After beginning his career with Robin Boyd—a Melbourne modernist architect of profound historical significance—Karl spent the majority of his formative years in Europe, before completing a Master of Architecture at Harvard University, then working extensively throughout Southeast Asia.
Currently Chairman for the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats Awards Jury, he has served as both national and state president of the Australian Institute of Architects, and a Venice Biennale Committee member.
Combined with his indefatigable work ethic, Karl’s richly diverse background ensures he remains an active contributor across all design areas of the practice, as well as a continual presence throughout the life of each project for our clients.
Founded on the philosophy of innovation through collaboration, Fender Katsalidis has evolved from a Melbourne-centric architectural practice, to a highly awarded, multi-disciplinary international design firm whose work now influences built environment thinking across the globe.
Specialists in multi-residential, cultural, commercial, aged care and hotel typologies, we seek and deliver holistic solutions in architecture, masterplanning, urban design and interiors—solutions notable not only for their design quality, but also their civic contribution and economic mindfulness.
To ensure such outcomes remain our hallmark—and expose the practice to new and different ways of thinking—we frequently bring together local and international consultant teams to work side-by-side with our own.
The quest for holistic solutions has also driven us to extend our expertise far beyond the expected. Fender Katsalidis was a pioneer, and remains a leader, in 3D virtual modelling and building information systems, while the Unitised Building system invented by practice co-founder, Nonda Katsalidis, continues to revolutionise construction timeframes and costs.
Perhaps best known for our definitive tall building and public realm design, we are equally proud of our lesser profile achievements: the documentation and quality assurance processes, for example, regarded as the gold standard throughout the construction industry.
As sophisticated as our technology may be, and as reliable as our processes have proven themselves, we know that ultimately it’s experience that ensures the original design vision is realised. Our directors thus remain ‘hands on’ with every project from inception to completion.