Studio Ongarato announces expansion into Americas market and appointment of Craig Winterburn as Director of the Americas

Following Studio Ongarato’s growth and successful expansion into Dubai and Asia, the studio is pleased to announce their move into the Americas market and appointment Craig Winterburn as Director of the Americas.

As one of Australia’s most highly regarded and awarded design studios, the appointment follows the studio’s continued growth in the global market, underpinned by its unique, collaborative and narrative approach to Brand Strategy, Identity, Digital, Signage & Environmental Graphics and Art Consultancy.

The move follows the studio’s engagement and work on a number of significant international hotel projects including Four Seasons Ottemachi Tokyo (2020) Desa Potatohead Bali (2020), W Shanghai (2016), W Melbourne (launching 2021), Ritz Carlton Melbourne (launching 2021) and Wallcliffe House, Margaret River Australia (launching 2025).

Commenting on the expansion, Studio Ongarato co-founder and strategy director Ronnen Goren says, “Craig’s appointment marks an important milestone in the studio’s direction as we step up our engagement and expand into the Americas regions.”

With a number of recent international accolades including the SEGD 2019 Award for Arup Melbourne, AHEAD 2019 Asia and AHEAD 2020 International Awards for Jackalope and AHEAD 2020 Asia Award for Moss Hotel, Studio Ongarato co-founder and creative director Fabio Ongarato says, “The move is a natural extension for the studio as we move into our 27^th year and capitalises on our extensive hotel and hospitality, property development, retail and cultural experience.”

In this new role, Craig will be based in Toronto and oversee Studio Ongarato’s growth strategy and client engagement in the North and South American regions focusing on Canada, USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America. Bringing 25-years of international design experience in the signage and construction industry, Craig’s work for some of the largest sign companies in Australia and North America has seen him successfully manage numerous large-scale hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and residential projects.

“Craig’s in-depth knowledge and long-term relationships across multiple facets of the industry sees him bring an exceptional skillset to the studio and we are very fortunate to have him onboard,” says Goren of the appointment.