Learn about our Studio

Our company graphic is derived from a building’s seamless interaction with its landscape whilst offering detailed design additions or subtractions for aesthetic contrast.

After design careers forged in domestic housing, modular housing, commercial sector prefabrication and design management, Studio Leith look to build on this knowledge and create better spaces to inhabit, in whatever capacity that may be.

We place an emphasis on client interaction and helping both the general public and fellow professionals understand architecture and what an Architect does.

Inspired by a technical drawing course in high school that was cancelled due to lack of numbers, Daniel set out to explore his initial interest in architectural planning of residential dwelling houses.

The technical skills gained within a Diploma of Architectural Technology from Hunter TAFE were reinforced by the design vision and validation earned through studies at The University of Newcastle.

Daniel’s career in the building design industry started following TAFE, as an architectural draftsman with Zaia Architects on NSW’s Central Coast. He then progressed to become a graduate architect with the same firm, however this time as a Design & Construct (D&C) role under the banner of Enviroarch Australia.

During this period, Daniel gained experience in the D&C process by being involved in all stages of architectural design presiding over a number of award winning projects including residential homes, medium rise residential units and commercial fitouts. It was critical in his mind to gain real world and on-site experience to help validate the more conceptual & theory based design ideas being pursued at University.

After relishing the D&C experience and completing NSW Architect Board registration requirements in 2012, Daniel joined Quicksmart Homes (QSH) in North Sydney as their in-house architect, which afforded him the opportunity to extend his D&C knowledge into the growing modular design industry in Australia. His main task was to produce prefabricated residential housing, at scale, passively designed, and to a level that would challenge the current home building trends.

The role extended to involvement with QSH’s construction arm, RCQ Construction, and led to him being made Design Manager of all modular operations, nationally and internationally. Daniel was a highly experienced and respected professional within the modular industry which also demanded a working knowledge in the student housing, hotel, hospital, aged care, high-rise apartment and services sectors.

Our architecture at Studio Leith extends to explore the passive design opportunities of any site and how we can create spaces that are naturally comfortable for the end user. To do this, we must consider the following principles and queries as a minimum:

Natural ventilation
From what direction are prevailing breezes coming onto our site? Do they circulate through our building? What glazing strategies do we have in place for cross ventilation?

Daylighting
What is the sun path for this site? How do we locate key accommodation spaces to ensure sunlight intake? How do we control natural lighting at certain times of the day?

Thermal mass
What is the local climate like? Does our building have the ability to store heat and release it internally during winter? Does this involve certain structural, glazing or insulation materials?

Viewpath
Are there special views to be captured from internal space? What happens upon approach and entry into the home? Connect inside to outside for seamless Australian environment living

Social interaction
Between what rooms is it critical to have formal connections for the end user? Are there areas that need to be segregated from others? Can we use materiality to engage & connect spaces?