NEWS: Michelle Mitchell Appointed as COX Director

Some careers are built by moving practice to practice. Others are built by choosing to invest more deeply in one place.

Michelle Mitchell has been appointed Director at COX Architecture, recognising 20 years of deliberate contribution to the practice she joined as a newly graduated designer in 2004 – as well as her ongoing workplace design leadership that has shaped some of Brisbane’s most recognisable projects.

Michelle’s career has taken her through Australian Retirement Trust, Brisbane City Council, the ATO, Rio Tinto, Transurban and Knight Frank, among others, building a reputation as one of the studio’s most trusted workplace strategists.

“Few milestones are as rewarding as welcoming someone who has grown with the practice into our partnership,” said Richard Coulson, Director and Chair of the Board. “Michelle joined COX early into her career and has built an outstanding career over more than two decades. Her appointment reflects her professional excellence and the trust, generosity and leadership she brings to our teams every day.”

Michelle’s specialty is workplace strategy: aligning people, place and organisational purpose. She designs fitouts to last well beyond the tenant lease that commissioned them, a discipline she has applied across two decades of major public and private sector projects in Queensland.

“I made a deliberate decision to build my career at COX because of the diversity of projects, our commitment to design excellence and its genuinely democratic culture,” said Michelle Mitchell, Director, COX. “Throughout that journey, I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, collaborate with talented colleagues and build lasting relationships with clients.”

“This milestone is a reminder that great work is never achieved alone. It reflects the people, opportunities and shared values that have shaped my journey: embracing diverse perspectives, leading with empathy and creating places that deliver lasting value. I’m proud of what we have achieved together and excited to continue supporting and growing the talented team that will shape COX’s future.”

Her influence reaches beyond her own project list. Michelle sits on COX’s Design Pillar, supports national interior design initiatives, and moderated the Design Talk at the 2025 AGM in Tocal alongside Philip Cox and John Richardson. She has also lent her expertise to projects and bids in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. In 2025, she led the Interior Jury for the AIA Brisbane Regional Awards.

Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved appointment.