Carter Williamson is excited to announce a series of important updates in the studio.
Ben Peake is now a co-owner of the studio, stepping into the role of Principal with Shaun. Julie Niass
and Nuala Collins have also been elevated to new positions, joining Julia English as Directors of Carter Williamson.
Ben’s value to Carter Williamson will come as no surprise, given his recent National Emerging Architect Award, an honour that formalises what the office has already known; his design skills, passion for driving positive change within the profession, and leadership and compassion in the workplace are unrivalled.
Beyond his role at Carter Williamson, Ben Peake is a staunch advocate for gender equity and diversity, actively contributing to state and national Gender Equity Taskforce committees. As a founding member of Architects with Pride, he plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity within the architectural community. His expertise is further enhanced by his participation in the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship and the Dulux Study Tour, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, Ben held an influential role in the SaveOurSirius campaign, dedicated to preserving Sydney's iconic brutalist Sirius building.
“I’m honoured to be stepping into the role of Principal at Carter Williamson Architects, a firm that I had admired from my early days as a graduate," says Ben. "From day one, working alongside Shaun has been a privilege. He has built a practice and a team that values design excellence, a client-focused approach, and a commitment to equity. This appointment is not just a professional milestone; it represents a decade of learning, growing, and contributing to a firm whose values echo my own. I’m excited to continue this journey, fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration, and steering our practice towards new heights.”
In Shaun's words, “Ben was a bright light from the moment I met him on a tour of one of our buildings. Within a week of him starting at Carter Williamson, it felt like he had been here forever.
“Carter Williamson has always been a values-based practice; one that opens doors to opportunity for those willing to grab them. Ben has grabbed it with both hands. He has been integral to all our significant projects, bringing a unique perspective and set of life experiences to the studio, making him a joy to work with and relate to. Our clients love Ben and he, in that Carter Williamson manner, loves them too. Most importantly, Ben brings impeccable skill and dedication to each project he touches and to the profession as a whole.
“When I was President of the NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Ben was like my Chief of Staff. With SaveOurSirius, he once again led the fight from the front. They say in practice you become a Principal years before you are officially recognised as a Principal, so it feels wonderfully natural to finally officially share Carter Williamson with Ben. We work with a great team that makes every day a pleasure. The future of Carter Williamson is bright."
