About us
Education & Community Architects
Master Planning + Architecture + Interior Design
We make complex, simple.
Leaf Architecture is a leading Australian architecture studio that creates inspiring human centred, research driven design. Our learning spaces follow research to foster creativity, curiosity and innovation.
Our leaf inspired company logo is an important visual symbol of our design philosophy, past, present and future. Like a leaf represents a series of complex interrelationships in nature, we believe elegant design results from the unification of a series of complex issues. Put simply, we make complex, simple.
We exist to ignite positive change in our world through education architecture.
We believe in the power of education and its ability to make a positive impact in the world. We also believe that learning outcomes are influenced by the physical environment.
Winston Churchill famously said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” We work on the premise that physical space can inspire learning and enhance wellbeing, so we work hard to create environments that support both students and teachers to perform at their best.
We are future oriented, agile and focused on design that is intentional, informed by the latest research and cemented in the ethos of our clients.
We aim to create educational spaces for all generations, environments that will transcend time and provide inspiration for educators and learners to help change the world.
We use technology to underpin our practice and our designs. Our goal is to be innovative, not afraid to be the first and to challenge the norm in the quest to provide future generations with spaces in which to create great things.
Inspiring human centred, research driven design.
Our Values
Leadership
Community
Wellbeing
Leadership, Community, Wellbeing
We are leaders in the education sector who aim to set an example in our community through the way we think and act. We aim to inspire both our clients and our team through our courage, reliability, integrity and authenticity. We are thought leaders who continually question how we can best meet the needs of current and future generations of teachers and learners.
We advocate for a strong sense of community in both our practice and our projects. Our designs promote inclusivity, create a sense of belonging and provide places to gather to feel part of a community. As a business and as individuals, we give back and make a positive contribution to our local and wider community. We aim to leave the world a better place than how we found it through regenerative design and sustainable business practices.
Wellbeing takes centre stage at Leaf. Our team models wellbeing with a commitment to nourishing our physical, social and emotional health.. Wellbeing is at the core of our design approach, with our ‘healthy building design strategy’ benefitting not only our team, but our clients and learners too.
What People Are Saying
“All members of staff working with Leaf Architecture were at all times responsive and timely in the completion of their work. Under Daniel's leadership the staff at Leaf Architecture have a balanced approach between taking into account he schools brief and suggesting innovative approaches which always have a clear understanding of pedagogy at their core. It would be easy to assume that Daniel has worked as a teacher given his understanding of current pedagogical thinking and the needs of students.”
PHILLIP SCOLLARD
PRINCIPAL, HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC COLLEGE, LAKEMBA
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with and learning from you this year. You are highly skilled at listening and learning and responding to needs whilst bringing your own skills and expertise to the table in a remarkable way”
ALLAN JONES
CATHOLIC EDUCATION, DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
“I have had the pleasure of working with the team at Leaf Architecture over the past 3 years on multiple projects. The team led by Daniel and Jo have a strong passion for working with schools, no matter what the project size is they produce designs that reflect our pedagogy and unique needs. Their ability to discern our needs through seamless conversations has meant that they are a welcome addition to our projects.”
KRISTY GERARD
CATHOLIC EDUCATION, DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
“I have known Daniel Smith professionally over a period of 3 years. This was partially during the period of construction of a $10m project comprising of classrooms, open learning spaces and a staff study. He leads a team at Leaf Architecture which is dependable and dedicated, and at all times keeps a cool head. The team are solutions oriented and proactive in seeking client feedback to improve their service delivery. Daniel communicates easily and has very good listening skills and strives to reach consensus where possible.”
RUPA BALA
BUSINESS MANAGER, MARONITE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Associations + Certifications
Leaf Architecture is an A+ Member of the Australian Institute of Architects.
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing 12000 members in professional practice and education.
Leaf Architecture are members of the Learning Environments Australasia.
Learning Environments Australasia promotes quality design of learning spaces and professional development amongst a community of educators, designers and decision-makers.
Leaf Architecture have joined and are committed to addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Architects Declare is an international network of architectural practices committed to addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Leaf Architecture is a member of the Australian Passivhaus Association.
The Australian Passivehaus Association promotes the Passive House standard through education, advocacy, and support, aiming for all Australians to live and work in healthy, comfortable, low-energy, and resilient buildings.
Leaf Architecture is certified to AS/NZS ISO 45001: 2018 Occupational Health
and Safety Management Systems and AS/NZS ISO 9001-2016: Quality Management Systems.