years experience leading the design in major commercial, public realm, hotel, multi-residential, and mixed-use projects. 

David brings energy, dedication, strong working relationships, and a commitment to quality outcomes on all projects.  Passionate about sustainability, he envisions self-sufficient buildings that produce their own energy and sustain the city. As an experienced practitioner, he excels at turning complex constraints into meaningful and successful outcomes for clients. 

David is driven to deliver architectural excellence and ground-breaking design, with collaboration and communication at the heart of his approach. Finding that when you engage openly with clients, stakeholders, and design teams, the result is often better than anyone could imagine.

Julie Haslam

General Manager

Bringing to FORUM diverse experience in operations, marketing and business development, Julie has worked with brands such as Audi and Westfield, to REA, Frasers, Lendlease and Monash IVF group. 

In her role at FORUM, overseeing business operations, Julie’s approach to design and management is as straightforward as much as it is impactful: playful, warm, functional, and unpretentious. She values close, collaborative client relationships, all with the understanding that such partnerships often lead to more rewarding and effective outcomes.

Marcus McConnell

Senior Associate

Marcus has over a decade of experience in Sydney and Adelaide working on large-scale commercial, cultural, and residential projects, focusing on innovative, functional, and sustainable design. Known for his strong client relationships and collaborative leadership, he excels at navigating complex project demands while delivering creative, high-quality outcomes.

Marcus is currently leading our Surf City Motel Development in Torquay, a project that reflects his commitment to designs that enrich communities and harmonise with their surroundings. A registered architect with a Master of Architecture, Marcus seamlessly integrates visionary ideas with practical solutions to create lasting impact.

Will Shaw

Associate

Will joined FORUM in 2022, bringing diverse experience in education, commercial, and residential projects. His passion lies in the intersection of ‘People, Cities, Buildings’, and on projects which celebrate the social impact of design.

Since joining, he has played a pivotal role in urban and suburban master plans like Seaton and Brompton Gasworks, which aim to strengthen neighbourhood connections within the wider city.

Inspired by his travels through dynamic cities such as Bologna and Naples, Will brings innovative solutions to complex client challenges.

Hamish Law

Urban Designer

Joining FORUM with a versatile background in urban design and architecture, Hamish specialises in master planning, mixed-use developments, and urban renewal. Holding a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Canberra and a Master of Architecture from Monash University, his global experiences in the USA and China enrich his local expertise and the work he touches.

Hamish believes excellent design should engage with both social and physical contexts, creating far-reaching impacts. A philosophy that shone in his work on design guides in Canberra, blending technical challenges with personal fulfilment. 

Off the clock, Hamish loves experimenting with new recipes and getting lost in movies and music. 

Perri Sparnon

Graduate of Architecture

Joining the FORUM team in 2022, as a Graduate of Architecture with a background in heritage and conservation, Perri has a passion for integrating the old with the new.

With both a Master of Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Cultural Materials Conservation from the University of Melbourne, her work is focused on ensuring connection to the past is celebrated in contemporary design.

Perri’s mantra is a strong brief and in-depth knowledge of a client is often the compass which leads to exceptional design. It was this approach that guided Perri’s recent work on Ballarat’s Norwich Plaza, a locally significant site that resonated with her interest in preservation.

When she’s not delivering outstanding work, Perri enjoys teaching architectural history and design to students at the University of Adelaide. 

BRIDGET BUXTON

Graduate of Architecture

Bridget brings over six years of experience to the FORUM team, having worked across Australia, New Zealand and Denmark on projects ranging from masterplanning and multi residential developments to commercial buildings and small footprint housing.

She has developed expertise in sustainable principles, low carbon materials and urban design, and is committed to creating context specific architecture that is meaningful, enduring and responsive to the challenges of our time. At FORUM, Bridget is playing a key role in shaping our 71 Queens Road project, bringing a thoughtful approach to residential planning and design.

Bridget values a collaborative and positive design process. She is currently working toward architectural registration in Victoria and holds a Master of Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Angus Cunningham

Graduate of Architecture

Angus joined FORUM in 2022 as a Graduate of Architecture, focusing on both academic and professional practice. Awarded the Dean’s Honours and Denton Corker Marshall Award from The University of Melbourne, he also shapes future architects as a studio leader and tutor.

Angus designs subtle yet impactful spaces, with an emphasis on ‘architecture operating in the background.’ His travels in Japan, India, and Spain have shaped his approach, blending global perspectives with a respect for local contexts. His latest project, 159 Gipps Street, transforms a run-down Abbotsford home into a multi-dwelling site, thoughtfully preserving the neighborhood’s character.

BECK NINHAM-SMITH

Graduate of Architecture

Beck is drawn to architecture’s ability to shape stories – of people, place, and community. Since completing his Master of Architecture at the University of South Australia in 2022, he’s gained experience across commercial, residential and public projects, bringing a thoughtful, people-focused approach to each.

He’s especially interested in design that responds to the cultural and social layers of a place, and the role architecture plays in shaping meaningful connections. Beck has a hands-on approach and a genuine love of model-making, which he brings into the design process. Since joining FORUM, he’s contributed to a range of projects, most recently the outdoor learning and play space at St Leonard’s College, helping to create spaces that invite connection with nature and community.

Benedict Bampton

Graduate of Architecture

With a recent Masters of Architecture from the University of South Australia, Ben is already making waves at the studio, creating design renders and technical drawings for both residential and commercial projects.

Ben’s design style mixes classical architecture with contemporary Japanese influences. He’s currently working on our Williamstown project, a heritage shopfront renovation with a Core Plus Pilates studio. In the future, he hopes to design a landmark building in New York or London—whichever city has the best basketball.

Outside of work, Ben keeps it simple: the beach, technology, and coffee—three things that inspire both his life and his work.

Archie Conway

Student of Architecture

Archie joined FORUM in 2024 and is currently undertaking his Masters of Architecture at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, after having completed a Bachelors Degree in Architectural Design and an Advanced Diploma in Building Design.

Archie draws on his broad knowledge from his studies to make a meaningful impact in the studio. He’s able to handle a range of tasks and is always ready to contribute wherever he’s needed, bringing flexibility and a positive approach to the team.