Emma Williamson and Kieran Wong, the former directors of Fremantle-based practice CODA Studio, have left Cox Architecture 18 months after the two practices merged.
In a statement, Patrick Ness, national chair of Cox Architecture, said, “Creative businesses are delicate organisms with established cultures and methods. On this journey we have discovered that because two entities share similar skills and ambition, this doesn’t automatically presume compatibility.
“Since the merger Emma and Kieran have enjoyed actively engaging as part of a National practice, establishing strong relationships across the group. Although it has been agreed that working as separate businesses is best, all are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to collaborate in the future.”
Williamson and Wong have founded a new practice called The Fulcrum Agency, which Williamson described as a “creative start-up that leverages community and social outcomes through evidence-based design-thinking. We provide expertise on design for the built environment, policy, advocacy and research. The practice will launch in full in April 2019.”
Williamson added that The Fulcrum Agency would “continue to consult to Cox Architecture nationally.”
Cox and CODA merged in July 2017. Founded in 1997 as the Central Office of Design and Architecture, the practice had completed projects that ranged from a set of design guidelines for a highly sustainable infill housing development at White Gum Valley to the Claisebrook Design Community. Shortly before the practices merged, CODA’s Karratha Superclinic was shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival Award in the completed healthcare architecture category.
