So we’re in for a treat in this episode. The first interview in Season 04 is with Shaun Lockyer of Shaun Lockyer Architects.  

Now, if you’re based in Brisbane and planning your renovation or new home, chances are you’ve already come across Shaun’s work. It’s prolific and award winning and a huge body of new and renovated homes all over Brisbane – and in fact, in other parts of Queensland and Australia … and even overseas!  

Shaun Lockyer Architects (or SLa) has a huge following on social media, an enviable list of clients, projects and awards, and a great reputation for beautiful, sustainable and efficient design solutions that add value to the lives of their inhabitants. 

Shaun himself has over 20 years of international design experience, including four years as an associate at SAOTA in South Africa, and nine years as Director and Partner at Arkhefield in Brisbane, QLD.  

In fact that’s where Shaun and I first met … in 2001, when we started at Arkhefield, 2 weeks apart from each other. Both fairly new to Brisbane, we sat opposite each other and – as Shaun reminded me the last time I saw him - we actually had to be separated at one point because we spoke too much and made too much noise. We’ve been friends since that time.  

Personally, I’ve watched with huge admiration and pride, as my friend has built an extraordinary career with such commitment, incredible client service and sheer hard work. In the early days when we were at Arkhefield, he would always talk ad infinitum about his love of designing individual homes: the opportunity to work closely with clients in a trusting relationship, the love of crafting a container for their family lives, and exploring space and volume, light and materials that would surround them each day. He’s always been passionate about residential architecture.  

In 2009, he started his own practice, Shaun Lockyer Architects. This practice engages in the design and delivery of bespoke architectural homes for private clients who value a collaborative and transparent design process. Each commission employs a versatility and passion that transcends scale and budget. 

The outcomes of all the work at SLa are a reflection of the extraordinary efforts of the team which is comprised of Shaun Lockyer, Jen Negline, Lucy Hyndman, David Gockel, Michael Ford, Ash Hughes, Adam Laming, Kevin Li, Lyle Mitrovich, Katy Roberts, Alex Kean, Ivy Verlaat 

They’ve won a mountain of awards … Shaun himself has been recognized for the contribution he’s made to architectural education – and he’s as committed to his role as an industry mentor as he is to being an architect. 

It is with great pleasure that I sit down with Shaun to talk about the role of the architect, and his tips on how to get the most from working with one, plus answers to some of the key questions we, as architects, often hear from homeowners about getting us involved.  

This is about the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of using an architect for your renovation or building project. So, let’s get into the episode. 

Listen to the podcast now. 

Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range. 

COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.   

And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand. 

Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info  

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