Studio

Stephen Akehurst is a respected Australian residential designer, renowned for his timeless approach to architecture and enduring contribution to the Australian design landscape. For over 30 years, Stephen has created elegant houses for modern day living—drawing inspiration from classical traditions while responding sensitively to their metropolitan, coastal or rural settings.

Focusing primarily on high-end residential projects throughout Australia and beyond, Stephen has become known for his ability to create houses that look impressive and are welcoming — spaces that age gracefully, are crafted with care, and embrace natural materials and traditional detailing.

Stephen’s work is distinguished by its architectural quality, due to a respect for craftsmanship and collaboration. His projects often involve long-standing relationships with skilled tradespeople and artisans, and his mentorship has shaped a generation of architects and designers working across Australia.

With an unwavering commitment to quality and a quiet authority in his design philosophy, Stephen Akehurst has established a legacy that continues to influence the evolution of Australian residential design.

Sebastian Owen is an accomplished architect and design leader with over a decade of experience spanning architecture, interiors and workplace strategy. With a diverse portfolio that bridges luxury residential, commercial, multi-residential and recreational sectors, he is known for delivering finely crafted, highly complex projects.

Sebastian begun his career in architectural practice before gaining on-site experience through carpentry on Stephen Akehurst projects — a move that sharpened his understanding of construction and brought new depth to his design approach. He refined his architectural thinking under the mentorship of Peter McIntyre, one of Australia’s most iconic architects, and later broadened his global perspective while working in design throughout Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris.

After working closely alongside Stephen Akehurst for ten years, Sebastian became a partner in the practice in 2020 alongside Marco. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in leading the studio into its next stage of growth, design evolution, and mentorship. His approach focuses on collaboration throughout the design journey, from conceptual planning through to landscape and interiors in delivering cohesive, considered projects.

Sebastian’s architecture balances timeless design with both contemporary and classic influences, shaped by an honest use of materials and a focus on purposeful, well-considered spaces.

Akehurst Owen Cimino | Nominated Architect
Sebastian Owen | NSW Architect Registration Number 12208

Originally from Torino, Italy, Marco Cimino is an experienced architectural professional whose career bridges European heritage principles with contemporary Australian design. After earning his degree in Architecture and Heritage from the renowned Politecnico di Torino, Marco spent over two years working on project development and delivery for leading architectural firms in Torino, gaining invaluable experience in classical design and conservation.

In 2014, Marco moved to Australia, where he began with hands-on construction experience across high-end residential builds—working from structural phases through to final finishes. This immersive, on-site foundation cemented his practical understanding of materials, detailing, and the construction process.

Marco joined the practice shortly after, beginning a decade-long involvement in delivering some of its most intricate and considered projects. These ranged from significant Heritage and National Trust-listed sites — showcasing his refined understanding of form and spatial nuance — to a wide spectrum of contemporary work, reflecting the breadth of his architectural capability.

As Studio Manager, Katrina Hoffmann is at the heart of Akehurst Owen Cimino. With over 20 years of experience supporting senior leaders, she brings clarity, structure, and calm to a dynamic architectural practice. Working closely with the directors and creative team, Katrina coordinates studio operations and ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

She also collaborates with the finance and accounting teams, supporting the broader operational management of the studio. Having worked with respected industry leaders, she brings a high level of professionalism and discretion to her role. Often acting as an executive assistant to the directors, Katrina helps maintain an efficient, well-organised studio environment that remains welcoming for both staff and clients.

Niamh Caverhill is a UK-qualified Architect who joined Akehurst Owen Cimino in 2024, bringing nearly a decade of professional experience. She holds a BA (Hons) in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice & Management.

Niamh’s focus is on high-end private residential projects, including new-build homes, heritage properties, and sensitive renovations, often working with listed buildings. She values contextual design, traditional detailing, and careful coordination from concept to construction. Skilled in 3D modelling and visualisation, Niamh ensures projects are delivered with beauty, precision, clarity, and enduring quality.

Zach Sama is a valued member of Akehurst Owen Cimino’s Interior Design team, bringing over seven years of experience in high-end residential interiors. He holds a Bachelor of Interior Design with Honours and developed a strong, practical understanding of construction methods and materials through early work as a joiner, where he contributed to the fabrication of several of the practice’s own projects.

Zach specialises in bespoke residential work, balancing traditional detailing with contemporary influences. He is particularly engaged by the resolution of complex details and the process of seeing designs realised on-site. His collaborative approach, shaped through close work with the directors, supports the delivery of refined, purposeful interiors that are layered, tailored, and closely attuned to how clients live.

Michelle Appleton brings over 30 years of experience in high-end residential interiors to her role as an Interior Designer at Akehurst Owen Cimino. Holding a Diploma of Arts in Interior Decoration & Design, she began her career with a furnishing textile supplier before joining the practice in 1997.

Michelle works across both renovations and new builds, contributing from early concept design through to material selection and detailed documentation, while maintaining close collaboration with clients and trades. Her practical, hands-on approach underpins interiors that are comfortable, inviting, and enduring; creating spaces which feel considered and quietly refined.

Olivia Babarczy brings over 15 years of experience in Interior Design and Property Development. She holds a Diploma of Interior Design from the Inchbald School of Design in London, a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and is completing her Master of Architecture at Monash University.

Olivia specialises in high-end residential projects across Victoria and New South Wales, integrating Architecture and Interiors from the earliest stages to create cohesive, thoughtful, and personal homes. With a focus on concept and design development, she guides projects from initial idea to a realised space, creating homes that are refined, considered, and closely connected to the people who live in them.