Nicole Allen

Nicole Allen works across urban design and architecture, bringing a design-led, beautifully communicated, and principled approach to highly complex, multidisciplinary projects. She navigates between conceptual design, research, project management, and delivery. With extensive experience, she has led mixed-use, residential, education, infrastructure, and commercial mega-projects and master plans.

Currently, Nicole is an urban designer at Arup's Melbourne office. She is recognised for her leadership in both design and collaboration, integrating disciplines to drive innovative and enduring outcomes. She specialises in guiding projects through complex political and stakeholder processes, ensuring diverse interests are balanced while maintaining a strong design vision.

Previously, she was an associate at Grimshaw Architects in Melbourne and Shop Architects in New York City. She has taught design studios at the University of Melbourne School of Design (MSD) and Columbia University GSAPP. She also sits on the Urban Design Advisory Board at the University of Melbourne MSD and mentors emerging professionals through the Urban Design Forum.

Nicole holds a Master of Architecture from Columbia University in New York and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her approach is deeply rooted in ecologically responsive design principles, advocating for resilient and equitable urban environments that benefit both human and non-human stakeholders.