The University of Sydney has appointed Smart Design Studio  as lead architect for the proposed Rothwell Building, a landmark new facility for the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) on its Darlington campus.

Founded in 1998, the Sydney-based practice has delivered a diverse range of projects, from cultural and commercial spaces to apartment buildings and private residences. Recent notable projects include SCEGGS Darlinghurst Wilkinson House, Science Gallery Melbourne and Studio Stokes 14. 

Smart Design Studio Principal William Smart said the opportunity to design a place where future generations of architects and designers would learn their craft was particularly meaningful: “We are excited by the opportunity to work with the Rothwell Building team to bring to fruition a new home for architecture, design and planning at the University of Sydney.

“We see the building itself as a teaching tool, where structure, materials, light and environmental performance become part of the everyday learning experience."

The practice demonstrated a strong alignment with the University's vision, coupled with an exceptional track record of delivering innovative and high-quality architectural outcomes.

Supporting ADP's ambition to become a leading global built environment and design school by 2032, the Rothwell Building will deliver flexible, sustainable, and student-centred learning environments on Cadigal Green, opposite the current home of ADP in the existing Wilkinson Building. 

The project will provide adaptable studios, collaborative spaces and informal learning areas that support contemporary design teaching and enhance the student experience. 

A robust and relational ‘designing with Country’ process will guide the project through all stages and involve a range of Knowledge Holders and Aboriginal built environment professionals including staff, alumni and students. This will result in spaces that are deeply connected to Country, encourage relationality and embed Indigenous ways of Knowing, Being and Doing. 

A landmark co-investment from the Rothwell Family Foundation, partnering with the University of Sydney, will create a new building and position the University to be a global leader in architecture, design and built environment education. 

Dean of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, Professor Donald McNeill, said: “This is a huge opportunity to design learning spaces that enable the School's on-going focus on hand-made creative practices, such as model-making, craft fabrication, drawing and experimentation with materials. 

“Backing in these skills is so important given the growing influence of screen and device-based learning, while also integrating spaces for physical AI, immersive technology and data visualisation. 

The Rothwell Family Foundation gave the University $40 million towards the $50 million building, as part of a broader $74 million precinct investment supporting future students.

Susan Rothwell, speaking on behalf of herself and her husband Garry Rothwell, welcomed the appointment: 

“Great buildings inspire us all. As former architecture students at the University of Sydney, we are delighted by Smart Design Studio’s appointment to design the new home of Architecture, Planning and Design. Its teaching, learning and meeting spaces will help students collaborate, experiment and imagine, and so enrich the built environment for generations to come.

“The building will occupy a superb site beside Gadigal Green, linked to the historic Wilkinson Building where we met as students. Through our gift we hope to give back some of what the University gave us, by enriching the experience of those who teach and learn there as they shape the future. That is what a university is for.”  

 As Lead Architect, Smart Design Studio will provide integrated design leadership across the project, including development of the concept design, coordination of architectural and specialist consultant inputs, incorporation of designing with country principles, and integration with the University's broader campus environment.

Smart Design Studio was selected as the preferred architectural practice following an extensive process undertaken by the University’s Procurement Services in partnership with University Infrastructure.

Nicole Gower, Vice-President Operations at the University of Sydney, said the appointment marked an important milestone for the project. 

 “Our role is to ensure the University invests thoughtfully in the environments where people learn, work, connect and create.  

“Following a rigorous selection process, this appointment brings us one step closer to creating an inspiring destination for students and the broader University community.”

_{Image: Smart Design Studio University of Sydney Team. Credit: Smart Design Studio}