Every member of our team brings something different. Some offer deep technical knowledge. Others bring a strong design focus. Many are driven by sustainable and socially responsible architecture.
We work closely as a team. We share ideas and learn from each other. This approach strengthens every project.
We deliver thoughtful, high-quality outcomes. Each solution is tailored to our clients and communities.
Our people do more than create buildings. They shape experiences and places that enrich everyday life.
Their curiosity, dedication, and talent define CKA Studio. We are more than a practice. We are a team committed to excellence on every project, large or small.
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.
With more than 25 years of industry experience — including over 15 years with the studio — James brings a depth of technical expertise to his role as Senior Associate. He is highly skilled in documentation, detail resolution and guiding complex projects from concept to completion, supported by clear communication and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. As a senior leader, he mentors the team and strengthens the practice’s technical capability, ensuring coordinated, high-quality outcomes across multidisciplinary projects.
Zak is a registered architect and Senior Associate with more than 20 years of experience delivering high-end residential, commercial, community and mixed-use projects. His work spans every stage of the project lifecycle, from early feasibility and concept design through to documentation, site supervision and contract administration. With experience across both Australian urban contexts and large-scale international projects in the Middle East, Zak brings a considered, holistic approach to architectural delivery.
Giuseppe is a multi-disciplinary designer whose work bridges architecture and landscape, bringing a holistic approach to both residential and commercial projects.
He is skilled at integrating built form with natural surroundings, creating environments that are functional, enduring, and enriching for their users.
Guided by a belief that well-designed spaces elevate the human experience, Giuseppe focuses on crafting thoughtful, harmonious places that balance form, function, and context.
Giuseppe is a multi-disciplinary designer whose work sits at the intersection of architecture and landscape, bringing a holistic and deeply considered approach to both residential and commercial projects. With a rare ability to unify built form and natural surroundings, his designs are driven by a strong belief that spaces should not only serve a purpose but elevate the human experience.
Giuseppe’s strength lies in crafting environments where form and function work in seamless harmony with the landscape—creating places that are as intuitive and enduring as they are beautiful. Whether it’s a landmark project or a quiet moment of design clarity, his work consistently fosters meaningful connections between people and place.
With more than 12 years’ experience across residential, commercial and mixed-use projects in Melbourne and abroad, Taina brings strong design leadership and technical depth to her role as Associate Architect at CKA Studio.
She leads the Glen Iris office, guiding teams through complex apartment, workplace and commercial developments from early concept through to completion.
Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving mindset, Taina is committed to transforming ambitious ideas into well-crafted, functional spaces that serve their users beautifully.
Robert combines extensive experience in the UK and Australia with a deep technical expertise across education, healthcare, commercial, and residential projects.
Since joining CKA Studio in 2021, he has been instrumental in delivering medium-density and mixed-use residential developments, including the Abode Apartments in Malvern.
Now based in the Geelong office, Robert is focused on strengthening the practice’s regional presence and is highly regarded for his precision in documentation and construction detailing, as well as his ability to cultivate clear, collaborative relationships with clients and builders.
Shirantha is an architect whose work blends creative exploration with a strong commitment to sustainability and contextual responsiveness. Drawing on his interest in urban art and the philosophical foundations of architecture, he brings a thoughtful, ideas-driven approach to each project.
Skilled in advanced design software and BIM technologies, Shirantha combines conceptual ambition with technical clarity, striving to challenge convention and craft environmentally responsible spaces that resonate with their users.
Alberto has been a key member of CKA for over nine years, bringing more than 15 years of experience across residential and educational projects.
His pragmatic approach, combined with strong design expertise and a thorough understanding of planning and building regulations, ensures projects run smoothly from feasibility through to construction.
With a collaborative style, Alberto excels at coordinating with clients, consultants, and project teams to deliver high-quality outcomes across a diverse portfolio.
Lea is an accomplished architectural professional with a well-established focus on precise, high-quality documentation developed over 14 years in practice.
Her work spans concept design through to construction, with particular expertise in leading comprehensive drawing packages for medium to large developments.
Bringing a disciplined, detail-focused approach, Lea excels at translating design intent into technically sound, buildable solutions, ensuring quality, compliance and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Since joining the practice in 2018, Karen has contributed to a diverse range of residential, mixed-use and childcare projects, developing a particular strength in environments shaped by biophilic design principles.
She approaches each brief with creativity and precision, focusing on how space can elevate wellbeing and strengthen the connection between people and nature.
Known for her thoughtful design sensibility, Karen thrives on complex challenges and is committed to delivering projects that enrich the human experience.
Neha is an experienced Architectural Graduate at CKA Studio, where she has contributed for the past 3.5 years.
Holding a Master of Architecture from the University of Newcastle, she brings a thoughtful balance of creativity and technical expertise to projects across all phases.
With a collaborative, hands-on approach, Neha supports design development, documentation, and coordination, helping to bring ideas to life and ensuring projects are delivered smoothly and successfully.
After completing his Master of Architecture and Urban Design at Swinburne University, Max is gaining hands-on experience across all stages of project delivery, from early design to documentation. With a background in design research and urban analysis, he brings a thoughtful, inquisitive approach to his work and enjoys problem-solving through collaborative discussion. Supported by the CKA team, Max is experiencing rapid professional growth and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to purposeful, well-crafted architecture as he works toward his goal of becoming a registered architect.
Anthony is an architectural student completing his Master of Architecture at RMIT University, due to graduate in 2026. Since joining CKA Studio in late 2025, he has contributed to design development, documentation, and project coordination across all stages of delivery. Known for his enthusiasm and collaborative approach, Anthony brings energy and clarity to every project through discussion and teamwork, with a design interest in how inherited forms and references can be reinterpreted to produce depth and unexpected richness.
Katia is an emerging interior designer with a passion for both commercial and high-end residential projects. With a background in commercial interior design, she brings particular strengths in scheduling and documentation while increasingly contributing to creative design development. She is drawn to natural materials, soft tonal palettes, and calm, functional interiors, and enjoys seeing ideas evolve into thoughtfully considered, timeless spaces. Katia is enthusiastic about continuing to grow her expertise across a diverse range of projects as she develops her career.
Mariam is a skilled mid-level Interior Designer with a strong track record in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. She is experienced in all stages of interior design, from concept development and documentation to FF&E specification, producing cohesive packages that guide projects from initial brief to final handover. Mariam is passionate about crafting interiors that are both functional and visually compelling, tailored to each client’s unique needs. Known for her adaptable approach and broad design expertise, she thrives in collaborative environments and brings a versatile perspective to a diverse range of project types and scales.
Johnathan Koura is a Town Planner at CKA Studio, supporting the team across a range of planning and project delivery tasks. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours, Class of 2024), Johnathan brings a practical collaborative approach to his work. In his role, he assists with liaison between clients, consultants, and authorities, prepares and supports planning submissions, and contributes to ensuring a smooth process across projects.
Sam is a Town Planner with nearly seven years of experience across complex and diverse projects. Known for his strong communication skills and collaborative approach, he works closely with project teams to navigate planning processes and deliver high-quality outcomes. Committed to both client success and broader community benefit, Sam brings clarity and care to every stage of the planning process.
