We design houses that are functional, beautiful, and distinctive.

Modern multi-story residential building with balconies, greenery, and a stone wall entrance with the text 'The Residences, 103 Canning'

Our story

With roots in Brisbane architecture stretching back 185 years, our practice has always been guided by a commitment to craft, context, and care. Over generations, we’ve shaped buildings across the city, learning how spaces can frame lives, respond to climate, and reflect the people who inhabit them.

Today, we focus on what matters most: creating meaningful homes. With a small, dedicated team of architects and interior designers, we collaborate closely with each client to design houses that are personal, functional, and deeply considered. Every line, material, and space is chosen with purpose—our homes are bespoke, layered, and lived-in from the very first sketch.

We believe that architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the experience of living in them. And while we bring the knowledge of nearly two centuries of Brisbane architecture to every project, our focus remains firmly on the present moment, your lifestyle, and the way your home can nurture life within it.

Modern outdoor seating area with white walls, railing, staircase, and lush greenery including hanging plants and garden bed.

Design through collaboration

We design through collaboration. It’s a shared process—within our studio and with our clients—that allows each project to reflect a clear, collective vision.

Our Team

John Petrie

Architecture Director

John is the Architecture Director with over 25 years’ experience in the industry, dedicated to the craft of thoughtful, enduring architecture. With qualifications in architecture, construction and development, he brings a well-rounded perspective to each project. He has a passion for design and creating spaces that are refined, contextual and deeply considered.

Outside the studio, he’s happiest with a good coffee in hand or having a beer and spending time with his three young kids at the beach.

Catherine Cruger

Architecture Lead

Catherine is a Registered Architect with strong, well‑rounded experience across design, documentation and project delivery. She brings a high level of technical capability and design intelligence to every project, with a particular strength in resolving complex details and ensuring the architectural intent is carried through to construction.

As a senior member of the team, Catherine provides steady leadership and guidance across the studio. She works closely with the Director and broader project teams, contributing clear design thinking, rigorous coordination and a calm, solutions‑focused approach. Her ability to balance creativity with practical delivery helps shape projects that are thoughtful, enduring and executed to a consistently high standard.

Georgia Mintram

Architecture Graduate

Chloe is an architectural graduate with a background in childcare, having worked as an educator in early learning centres. This hands-on experience informs her approach to design, bringing a practical understanding of how families and educators use and experience spaces. She focuses on creating clear, well-proportioned environments through thoughtful planning, with an emphasis on functionality, comfort, and care.

Outside the office, Chloe enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly at the beach, and relaxing at Poona, where the water laps gently at the shoreline and looks out toward Fraser Island.

Georgia is an Architect with a growing depth of experience across all aspects of architectural practice — from concept design through to documentation and delivery. She brings both technical rigour and creative clarity to every project.

Georgia plays a key leadership role within the studio, guiding and supporting the architectural team while working closely alongside the Director. With a strong design sensibility and a calm, considered approach, she helps shape projects that are thoughtful, resolved and beautifully executed.

Clementine Morphett

A young man with brown hair smiling in front of a plain light-colored wall.

Declan Ferguson

Architecture Masters Student

Clementine recently joined our practice after completing her Bachelor of Architecture, and will soon commence her Master of Architecture at QUT. She brings strong foundational design skills, a thoughtful approach to problem‑solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning within a studio environment.

Clementine contributes to concept development, documentation and project research, while gaining hands‑on experience across all stages of practice. Her curiosity, work ethic and emerging design sensibility make her a valuable addition to the studio as she continues to grow her architectural capability.

Molly

Office Puppy

Our newest addition to the office, when in the office she is always ready with a wagging tail and a morale‑boosting cuddle and keeps the studio smiling.

Gayle Petrie

Office Manager & Director

Whilst not always present, Gayle is a director who continues to support the running of the business quietly behind the scenes.

Chloe Mason

Architect
Architecture Masters Student

Declan is in the final year of his Master of Architecture and has built up four years of industry experience. He brings a strong design sensibility to his work, with an ability to develop clear ideas into resolved, deliverable outcomes. His approach is collaborative and iterative, refining concepts over time to achieve thoughtful and well-executed architecture.

Outside the studio, Declan enjoys catching up with friends over dinners and wine, getting in a Fitstop session, and appreciating well-made things.

Their attention to detail on our home truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.

C & M, Bardon