DKO - Key Persons
Andrew Meehan has enjoyed a stellar career to date and has finely honed a unique skill set equipping him to deliver large scale projects across multiple continents and cultures.
Andrew's passion for people-centric design coupled with outstanding aesthetic outcomes has enabled him to establish an impressive track record specialising in master-planning and hospitality projects. His extensive experience and expertise in Southeast Asian projects has enabled him to identify new growth sectors in the market including branded residential projects that offer residences with a hotel quality experience through service and style in and urban setting.
Brad Preston's approach to Interior Design is in finding the balance between functional and aesthetic objectives. Thanks to a childhood spent with his parents on construction sites, and his dual expertise in both architecture and interiors, Brad has a holistic understanding of a project's needs, from drawings to its material finishes.
Brad is always eager to provide DKO's clients with solutions that are both commercially viable and cutting edge. Alongside his project work, Brad finds time to contribute to the studio's Marketing and PR efforts, a role he hopes to expand on as a new Associate.
Brandon Hng is a self-confessed design detail obsessive. His tireless dedication to securing the best outcome on all projects has enabled him to build close, lifelong relationships with clients and builders.
Having worked in Australia, South East Asia, the USA and Europe, Brandon has a significant body of experience, across a diverse collection of projects. This includes flagship retail, hospitality and luxury residential and multi- residential developments. Brandon is currently a Director in DKO's Vietnam studio with a team of thirty designers, working on projects across Vietnam and south-east Asia.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Design Architect
Daniel is an experienced Design Architect. Registered in NSW, he has a demonstrated history of leading some of Sydney's most prominent residential, mixed-use, public and urban design projects from concept design through to completion.
David Felicio strives to achieve meaningful outcomes in all his projects through collaboration and commitment to design excellence.
After practicing as an architect in Portugal for two years, David moved to Australia where he worked at Turner and Plus Architecture for five years prior to starting at DKO in 2020.
David's strength is his ability to follow projects through from initial concept through to their built form. With an interest in the integration of ESD initiatives into architectural design, David ensures each project strives to meet the growing market trend to regenerative sustainable design.
As an Associate, David is skilled in liaising with clients, project managers, consultants and authorities to complete projects on time and within budget. David believes a community centric people-first and collaborative design process is the key to successful outcomes. He is determined to deliver exceptional places for people to live, work and play by striving to continually learn, challenge and innovate.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- Director, Architect, Urban Designer
Beyond his project work, David has assisted state government to develop housing design policies, including the preparation of policy and expert advice for the Department of Planning (NSW), Growth Centers Commission, Landcom, the Land Development Agency and ACTPLA.
David Randerson is a Director, Architect, Urban Designer and Leader of DKO Architecture's Sydney studio. David is also key part of driving our multidisciplinary team of over 200 professionals, he works across all six offices throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
David's passion is in residential design, masterplanning of communities and major urban design commissions. His projects focus is on the integration of public space and the built form. His strong design credentials are underpinned by exceptional client liaison and briefing skills.
David is a Male Champion of Change leader, working to redefine men's roles in taking action on gender equality. David is also on the UDIA committee in NSW for Urban Development, focusing on improving and advocating for high quality urban renewal.
Job Titles:
- MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Interior Designer at the Sydney
Emma Greenstein is an experienced Interior Designer at the Sydney studio. She brings more than 7 years of experience to the practice after completing her Bachelor of Design at the University of Technology. Emma possesses demonstrated experience working across multiple sectors including, retail, residential, commercial and hospitality, with a track record in executing projects from concept to construction delivery.
Extensive involvement with local and international clients on various scales has given Emma a detailed understanding of delivering projects efficiently, with excellent design outcomes.
Emma's passion for interior design ensures that each project has an original solution that captures attention and manages project-specific constraints. She is involved in all aspects of the design process to ensure high-quality project delivery, including concept design, design development, documentation, delivery, styling and curating project photography.
Evan Lau joined DKO in 2012 after completing studies at the University of Melbourne to high accolade. His architecture journey began through a childhood fascination with comics, and to this day he is influenced by the way that artists convey space and movement on a page, with each project on pen and paper no matter the scale. For inspiration, Evan looks to the designs of Tadao Ando, drawing on the Japanese architect's mastery of light and the user experience to give life to building interiors, supporting the notion that good design is invisible. Evan sees his role as helping create buildings that not only do clients love, but are themselves responsible citizens of the city. At DKO Evan is committed to furthering the culture of letting strong ideas thrive, regardless of where or who they came from, helping support the next generation of the studio's architects.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- RETAIL / MIXED - USE DIRECTOR
Frank Alvarez is a leader in creating consumer environments, having contributed to the significant evolution of shopping and lifestyle experiences via the design of some of the world's most highly regarded retail-led mixed-use property assets. Bringing a wealth of experience and a rigorous approach to design thinking, Frank has a unique perspective when it comes to the increasingly blurred social meaning behind commercial precincts.
Frank views himself as an "experience choreographer", seeking to capture the sheer diversity of user needs and digital lifestyles into the design and way-finding of his projects. With Frank at the helm, DKO will be able to transform shopping strips and malls into cultural ribbons at the very heart of our cities
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Registered Architect in NSW
Jennifer is a registered architect in NSW and appears as a guest critic at the University of Technology Sydney, School of Architecture and Design.
Job Titles:
- DESIGN DIRECTOR
- As the DKO Design Director
As the DKO design director Jesse Linardi brings to the team a particular focus on research and current international design practices. His capacity for delivering high-level architectural strategies provides an invaluable contribution to all our projects, particularly at the early formative stages.
A highly talented and innovative designer, Jesse has designed several award-winning projects, including projects such as Campbell Street which won a Victorian Architecture Award for Small Project and Multi Residential Architecture. Jesse is responsible for the design of projects across Australia, and also runs a Masters Studio at The University of Melbourne.
Job Titles:
- Design Leader
- STUDIO DIRECTOR
With his inclusive approach, Kai quickly builds rapport with clients, stakeholders and other project collaborators.
Kai Chua is a design leader capable of delivering complex projects with unique creativity. His ability to work across a variety of scales ensures projects are highly considered on both a macro and micro level.
Kai has helped to spearhead the establishment of DKO's office in Vietnam, and more recently, Brisbane, working on a diverse range of projects within subtropical climates.
His proven track record in leading multi-faceted teams has generated successful outcomes for many large and complex projects across Australia and Asia. His diverse experience includes award-winning benchmark projects in master planning, high-density residential, mixed-use and commercial across all scales. Kai is equally proficient designing individual luxury homes as he is master planning large communities.
His international experience has further enhanced his passion for sustainable, affordable and innovative housing.
Aside from his technical skills, Kai is a skilled negotiator and dedicated problem solver. With an innate ability to interrogate a brief to achieve the best outcome for a project, Kai is highly capable of balancing design excellence with commercial viability.
Kai speaks English, Mandarin, Malay and Cantonese.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Designer
- Founding Partner
- PRINCIPAL
- NOMINATED ARCHITECT
DKO Architecture is an award-winning design practice with offices in Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam. As Founder and Principal of DKO, Koos heads a team of over 200 designers whose expertise spans urban design, master planning, architecture and interior design. Koos has grown a dynamic design practise that's core strength lies in innovative design and effective delivery.
Koos graduated from the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands with a Masters Degree in Architecture and Urban Design. Koos then tutored and worked in Amsterdam before coming to Australia in 1987. Prior to establishing DKO Architecture in 2000, Koos was a Director at HPA Architecture, spending 12 years designing and managing some of the Mirvac Group's most complex architectural and urban projects in Australia.
Koos consults as an urban design expert to a number of councils such as City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and Lane Cove Council. He has provided expert witness statements for VCAT for a number of years. Koos is a panel member on the OVGA assisting the Victorian Government Architect in major projects throughout Victoria and is also an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects.
Laura Wood leads the Sydney arm of DKO interiors, bringing with her many years of experience working across a broad range of residential, retail, commercial and installation design.
She has worked with local, national and international clients on projects large and small, delivering multiple successful and design savvy sales suites and developments. Her passion for interior design ensures that each project has an original and tailored solution that captures attention, while her eye for detail ensures high-quality project delivery every time.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Registered Architect
Lionel is an experienced registered Architect, having completed his Bachelors of Applied Science and Masters of Architecture from Curtin University.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Registered Architect
Lizzie Rix is an accomplished NSW Registered Architect with eight years of industry expertise, specialising in residential and multi-residential architecture.
Her sharp intellect, proactive attitude, and thirst for knowledge drive her professional growth, while her mentorship skills greatly benefit any team she works with.
Passionate about creating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing architecture, Lizzie consistently achieves remarkable design and commercial success in her projects.
Lizzie excels in providing expertise from DA to Construction documentation for multi-residential, senior living, and commercial projects. Furthermore, she leads teams in delivering design output documents for masterplan and competition projects while coordinating consultant teams.
Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the DKO team.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Interior Designer
Luke Szklarz has been at DKO since 2014 with a particular interest in residential, commercial and educational projects.
Luke believes in creative engagement with the site and brief at every stage of the project's design, and that each building is designed not only for the user but as a part of the city.
Luke has developed a keen eye for detail and enjoys the problem solving that comes with unpacking a brief. From concept design to construction documentation, Luke's ability to manage multiple tasks is high. Luke quickly forms relationships with clients, consultants and contractors and his open communication makes him a strong asset to the team.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Matthew Ritchard is an architect with over fifteen years of experience in the design and delivery of a range of residential types, from multiple-dwelling apartments to individual luxury houses. Matthew brings a client-focused approach to each project's successful delivery. He is also a passionate advocate for DKO's engagement with the wider architectural profession and built environment.
As a member of the NSW Institute of Architects Built Environment Committee, he provides strategic advice to government and advises Chapter Council on key contemporary urban design and planning issues.
His ability to see through the complex compliance issues related to development applications, alongside his rapport with builders and suppliers, is a vital asset on many of DKO's complex projects.