International practice merger channels regenerative design focus

21 Jan 2026 By architectureau

International architecture and planning practices Weston Williamson and Partners (WWP) and SvN Architects and Planners have announced a merger of their practices under the WWP brand. The combined practice will operate under the stewardship of the 10N Collective, a network of urbanism, architecture and design-related experts launched by the Egis in May last year.

Under the merger, WWP brings expertise in infrastructure, including projects such as the newly opened Melbourne Metro (with Hassell and Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners), while Canadian-born practice SvN contributes an emphasis on community-first planning.

According to the media release, the merger will enable a focus on transit-oriented development and will "set a new standard, globally, for a regenerative approach to architecture, planning and urban design."

"Both award-winning practices boast experience in transit-oriented development, transport infrastructure and more, making the partnership a natural evolution of their joint offerings," the press release notes. "By coming together, the practice will support and empower clients to be ambitious - leading the next chapter in regenerative design thinking."

The merger combines more than 400 professionals in the fields of architecture, urban planning, urban design and landscape architecture across WWP's 12 studios worldwide. In Australia, these include offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

CEO of WWP Ali Mowahed said, "WW+P's partnership with SvN was a natural fit … Together, we can drive forward a collective vision with a more amplified voice, delivering projects that create meaningful urban transformation for the greater good."

"The DNA of both practices is remarkably similar," added Drew Sinclair, managing principal at SvN, who will take up the role of executive director post-merger. "Both practices place a unique value on listening, meaningful consultation, and a deep understanding of history and context; both practices share a capacity for design innovation; and both practices have a total commitment to a regenerative, deeply sustainable, approach to planning and architecture."

CEO of 10N Colin Hutchison commented, "SvN and WWP coming together as one compelling brand creates a powerful vehicle through which 10N can offer cohesive placemaking and planning strategy, architecture, civic infrastructure and design expertise."