April 20, 2026
Populous Director Chris Paterson appointed as QUT Adjunct Professor
QUT is a top-ranked institution for architecture in Australia, consistently placing in the top 10 nationally and within the top 100 to 150 worldwide for Architecture and Built Environment.
As a Senior Principal at Populous, Chris has been shaping cities in Queensland, Australia and across the world through sport and entertainment infrastructure for the past 20 years.
"As we look towards the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games and Queensland’s opportunity to showcase what makes our city and region great, the buildings we design will have a role in telling our stories and in sharing our city with the world. I’m excited to have been appointed to this role at QUT where I can work with the next generation of architectural storytellers to use sport, entertainment and all types of buildings to create more livable and vibrant cities where people love to be"
Populous APAC Director Chris Paterson has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at QUT.
Chris’ design impact on Queensland through his work on the iconic Suncorp Stadium, widely regarded as the world’s best rugby venue, is celebrated. He is a passionate advocate for the legacy outcomes of the venues he designs, and he is committed to making his hometown of Brisbane a world class destination.
Chris specializes in buildings that make their mark on a city, including high profile sports projects across the Asia Pacific such as the award-winning Eden Park Redevelopment in New Zealand, People First Stadium at the Gold Coast and KL Sports City in Malaysia.
He has designed multi-purpose venues for Australia’s most popular sports like AFL and cricket and has worked closely with national sporting bodies and with sports clubs.
QUT Architecture and Built Environment Head of School Professor Karen Vella said Chris’ experience would help prepare students for successful careers as architects, planners, designers, analysts and construction managers, helping build and understand emerging urban spaces.
“Chris is deeply committed to high-quality design outcomes and fosters a culture of innovation with strategic thinking and a genuine passion for architecture, ensuring that every project reflects both functional excellence and design integrity. We are delighted that he has accepted the role of Adjunct Professor in QUT’s School of Architecture and Built Environment,” Professor Vella said.
Chris also works closely with several industry associations, including the Committee for Brisbane, where he has been working with the entertainment sector and Brisbane business leaders to develop strategies for greater activation of the city’s nighttime economy.
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