ellivo (People)

"Architecture does not exist by itself but is rather the outcome of the qualities of the site, a client’s wants and needs and the policies that shape the city."

Dan joined Ellivo in 2002 and is a key lead member of the studio. He aims to achieve a comfortable balance between functionality and aesthetics whilst continuously elevating the client's brief to achieve a result which exceeds their initial expectations.

Everyday to me is about getting the best out of whatever I am doing and putting a smile on other’s faces. In design (my everyday) this means bringing great people together to make the best of whatever we are given while making sure we have fun along the way.

To me, design is so much more than a pretty, well placed finish. It is about being inspired by your surroundings and taking each client on their own journey. From the initial ideas through to seeing the design come to life, the whole experience is an exciting one. My passion and drive for design extends from interiors into graphics. I love a hands on & artist approach when getting creative.

Matt Martoo is a designer who is motivated by working with seriously creative people. As an associate architect at Ellivo, Matt’s key passion is for provoking more responsive and innovative design solutions to provide more meaningful places for people.

Scott has focused his extensive architecture career on creating an inclusive and vibrant design team that delivers logical and successful architectural outcomes for his clients in the South East Queensland region.

Kate brings over a decade of experience to Ellivo, particularly as a project architect for residential and hospitality projects. With design skills complemented by her exposure to bespoke detailing, heritage building refurbishments, and commercial fit-outs, Kate is able to work across both interior and architectural projects.

Jen has been with Ellivo since 1999. She works closely with the Leadership Team and helps to manage the busy office. Jen loves to do all the things that architects hate doing – QA, arranging meetings, and making sure all the admin side of the business is done properly.

Architecture is a collection of parts organised to make a whole. As architecture becomes more global we must rethink and critically analyse how these elements are arranged. Responding to climatic, cultural and economic forces.

I believe that successful design achieves more with less through thoughtful consideration and respect for the environment and those which inhabit them.  I love working with clients in delivering both the small and intimate to the grand and highly detailed across commercial, residential and educational sectors.

 I am particularly interested in public space as an unselfish 'giving back' to the community. Good public spaces respond to the history of a place, while also having the power to foster new cultures, patterns and a sense of belonging. I am detail-oriented and like to think how small considerations, like a bench seat near an entry, can create a sense of ownership and blur the boundaries of private and public space.

Josephine is passionate about climatically responsive design within our sub-tropical climate. During her masters she undertook a design studio in Brazil to learn about sub-tropical architecture in a city that sits on the same latitude as Brisbane yet has a different cultural overlay.

Chelsea believes in continually being inspired by the surrounding environment. Her attention to detail is integral to producing unique design outcomes that reflect the client and enhance the users lives.

Erin is passionate about climate appropriate, flexible, sustainable design that sits within its context but isn’t afraid to make a statement. She believes strongly in approaching all challenges with an open and creative mind and takes great pleasure in working with a team to bring projects from concept  to reality.

I believe good design is more than just a pretty space. It is a considered balance between beauty, practicality but most importantly the connection to the end user and the surrounding context

On a more serious note Kelsey enjoys the balance between architecture and interior design – from the larger scale down to bespoke details to bring a personal touch.

Jess has an organised, determined and honest approach to her work that thoughtfully considers the finer details. She believes good design is simplistic, stands the test of time and never goes out of style.

I believe architecture has the power to enrich lives and create positive environments which allow individuals and communities to thrive. I often find that tuning in to the subtle, experiential qualities of buildings and spaces is the most intriguing aspect of the work I do.

I believe we are currently witnessing a cultural agency that’s constantly forming new paths, new platforms, new ideas. Though sometimes it’s an endless chase of the newest - the newest materials, products and stories - this is also the beauty of it. For the first time in a long time, we’re chasing new ground, entering new territories without limits, and this rings just as true for the end user, as it does for those we see as designers.

I am a believer that great design is born out of an understanding and respect for the user and environment; looking beyond the obvious solution to create a more considered and successful outcome.

With a great passion for exploring the built environment and how it enhances the sensory and emotional experience of inhabitants, Elena is detail-oriented with a special interest in environmental sustainability. She finds herself continually being inspired by nature and culture in equal measures.