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Trivandi, a global provider of advisory, design, production, and delivery services for major events, venues, sports, and destinations, has acquired Brisbane-based Cutler Synthesized Projects, a specialist event overlay company with experience across multiple Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups and international sporting events.

As part of this acquisition, Mark Cutler, a renowned overlay specialist, will join Trivandi as the Global Director of Overlay. This move reunites Cutler with Rob Nelson, Trivandi's Regional Director for Australia & APAC and former BEDA executive, as they work to expand the company's presence leading up to the Games.

'Overlay' is the innovative approach of combining architectural design with sustainable event delivery. This involves creating temporary structures and services that aim to minimise waste, reduce carbon footprints, and prioritise long-term benefits.

Cutler has provided consulting and leadership for major events globally, including advising Brisbane 2032 on venue design and supporting Paris 2024 with their Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Cutler enthused “I’m excited to join forces with Trivandi, whose vision to drive improvements across our industry closely aligns with my own. Our combined expertise will unlock new potential in creating more innovative and sustainable temporary infrastructure solutions that deliver meaningful impact, and help clients navigate the evolving challenges of major event delivery.”

The acquisition furthers Trivandi's mission in providing more sustainable, flexible, and impactful ways to deliver major events, with a mission to create memorable experiences that leave lasting positive impacts. Their leadership team has a strong history of success with major global events, including numerous Olympic Games, World Expos, FIFA World Cups, Super Bowl 50, and COPT conferences.

Event overlay transforms existing venues into world-class event spaces through temporary infrastructure solutions – including seating, broadcast, catering facilities, operational zones and more – designed to meet bespoke event requirements, used intensively and removed with minimal impact.

Cutler Synthesized Projects notes that rather than building permanent venues that may sit empty post event, they have the capability to innovate and develop temporary solutions that prioritise long-term value for host cities from the outset.

The acquisition marks another milestone in Trivandi's impressive growth trajectory, following the launch of Trivandi Academy in May 2024, the acquisition of sustainability leader The Bulb in November 2024, and the opening of its APAC office in March 2025.

With offices now in London, Dubai, Riyadh, and Brisbane, and more than 260 professionals currently engaged on projects worldwide, Trivandi continues to grow its capabilities and impact across sport, events and live entertainment.

James Bulley, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Trivandi notes "Cutler Synthesized Projects are global leaders in event overlay and temporary structures and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Trivandi Group. This is a pivotal moment for Trivandi as we continue to evolve with the changing needs of our industry, which requires more sustainable, creative and impactful ways to deliver major events.

“This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet that challenge – combining overlay capabilities with our operational and architectural teams, we can deliver more creative and efficient solutions to achieve our mission to create unforgettable experiences that deliver sustainable legacies.”

Delivering Sustainable Solutions
Since London 2012, where Trivandi’s three founders led the venues and infrastructure planning, delivery and operations, overlay has been central to Trivandi’s sustainable approach to event delivery. It enables experiences like beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower or entire temporary stadiums, such as the 80,000 capacity pop-up arena in Munich for Adele’s concerts last year.

Cutler explained "rather than building permanent venues that may sit empty post event, we have the capability to innovate and develop temporary solutions that prioritise long-term value for host cities from the outset. Paris 2024 used 95% existing or temporary venues, and LA28 has pledged that 100% of its venues will follow this model - this is the future of major event delivery. But to make existing venues work, we need efficient bespoke overlay solutions to deliver the specific event requirements.”

Rob Nelson, Trivandi's Regional Director for Australia and APAC added "Mark is widely recognised as 'the go-to guy for overlay at Olympic Games'. His appointment will strengthen our offer not only in Australia but globally.”

The integration of Mark Cutler's expertise enables Trivandi to deliver immediate value to clients - creating solutions that streamline operational delivery, maximise return on investment and optimise guest experiences, while ensuring meaningful legacies.

Image. Trivandi Australia’s Rob Nelson with Mark Cutler

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