Founded in 2010 by Managing Director Chahid Kairouz, the practice has grown from humble beginnings into a multidisciplinary studio with nearly 800 projects across Victoria and beyond. With studios in Geelong, Thornbury, and Glen Iris, we’re known for our hands-on service and commitment to quality across commercial, multi-residential, and bespoke residential projects.
The leadership team includes Chahid’s brother, Sammy Kairouz, Director of Interiors, and sister, Sue Sukkar, Director of Planning, who bring diverse expertise from backgrounds in fashion, law, and construction. Together, we offer a dynamic, design-forward approach backed by deep industry knowledge and a strong family foundation.
Chahid Kairouz is the founding force behind CKA Studio, bringing a dynamic blend of architectural vision and real-world construction expertise to every project. Before establishing the practice in 2010, Chahid honed his skills at leading firms Grocon and Equiset, where he managed large-scale, multi-million-dollar developments across Melbourne’s evolving urban landscape.
With a strong foundation in construction and project management, Chahid approaches design through a uniquely holistic lens—balancing creativity, technical rigour, and commercial insight. This broad perspective allows him to align stakeholder priorities, unlock value in complex briefs, and champion design outcomes that are both innovative and pragmatic.
A passionate advocate for sustainable design and emerging technologies, Chahid actively contributes to the evolution of planning policy while maintaining a steadfast commitment to economic feasibility. His work consistently reflects a bold architectural agenda—one that pushes boundaries without losing sight of real-world constraints.
As Director of Planning at CKA Studio, Sue Sukkar leads our in-house town planning team with strategic insight and a passion for clarity in the statutory planning process. With extensive experience across residential and commercial projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, Sue is instrumental in shaping our planning outcomes from early-stage feasibility through to final approvals.
Her strength lies in mapping out the highest and best use of land, managing risk, and providing a sense of certainty for clients navigating the often complex and discretionary planning system. Sue’s approach is grounded in open communication, ensuring alignment between client expectations and council requirements.
Recently having completed the Property Council’s prestigious 500 Women in Property program, Sue is not only a leader within our studio but also an advocate for empowering women in the property and planning industries. She sees this opportunity as a platform to champion the next generation of female leaders at CKA, while expanding her own networks and leadership skills.
With over 15 years of experience spanning fashion, interiors, and project fitout management, Sammy Kairouz brings a uniquely creative and detail-driven approach to every project. His work is defined by a meticulous balance of form, materials, and user functionality, resulting in interiors that are both beautiful and deeply considered.
Sammy’s passion for design stems from a lifelong fascination with transforming ideas into tangible, livable realities. Influenced by a family immersed in architecture and design, he has developed a versatile practice that thrives on discovery, innovation, and the excitement of shaping spaces that enhance how people live and experience their environments. For Sammy, design is more than a profession—it’s a continuous journey of exploration, creativity, and purpose.
