CKDS - Key Persons
With more than 10 years' experience in commercial and residential architecture, Ben has lead and delivered an array of project types and sizes with a focus on quality design outcomes.
With a particular focus on education and residential focused projects Ben has overseen and guided the process from the initial project feasibility through to design, documentation, procurement and delivery.
He has a strong association with the Newcastle and Central Coast regions and is dedicated to seeing these areas reach their full potential through the creation of a high quality built environment and development of public spaces.
With a vision for architecture to perfectly blend both creative and technical fields, Ben has progressed through his study and profession and gained valuable insight into the impact of the built environment on people and how they interact, use and feel in created spaces. One of Ben's key drivers is to push himself to deliver spaces that people not only enjoy but help to improve the overall built environment.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Senior Principal
- Founding Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture
As Founding Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture, Caine leads the team at its Central Coast based practice. His specialised skills focus on finding the optimum commercial and architectural solution while effectively delivering a project from inception through to completion.
Caine is a diverse and talented architect with a broad range of experience across various project typologies. His expertise ranges from feasibility and early conceptual studies through to onsite delivery. Caine has a keen interest in environmentally sustainable development and constantly challenges the parameters and constraints of current projects to arrive at exceptional and innovative design with sustainable outcomes.
His extensive experience and knowledge covers educational projects, residential (large and small), clubs, hospitality, health (regional public hospital projects), commercial and retail fit outs, master planning and feasibility studies. Additionally, his health experience includes a range of project delivery methodologies involving full documentation and tender, design and construct, and design development.
Caine is active in supporting and promoting the architectural services sector through his role as Chair of Urban Development Institute Australia (UDIA) - Central Coast Chapter, Chair of Central Coast Architectural Network (CCAN), Current committee member of the AIA Newcastle Chapter and as former Chair of the Australian Institute Architects (AIA) Awards - Newcastle Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Xeriscapes Landscape Architect Director
Geoff is a highly experienced landscape architect, well versed in all phases of landscape architectural project delivery from concept design, design development through to documentation and construction supervision. His portfolio also covers project work within the landscape construction industry.
Geoff's work has involved landscape masterplans, public domain, recreational open spaces (active and passive), social housing, residential (single dwelling, medium and high density residential), commercial, industrial, community and residential aged care projects.
Jacinta is a committed associate who has developed a strong interest in residential and apartment design, masterplanning and 3D visualisation.
She has worked on a range of projects including houses, apartments, mixed-use, sporting facilities, masterplanning and interiors.
Jacinta has been involved across all design stages including feasibility and planning, concept, developed concept, development application and construction certificate.
Her specialised areas include concept design, documentation and visualisation work, and coordinating with consultants.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Associate
- Registered Architect
James is a talented architect who is pasionate about design excellence. He is an associate at CKDS and brings a wide range of skills to the team.
James is detail orientated and focused on quality outcomes, he has a broad range of experience across various project sectors. His most recent experience includes commercial, aged care, mixed-use projects and single commission residential developments.
in 2019 James became a Registered Architect. He is continually focused on expanding his knowledge base and skills within the field of architecture.
Through architectural practice, James enjoys interpreting the client's aspirations with innovative design solutions.
Joel is a skilled and experienced architect with a depth of knowledge in planning, designing, detailing and coordinating built projects, in both the public and private sectors.
His experience ranges from large scale, complex developments to small, boutique projects. He has a passion for designing architectural spaces that maximise light and optimise the user experience. With a strong focus on attention to detail and an understanding of engineering and building service principles Joel delivers quality documentation that is efficient and accurate.
Joel understands developers' core drivers and key considerations and transfers his experience to new situations, enabling successful innovation.
His attraction to architecture was the notion of a profession with an ‘artful purpose' that combined the creative with the practical. Joel believes the pursuit of design in architecture has the real potential to transcend the purely pragmatic and create spaces that respond to our environment and sense of wellbeing.
Since joining CKDS, Josie has been involved in a broad range of projects from smaller scale residential alterations and additions, to larger scale commercial, mixed-use and multi residential developments.
Josie has developed a particular interest in sporting and recreation buildings and has had the opportunity to work on some unique developments located in Sydney and on the Central Coast.
She is currently developing her passion to design unique architecture that both complements the surrounding environment and serves as iconic structures in the local community.
Matthew is a talented architect with a strong passion for design excellence in architecture. He is a registered architect and has had extensive experience in all stages of the construction process, from concept design through to construction documentation.
His experience spans various sectors including health care, seniors living, education, commercial and hopsitality.
Matthew also has a strong interest in innovation and technology. He has experience leading BIM coordination on projects and is highly skilled in the use and application of ArchiCAD.
Matthew will ensure your project is at the leading edge of design and technology.
After completing his studies Matthew emigrated to Australia from the United States of America. He began working in the architecture field in 2002 and completed his Bachelor of Architecture with Honours in 2005.
Matthew is a detail focused designer with extensive experience in a large array of projects and project types. His skills range from feasibility studies to design and documentation and he has a passion for creating detailed construction documentation.
Prior to working at CKDS, Matthew led a team to produce three regional dental clinics for Charles Sturt University which were the final pieces in the development of the School of Dentistry. Matthew also carried out the design work for several projects with 420 George Street Sydney, Concord Library and Childcare Centre in Concord, Rockdale Library City Library in Rockdale, Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre in Bexley and the Maureen Tudehope Centre sports facility for Kincoppal Rose Bay School. Matthew was a team leader on the Villawood Redevelopment Project, steering the design and documentation team for the community and back of house facilities along with the overall site works.
Matthew has a keen interest in Quality Assurance and has previously held Production and QA Manager roles. He is highly focused on the detail of building design and strives to achieve high quality solutions.
Since joining CKDS Matthew has taken on the role in the design development and documentation for a number of projects including a warehouse and manufacturing facility, mixed used development at Terrigal, large mixed use development (56 apartments) on Gosford's Mann Street, and several other large commercial projects located in Newcastle and on the Central Coast.
Job Titles:
- Project Architect
- Senior Associate
Paul has more than three decades' experience in architectural practice. He has been involved in a wide range of projects from small fitouts to large scale institutional projects, servicing private clients, local governments, developers, corporate organisations and tertiary education institutions.
Paul strongly believes that clear and open communication between clients and their architect is vital to the success of all projects, regardless of scale. His ability to provide a personable approach has helped to establish and maintain open and collaborative relationships throughout his work.
His project involvement covers all stages from masterplanning through to documentation, and he has developed extensive on site experience during the construction stages.
Paul has particular knowledge regarding aquatic and recreational projects, along with a full understanding of their operational and safety needs. Many of these projects were local government operated facilities, which require due consideration to local community needs. Paul has also worked on a number of public libraries and other community projects, and is passionate about creating quality civic facilities that not only meet community needs, but also become landmarks within their environment.
Since joining CKDS, Paul has been the Project Architect for a number of multi-residential projects including Waterside (500 units), Merindah (140 Units), Bonython Tower (56 Units), Canton Beach (80 Units), and Ormond Street (80 Units).
Other areas of project focus include seniors living, dementia facilities, and tertiary education. Paul was also the Project Architect for Dairy Farmers for more than 15 years, and has expertise in the planning of process plants and distribution facilities.
Since 1995 Paul has been actively involved with quality assurance management, and has developed specific quality management systems, incorporating WHS and environmental management.
Sarah is an architect who has experience in the design and documentation of a variety of project types and scales, including single and multi-residential, aged-care, educational, mixed-use and commercial buildings.
Sarah is interested in sustainable design practises, detailing, and the administration and management of projects. She is committed to providing quality designs as part of a collaborative project team and enjoys working with clients to achieve successful project outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Senior Principal
- Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture
As Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture, Stuart leads the Newcastle office. His vast experience, high level expertise and excellent work ethics collectively support and underpin his key focus of achieving quality design solutions.
Stuart's career covers extensive involvement in the design and documentation of small, medium and large scale projects. He played an instrumental role in Newcastle's city centre revitalisation through the design leadership of three large-scale commercial and residential projects on key sites including The Gateway Parry Development project - Stages 1-2 and the Verve Residences. These impressive developments successfully navigated the ‘Design Excellence' process as defined by the NSW State Government Architects.
Stuart's varied involvement across a wide range of projects has exposed him to the diverse needs of clients, consultants and end users. This level of engagement has enhanced his ability to meaningfully connect clients with their specific project team to create successful results.
Stuart has lectured and tutored third and fourth year architecture students at the University of Newcastle. Focusing mainly on design development, he has helped influence and further enhance his professional design skills which have been integrated within the office environment.