Photo: From the archives, former Director Frank Scott at Frankston High School, 1986.
On Tuesday, December 14 2021, Crosier Scott Architects celebrated 70 years in practice. Over the last 70 years, the firm has consistently adapted and grown on a foundation of collaboration and community. By always adhering to their original ethos of inclusivity and the incorporation of the extensive client, consultant, and contractor participation, the Crosier Scott team has created a series of meaningful and remarkable design solutions.
Founded by Ken Crosier in 1951, the firm has won numerous design awards, including five for EGO Pharmaceuticals Global Headquarters Building, and six for our BCM Headquarters Building including a prestigious Architizer award. Most recently the practice won two Design Matters National Awards for the Trugo Place Aged Care Facility, two Learning Environments Australasia awards each for St Peter Chanel Primary School and Killester College Performing Arts and Music Learning Facility, a vibrant new building that also won multiple awards from the Building Designers Association of Australia and Design Matters. Find out more about all our award-winning projects across multiple typologies here.
The firm’s vast design portfolio ranges from some of the most innovative schools, both private and public, workplaces, homes and health care facilities, to banks and retail premises for premier corporate clients.
“For 70 years we have promoted the idea that architecture is more than bricks and mortar,” David Lawrence said. “It can and should improve and inspire the human spirit. This ethos is what has motivated our team on every project and every day of the past 70 years.”
Beginning with small residential projects, the practice grew to include work for several rural councils, a number of dairy co‐operatives and various RSL Clubs. In 1960 Ken received his first commission from the Commonwealth Bank for the renovation of its Montmorency branch, a relationship that has continued to this day, with the practice’s largest Commonwealth Bank project being a redevelopment of the flagship Elizabeth Street branch in Melbourne’s CBD in 2013.
In 1974 Frank Scott joined the firm, further solidifying the offering and the practice entered a phase of steady and stable growth, with clients rewarding the high level of service they received by appointing the practice for numerous repeat commissions.
In 1984 Ken Crosier decided it was time to slow down, so Frank Scott bought into the business and Crosier Scott was formed. Not long after this, Ken’s health began to deteriorate, and he retired in 1986. Building on the reputation of the firm, Frank further developed the company, forging strong and enduring relationships with new and existing clients including Amcal Pharmacies (Sigma Healthcare) who have been valued clients since 1997.
In 2007 Goodwin Design merged with Crosier Scott and this created the practice’s dedicated Interior Design department.
In July 2002 Frank Triulcio, Wayne Cook, Cameron Froomes and Andrew Koster became directors and then in 2009 Craig Redford (Director of Project Management) and Nevin Donaldson (Finance) joined the Board. All six of the new directors were elevated in recognition of many years of exceptional service to the company.
In 2013 David Lawrence and Alan Cubbon merged their practices into Crosier Scott bringing with them vast experience as well as a diversification of clients across a broad range of architectural typologies.
In 2018 Mark Botterill was promoted to Director after a number of years as an Associate and expanding the practice’s educational portfolio.
“Our collaborative culture supports an environment of respect and encourages engagement among team members,” said Botterill. “The talent we have in the practice is extraordinary, and the fact we have such a low staff turnover shows the priority we place on our people. Our firm’s design process focuses on the unique vision our clients bring, and our interpretation of that concept into a built solution.”
“This milestone is a testament to CSA’s commitment to continued quality in architecture, and to the future of the company, our partners and the industry.”
The firm celebrated this milestone in its usual low-key style, with a traditional staff morning tea and chat.
