FRAIA
NSW Architects Registration Board # 6498
Design & Building Practitioners registration DEP0001309
BSc (Arch), B Arch

Sam established SCA in 1999, and, under his leadership, the firm has grown and developed a reputation for client-focused design excellence. His work has been widely published, nationally and internationally, and has been the recipient of numerous local, state and national architecture awards.

Sam’s design integrity ensures that SCA delivers environmentally and socially responsible architecture with outstanding outcomes for communities. The number, quality and range of projects completed demonstrate his ability to work effectively with local councils, public authorities, individuals and companies.

Sam provides design direction to every project delivered by the practice, bringing his passion, sensibility and experience. He is committed to the making of the city and welcomes opportunities to design public and private buildings that enrich our society.

Alongside the recognition for his built work, he is highly regarded within the architectural profession and contributes to design discourse. He has lectured and been a guest design critic at many university faculties and is a regular speaker at architectural forums around Australia.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), an examiner for the Board of Architects NSW, a member of the Northern Sydney Region of Councils Design Excellence Review Panel and the Liverpool Council Design Review Panel, and chair of the AIA (NSW Chapter) Awards Working Group. He previously served as jury chair for AIA Awards, was a co-creative-director of the 2014 AIA National Conference, co-chair of the AIA Medium Practice Forum and a member of the Government Architect NSW State Design Review Panel.

Sam relaxes distilling gin, tending to his chickens in their architect-designed coop and carving spoons from beautiful Australian timber.

FRAIA
NSW Architects Registration Board # 9611
Design & Building Practitioners registration DEB0002262
BPD (Arch), BPC, M Arch

Gabrielle has a passion for bringing ambitious architecture to life within a collaborative, complex, multi-disciplinary environment. She works across all scales – from private houses to large scale mixed use, public housing and public infrastructure.

Gabrielle is committed to sustainability, landscape and architectural symbiosis, seeking restorative, climate-resilient architectural design over mere sustainability.

Joining SCA in 2018, Gabrielle designed and delivered Blackwattle Bay Townhouse (shortlisted Houses and IDEA Awards 2019). For Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre she managed over 20 specialist consultants, complex operational requirements, multiple stakeholders and authority requirements. She is project director on numerous current projects including Sunnyfield Community Precinct, Sanctuary Apartments, Hartford College and Willowdale Sports Pavilion.

As Associate Director, she manages strategic planning and business development, office and quality management, architectural and landscape design, resourcing and HR.

An active member of the architectural profession, she is currently on the Sydney Metro Design Review Panel, Canterbury Bankstown Council Design Review Panel, AIA National Climate Action & Sustainability Committee and undertakes guest lectures for industry groups and universities. Previously she served on the AIA NSW Chapter Council, chaired the AIA Sustainability Action Working Group, was juror on the AIA NSW awards and member on the AIA NSW Gender Equity Taskforce.

She believes SCA’s public work has demonstrated the power of good public design. The ‘simply extraordinary’ Sydney Opera House always inspires her. When she’s not catching up on ‘baby’ sleep, Gabrielle enjoys painting and life drawing.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 10139
B ArchSt, M Arch

On the leadership team, Ben is an experienced project architect, committed mentor to younger staff, and, as certified BIM (Building Information Modelling) manager and IT manager, plays an integral role in the effective management of the practice.

Joining SCA in 2010, he has a proven track record in the design and delivery of complex residential, public and social housing projects. Using his advanced technical skills he expertly coordinates project documentation, seamlessly integrating these details with consultants.

As project lead, Ben steered the multi-award-winning North Bondi Amenities through many technical and logistic challenges. He was lead architect for the AIA award-shortlisted Bara Bridge; the Australian Timber Design Awards Winner Scotland Island House II; the AIA award-commended Wicks Park Amenities; and community facilities including Matraville Youth Centre and Depena Reserve Amenities.

Each project is designed and delivered with dedication and thoroughness, with a strong eye for detail, and a curiosity that celebrates both functionality and beauty. Whilst working on residential projects Ben enjoys the exploration of different materials and designing beautiful spaces for families, whilst public projects offer rewards in delivering public benefit for the community.

The urban fabric of Hong Kong inspires him – the “un-fussiness” of older buildings and the occupant’s lives exhibited on building facades.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 9426
BA (Arch), B Arch

Joining SCA in 2016, Jarad brings a diverse architectural skill set, ranging from large urban scale projects, including libraries and community centres, to multi-residential work and high-end residential dwellings.

Jarad seeks to understand how people live, not just the aesthetic of the spaces they inhabit. He expertly manages the complex transformation of a compelling design concept, through the rigorous approval process to finished home. His technical expertise, love of the craft of building and close collaborative work with skilled builders and tradespeople achieves award-winning results – Bronte Sisters (shortlisted Houses Award) and Hidden Garden House (shortlisted AIA NSW awards).

On the SCA leadership team, Jarad takes an active role in the mentoring of junior staff and the implementation of quality standards to ensure best practice architectural documentation. He has tutored at several universities in interior architecture and architectural design and currently professional practice, and served as juror for AIA regional awards. He admires the engineering marvel behind Frank Lloyd Wright’s work.

From age 10 he was drawing plans and building them with Lego. He enjoys the creative aspects of cooking, the discipline of bonsai and hardly ever misses a Saturday morning 5k park run.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12350
B Arch, M Arch

Working in a multitude of typologies, Charly strives to ensure spaces are designed meticulously, with both the occupants and Country as drivers for decision making. She enjoys resolving conceptual architectural design through the reality of construction. Her attention to detail, self-motivation and creativity make her a valuable team member at SCA.

She is project lead for alterations and additions to a family home in the eastern suburbs, a new integrated community hub and headquarters for a disability services provider and several childcare centres supporting engaged play in western Sydney.

She is co-leader of the SCA Reconciliation Action Plan group, leading the office towards a more reconciled practice. She loves the shared passion to create great places and believes that the relaxed office vibe lends itself to a happy team who then produces beautiful work.

Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark had an immense impact on her and is one of the only places that has truly taken her breath away.

Food and wine are her priority No.1, and, growing up at the beach, she loves being in and on the water.

NSW Architects Registration Board #12553
UK Architects Registration Board # 083945K
BSc Arch, M Arch

Rhys brings a wealth and breadth of experience in the design and delivery of public and civic buildings across Australia and the UK, managing the complex individual, government, and community stakeholder requirements. He is passionate about projects that transform and elevate public space, extending the long-lasting impacts of architectural interventions. He seeks to create architecture that is responsive to current and future needs.

Rhys oversees the design development and documentation of public projects at SCA, and was lead architect on Queens Park Amenities, UNSW Grandstand and was the project manager overseeing the Hartford College campus redevelopment. He adopts a hands-on approach to problem solving whilst striving to achieve design excellence and sustainable solutions in all projects.

He is a registered architect both in Australia and the UK, joining SCA in 2021. He manages the SCA Integrated Management System, and sits on SCA’s Technical Review and Sustainability Working Group.

Rhys is passionate about sustainability and appreciates buildings that achieve modernity whilst grounding the work in a regional context. He loves to travel, walks in the bush, chasing after his young son, and is an avid runner.

NSW Architects Registration Board #12144
B DesArch, M Arch

Before joining SCA, Alex was based in London for several years where she gained significant experience working on residential projects in heritage conservation areas, and obtained an Advanced Diploma in Professional Architectural Practice at RIBA. She also brings valuable experience in educational and commercial projects gained from previous practice in Sydney.

She is currently project architect on several residential projects across Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Alex combines sensitivity and practicality in her approach to both design and the everyday running of projects. She works across all stages of architectural design and delivery – from early stage sketch design, to working things through on site, to working closely with clients.

She admires building designs where the plans work hard, creating moments of delight and joy. Beautiful structures that are built with detail and a human sense of scale, considered but not overworked.

Outside of work, Alex finds relaxation sitting on a sunny balcony with a coffee and a green outlook. Her design inspiration comes from nature and art, and she enjoys making quick sketches to communicate an idea in conversation.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12181
B Arch, M Arch 

Luke has extensive experience across a range of public, educational, and urban design projects, across all scales, focusing on delivering outcomes that address the needs of communities. Luke is passionate about the making of architecture, with keen interests in detailing and construction. His previous work, before joining SCA, includes park amenities, urban quays, university buildings and council chambers.

Luke is a vital member of SCA project teams on early learning centres in Leppington Park and Oran Park, Max Ruddock Amenities and Camden Animal Shelter and Community Nursery.

He has taught design studios and communications at the UNSW.

Outside the office, Luke continues his interest in design through wood carving and plaster sculptures, and he enjoys sketching with a 0.2 blue Fineline pen in a non-ruled Moleskine. You can often find Luke swimming at Prince Alfred Park Pool or Clovelly Beach, places where he draws connections between architecture and the natural environment.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12042
B Arch, M Arch

With a passion for problem solving and construction detailing, Christine combines her technical expertise with a love of beautiful and practical solutions, celebrating design at a human scale. She believes that architecture is not only about sense but also sensibility.

Christine is experienced in the design, documentation and realisation of public and residential projects. Construction documentation-focussed, she is a good lateral thinker and understands design as an interrelated system. Previously she has taught hand sketching and software skills to university students.

Christine played a key role in the AIA award-shortlisted Hurlstone Park community centre, the Sam Cracknell Pavilion UNSW, and documentation for residential projects including Cascade Terrace and Kensington House.

She appreciates the supportive team and opportunity to learn from past projects at SCA. She admires the Bruder Klaus Field Chapel by Peter Zumthor for its simple but poetic form, from concept to construction. Her design inspiration comes from nature, moments of light and shadow, changing seasons.

Christine finds the intuitive processes of drawing, pottery and textile arts as complementary to the daily logical thinking required of an architect.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12621
B DesArch, BDes IntSpatialDes, M Arch

Sofia has a passion for the collaborative process of architecture and seeks to create spaces that are dynamic and human centric. She has an eye for detail that she applies to all project stages. She is dedicated and self-directed in her work and guides projects through the complexities of planning approval. With a background in Interior and Spatial Design she brings a unique perspective to her work at SCA.

She loves the breadth of different projects and scales at SCA. Her work on the Matraville Youth and Cultural Hall, the Sunnyfield Community Precinct, Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, Hidden Garden House (shortlisted AIA award) and Parsley Bay Amenities has been vital for the smooth delivery of these projects.

Growing up in Castlecrag she peeked through the windows of the local Burley/Mahoney Griffin houses as a child, developing a passion for design and a career in architecture. Sofia graduated with a Masters of Architecture from University of Technology, Sydney in 2020.

She relaxes with pilates classes and bush walks with her dog Reggie, who helps out in the office each week.

Dip. Building Studies, B Arch

Tim is passionate about architecture that both contributes to public life and creates opportunities for privacy. He brings extensive prior experience designing and coordinating multi-million dollar buildings, from high-end single dwellings to multi-residential, to offices and hotels, through all work phases.

He has experience leading design teams, as well as resolving details in direct liaison with builders and consultants and brings experience in mechanical services design.

He is currently senior project lead for a community centre in Lidcombe and community facilities for seniors living in rural NSW.

At SCA he loves the 9-day fortnight, meaningful design and challenging, rigorous processes.

Tadao Ando is a favourite architect, his Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island a highlight. His design inspiration comes from film and set design – the highly saturated sets of Dario Argento, dystopian realism of Stanley Kubrick and pastel palettes of Wes Anderson.

Did we say Tim is passionate about film and the cinema? Cremorne Orpheum Cinema and Randwick Ritz are favourites. Camping and bushwalking bring him joy and calm.

B Arch, M Arch

Janani is passionate about creating sensitive and sensible spaces. She brings diverse professional experience gained from working in India, Malaysia and Australia, across public buildings, multi-residential, public housing and bespoke residential projects at all stages.

Working across these different typologies and with various stakeholders has enabled her to learn and adapt sensitive design thinking to projects, no matter the scale. Her calm and diligent demeanour ensures each project reaches its full potential. She possesses an exceptional talent for hand drawing – her sketches are a vital part of her design and documentation process.

At SCA she is project lead on residential projects and assists on construction documentation for public projects.

Janani loves the close-knit and generous studio culture at SCA. She spends her free time reading and taking strolls.

Janani received the 2020 NSW AIA Graduate Medal commendation.

One day she hopes to see Hiroshi Hiroshi Sambuichi’s Inujima Seirensho Art Museum – his pursuit of working with moving materials being a deep source of inspiration.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12469
B Arch, BA Computational Design, M Arch

Jordon brings experience, curiosity and a dash of light-hearted humour to his work as an architect. He works collaboratively and tests ideas with colleagues. He has a background in photography and computational design and is interested in the transformational potential of good architecture.

He loves the breadth of projects in the studio – from carparks to social housing to large family dwellings – each bringing different requirements and skills.

There is a rigorous testing of needs and design ideas in all these typologies. He infuses public infrastructure projects (including UNSW Village Green precinct, Easts Rugby Club) with quality, human-focussed design, ESD initiatives, creating a public asset, whilst exceeding clients ideals. His playful details and thoughtful planning results in homes that are tailored to the internal life of the residents and sensitive to the building’s context.

The (unbuilt) city visions of the 1960s UK Archigram movement inspire him, especially their use of technology to generate spaces for positive social interactions that enable people to thrive.

Jordon’s passion is cars – driving of course, but also learning about engineering, construction and design, finding joy in the story behind each model and its quirks.

NSW Architects Registration Board # 12601
B Arch, M Arch

A fascination with the art of construction and materiality has cultivated in Paige a passion for detailing and integrated design approaches throughout the life cycle of every project.

As a project architect on several residential projects – from an intergenerational federation bungalow to remediation of a Spanish Mission heritage apartment building to improving the interior amenity of a terrace – she hones in on the personalities of their inhabitants, bringing joy to the everyday and creating quiet spaces of beauty.

She believes the SCA focus on collaboration opens up opportunities for learning, development and mentorship and she actively contributes to sustainable practice and Indigenous reconciliation in her work.

At university she was nominated for AIA Graduate Medallion, RIBA Presidents’ Medal, Architects Medallion (ARB) and shortlisted for the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work. She has been a tutor and guest critiques at the UNSW.

Paige sees the Steilneset Memorial in Norway, by Peter Zumthor and Louise Bourgeois, as a powerful synergy between art, architecture and social memory. She plays soccer and enjoys taking her self-built camper van on adventures.

B Arch, M Arch

Justin undertakes his work with dedication and incredible attention to detail. He is an efficient and multi-skilled graduate, able to move easily between model-making, drawing and photomontages in a precise and finely-crafted manner.

His exceptional model-making skills were utilised for the SCA shortlisted-designs in competitions for the University of Newcastle Alumni Building and The Canvas Factory.

He brings his talents and passion to several public amenities projects at SCA, with a focus on urban generosity and human experience. Justin also specialises in architecture visualisation and BIM usage/workflow in the office.

He graduated from UNSW in 2020 with a Masters of Architecture with Excellence. For their outstanding student work, Justin and his team were awarded the 1st prize SONA AIA Superstudio in 2017 and 2018. He continues his commitment to design excellence through his work at SCA.

BIGS(Hons), B Des Arch, M Arch

Stephanie enjoys interpreting the client brief and working through early design concepts. She observes how humans interact with different environments to distill and apply those principles. She loves bringing colour and whimsy to designs and making the most of constrained, tight spaces on small sites.

Before changing careers to architecture, she worked for the federal government in defence analysis. At SCA she relishes witnessing ideas transform into reality and is assisting on Uhrig Road Centre and Camden Animal Shelter and Community Nursery.

At university she was nominated for NSW ARB Architects Medallion in 2024 and won the Leslie Wilkinson Prize for Architectural History and Theory in 2019. She is a casual undergraduate academic at UNSW.

Walking through the spaces buried in the landscape of Tadao Ando’s Chichu Art Museum Japan was incredible, and one cold January afternoon she had Jørn Utzon’s Bagsværd Church in Denmark to herself.

She often resolves design problems when running, has a passion for sewing and enjoys her aunty role.

B DesArch

Jarrod has a design-led approach that he applies across a range of project typologies including single, multi and public residential projects. He assists through all project phases with the goal to create architecture that enhances user experiences, elevating and exciting the senses. He is persistent and dedicated in his work with an attention to detail.

He brings a natural curiosity and a diverse set of skills to his work with SCA having pursued extracurricular involvement in exhibition design, peer mentoring and global studios.

Jarrod completed his Bachelor of Design in Architecture at UTS in 2019.

B DesArch

Illiana brings an inquisitive and enthusiastic approach to every project , whether public or residential, at each stage of the design process. Combined with a longstanding love of art and design, she is both research and detail-orientated in her work.

At SCA she writes and manages the social media, is part of the Reconciliation Working Group and Sustainability Working Group, and is doing thermal analysis assessments of residential buildings using the HERO software.

She loves getting involved across all the stages of a project and working between both residential and public typologies. And learning from the talented people at SCA.

Her university studies have fostered a particular interest in architectural history and theory. Her honours dissertation explores Autism Spectrum Disorder and the built environment, with a focus on establishing policy for the design of public buildings.

In her spare time she enjoys drawing portraits.

BA, B DesArch

Ted recently joined SCA and assists with the preparation of drawings, schedules and specifications, presentations, whilst learning new skills and gaining practical experience.

He is inspired to respond with consideration to, and design for, people and Country. Ted co-chairs the SCA Reconciliation Action Plan group and is excited to contribute to the compassion built into each project at SCA.

He admires Jørn Utzon’s Bagsværd Church in Copenhagen for its graceful sophistication, revealed right down to the smallest details, and the peaceful quality of the natural light inside.

Ted came to architecture after a spell working in radio and the music industry – music is still a huge part of his life.