Staff
Domenic Crisante
Managing Director
Domenic completed his Architectural Technology training at RMIT before joining CK Architecture in 1985 as an architectural technical designer.
Domenic has innate organisational skill and leadership qualities and as Managing Director, Domenic is responsible for the strategic direction of the practice and is continually striving for improvement of business operations and implementation of best practice.
He manages the business development function of the organisation as well as being actively involved in the day-to-day management of his highly skilled team of architects, interior designers and drafts people.
His vast architectural experience spans across multiple sectors including residential, retail, commercial, industrial and retirement living. He is a strong project manager and contract administrator. His expertise extends to on-site contract administration, documentation and design coordination.
He’s the driving force for continual improvement of business operations and implementing best practice. He provides leadership in project planning allocation and managing production resources.
Domenic has a strong relation-based approach to client service and dedication to product quality. These qualities result in projects being delivered on budget, within the agreed timelines with the utmost professionalism and personalised service.
Having worked in almost every product category Domenic is well placed to lead his dynamic team on the most challenging architectural projects.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Diploma of Arch Technology, RMIT
- UDIA Member
- ArchiTeam Member
- Australian Chamber of Commerce, Vietnam Member
Janusz Kowal
Design Director
With over 35 years architectural experience, Janusz initially trained in Europe, completing his Masters in Architectural Engineering at the prestigious Krakow Polytechnic. Upon arriving in Australia in 1980, he joined CK Architecture and became a partner in 2002.
Throughout his career, Janusz has been responsible for designing iconic buildings in Australia and around the world. His portfolio includes an impressive spectrum of buildings from domestic, educational, recreational and institutional, to industrial and local government.
His global experience includes an 18 month secondment to Dubai where he established and managed CK Architecture’s offshore projects in the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Azerbaijan and Belarus.
As a designer and technical detail expert, Janusz’s focus is to review new building products and techniques in order to assess suitability and cost efficiency for application in forthcoming projects. His talent extends to design sketching, building architectural concept models and employs high quality CAD skills to effectively communicate design intent to all relevant parties.
Coupled with his discerning design ability, Janusz possesses an excellent understanding of the interactive architect/builder relationship. Janusz has an open-minded attitude towards architecture and views each project as a unique endeavour, deserving of its own individual concept and design approach.
As Design Director, Janusz thrives on new challenges. He’s driven by opportunity each new project presents to apply his craft to the unique set of design criteria faced. Resolute in his belief that design should meet the client’s brief and vision rather than emulate a particular style or genre.
Capitalising on his experience, knowledge and creative virtuosity Janusz prides himself on the delivery of logical design solutions, regardless of complexity, constraint or size of a project.
Highly recognised, his work has been celebrated through various publications and nominations for a number of RAIA awards including finalist for Public Architecture. Janusz loves the opportunity that architecture provides, to continually work on new projects and across various disciplines.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Masters in Architectural Engineering, Krakow Polytechnic
- AIA Member
- UDIA Member
- Design Matters Member
Stuart Martin
Associate Director
Stuart is one of CK Architecture’s most competent architectural drafting personnel, responsible for the documentation of many complex and highly demanding projects.
Stuart’s expertise is meticulous detailing in which he combines performance and utility with constructability and economy of execution. He has a particular interest in high end projects with elaborate and/or unique design features.
Also highly skilled in Computer System Technology, Stuart has been the company’s System Manager since 2010, responsible for technological appraisal, running and upgrade of all components in our computer networking system.
Away from Architecture, Stuart dabbles in home renovation and keeping up with IT advances and development.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Assoc.Dip. of Arch.D, Box Hill Institute TAFE
- Occupational Health & Safety, Construction Induction
Jenny Li
Finance
Jenny joined CK Architecture in 2022 and has over 20 years of finance experience.
Jenny is responsible for controlling and monitoring the company’s finances. She enjoys her work and gets great satisfaction from solving problems and doing a job properly and well.
Jenny is committed to making positive contributions to improve financial operations, and is dedicated towards assisting in the continued growth and success of the practice.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Advanced Diploma in Business – Accounting, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
Smitha Joseph
Project Architect
Smitha joins CK Architecture as Project Architect bringing with her vast experience in detail documentation, interior design and detailing. Smitha obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kerala India in 2000. Her keen eye for detail and meticulous work practices see her supporting the full cycle of project documentation from sketch design right through to project delivery.
Smitha is drawn to modernistic architecture, appreciating clear cut spaces and clean lines. In her spare time she enjoys the challenge of experimenting and creating interesting culinary dishes for her family and friends.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Bachelor of Architecture (2000)
- Fluent in Malayalam, Hindi and English
Brian Whatley
CAD / BIM Draftsperson
Brian joined CK Architecture after completing his studies at RMIT TAFE in 2015. His role involves documentation and 3D modelling technology, including BIM.
With a background in finance, Brian is passionate about cost saving initiatives, problem solving and all things technical. He demonstrates strong analytical skills and has acquired valuable experience working directly with key project stakeholders.
Brian’s passion for architecture is inspired by how people interact with space and how a building can be incorporated into a community and surrounding environment, instead of the community and surrounding environment having to adjust to the building.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) RMIT TAFE
- Occupational Health & Safety, Construction Induction
Shanni Meppen
Interiors
Shanni brings international life and diverse industry experience to the team, with a passion for unique and detailed design.
Since graduating in 2004, she has diversified and increased her knowledge working on various projects and product technology. With a background in industrial design, graphic design and ceramic art, she has participated in multidisciplinary projects from hospital refurbishment and multi-residential buildings to business branding.
Shanni’s creative inspiration comes from being curious about everything around her, observation from new experiences and adventures and via innovation and ingenuity.
She enjoys working in a team environment and always has the client’s needs / vision in sight when considering design options.
Shanni has participated in numerous exhibitions and her works have been published in local and international media.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Bach. Design, Shenkar Uni, Israel
- Dip. Arts Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
- Occupational Health & Safety, Construction Induction
Sally Likoravec
Administration
Sally joined CK Architecture in 2015. She has over ten years marketing experience after completing her business studies at Monash University, having worked in various roles within the construction, market research, importing and pharmaceutical industries. Her role includes daily administrative operations incorporating her experience with a variety of design programmes, as well as undertaking marketing initiatives for the practice.
Sally is committed to delivering quality customer service and supporting the broader team. Sally’s interests include travelling to new and different destinations and being an avid foodie she loves indulging in a variety of cuisines from street food to fine dining fare.
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Monash University