Simon Tothill has been promoted to Senior Associate, stepping into a new role as the studio’s Industry & Partnership Strategist. This elevation recognises the way he works across projects, sectors and industry bodies, connecting design thinking with strategic opportunity to support the ongoing growth of the practice.
Since joining Studio Nine Architects in 2020, Simon has established himself as a highly valued member of the leadership group and wider studio. Known for his lateral thinking and critical approach, he brings a strong focus on understanding what truly matters — applying deep industry insight to inform both design outcomes and strategic direction.
“Our best outcomes come from working with people who care about the same things we do, then building something together that neither party could have achieved alone. Studio Nine Architects is well placed to have those conversations right now, and my role is about making sure we align with the right partners with the right projects to create real impact.” — Simon Tothill, Senior Associate | Industry & Partnership Strategist
Simon’s strength lies in his ability to navigate complexity. Whether working across multiple stakeholders or contributing to broader strategic thinking, he brings clarity to challenging problems, translating insight into opportunity. This ability, to move between project delivery and considered thinking, has become increasingly valuable to the strategic growth of the practice and underpins his transition into this new role.
A a key contributor to the award winning Coopers Brewery Brand Home, Simon played a central role as Design Leader, bringing his experience in civic and cultural architecture to shape the project beyond a functional facility. His focus on narrative and experience helped position the project as a destination — a place that extends beyond brewing to become a cultural landmark.
Within the studio, Simon is a supportive mentor and trusted sounding board, known for his optimism and willingness to support others. He consistently contributes beyond his role, supporting both project outcomes and the broader development of the practice.
"Simon is unlike anyone else I’ve worked with. His cognitive strengths are rare, and his ability to apply that thinking across different sectors is a significant asset to the studio. As we continue to evolve toward a sector-based model, Simon’s role allows us to better leverage his skillset across the practice, strengthening both our strategic thinking and project outcomes." — Andrew Steele, Managing Director
Beyond the studio, Simon plays an active role in shaping industry thinking as Chair of the Property Council of Australia’s SA Future Trends and Innovation Committee, engaging with leaders across the built environment and contributing to conversations that inform future directions for the industry.
Simon’s promotion reflects the unique value he brings to the practice. In his role as Industry & Partnership Strategist, he will work across all sectors, supporting strategic pursuits, strengthening industry relationships and contributing to sector knowledge, guiding the practice to find what matters in a rapidly evolving environment.