Designing a better future — for people, place and planet
Studio Nine Architects is an award-winning architecture and interior design studio. Originally founded in Adelaide in 1998, the practice expanded into Melbourne in 2024. As design leaders we are continually pursuing change and aim to think more holistically about architecture and design. Through our leadership, we strive for a socially conscious, equitable and sustainable future for all.
We partner with people who align with our studio's values
Understanding everything we do is designed by people, for people, with people
Value comes from our ability to deeply understand the problem we need to solve
Collective knowledge and expertise enable us to define how best to apply our effort
We embody a shared responsibility to deliver excellence
Creating an impact starts with having the courage to take the first step
Our People
Committed to our studio mission, our team combines specialised expertise with local, national, and global experience to deliver a broad portfolio of projects.
We are proud to be a carbon neutral certified studio
As designers, we have an ethical responsibility to decrease the impact the practice of architecture has on our planet. Our official carbon neutral certification aligns with our studio’s ‘why’ and was born out of our commitment to being a signatory of the global Architects Declare movement. It is the first key milestone in our ongoing sustainability journey to provide a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Employee Benefits
Our internal mentor program is tailored to individual objectives, allowing mentees to select a mentor based on the diverse skills and experiences of our senior team. The program aims to provide mentees with invaluable guidance, support and assistance, acting as a sounding board for personal and professional development and assist them in maximising their full potential.
The S9 Equip Program is a staff-led initiative designed to equip our next generation with the essential skills for successful development. The program facilitates the transfer of expertise from our senior staff to our junior team members through fortnightly forums, focusing on key topics that will bridge knowledge and skill gaps and strengthen our team.
Our studio are active members of the architecture, design and affiliated industries. We encourage our staff to be involved in our industry affiliations and other initiatives, programs and events that support their professional development. All staff have access to an annual training budget to develop their knowledge and acquire new skills in an area of interest.
Living true to our value ‘People First’, our studio is committed to providing wellbeing support to our team. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program offering free short-term and confidential professional counselling and referral assistance to all employees and their immediate family members. The program is designed to enhance the emotional, mental and general health of those requiring support.
Our Social Committee organise regular activities to strengthen our team culture and sense of community, including quarterly team building events, guest speaker presentations, wine nights and regular staff celebrations.
We recognise that some of life's most important moments happen outside of the workplace. We are proud to have introduced a Paid Parental Leave initiative for our employees, reinforcing our commitment to creating a workplace where our team can thrive both professionally and personally.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
As designers and creatives, we have an inherent responsibility to seek an understanding of how our work impacts the world around us. Our Reflect RAP serves as an introduction to our reconciliation journey, focusing on building relationships, deepening respect, and exploring opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, this marks our first formal step toward our ongoing journey to embed reconciliation into the fabric of our work.
Social Responsibility
We have established a partnership with Baptist Care, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and crisis across Australia. This partnership reflects our commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the projects we design and aligns closely with one of our core values, ‘People First’.
Throughout the year, staff are invited to participate in volunteering opportunities at Baptist Care’s WestCare Centre during work hours. These sessions provide opportunities for team members to connect directly with the people Baptist Care support by preparing meals, assisting with services and contributing to day-to-day operations.
Governance
Studio Nine Architects is governed by an overarching Board consisting of directors Andrew Steele, John Galluccio, Tony Zappia and Justin Cucchiarelli, and external advisor John Harvey as Chair.
Our studio engages Organisational Psychologist Jenny Clavio to provide strategic, evidence-based psychological and business consulting to senior management and the wider team.
To recognise their tenure as past directors, Mandy Goehr, Andrew Vorrasi and David Ey have been appointed as Life Fellows of Studio Nine Architects — honouring their legacy and significant contributions to the practice.