As Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture, Stuart leads the Newcastle office and has played a central role in shaping the practice since its establishment. His leadership has been integral to defining CKDS’s design culture, professional standards and long term direction.

Stuart has extensive experience across the design and delivery of small, medium and large scale projects, with particular expertise in complex urban, mixed use and multi residential developments. He played a key role in Newcastle’s city centre revitalisation, providing design leadership on several landmark projects including The Gateway Parry Development Stages 1 and 2 and Verve Residences. These projects successfully navigated the NSW Government Architect’s Design Excellence process and helped set new benchmarks for architectural quality in the city.

His approach is grounded in a strong understanding of urban context, built form and design quality, balanced with a practical appreciation of delivery, procurement and construction. Stuart is closely involved across all stages of a project, from early feasibility and concept design through to detailed documentation and construction, allowing him to guide clients and teams through complex approval and delivery pathways with clarity and confidence.

Stuart contributes to architectural education through his appointment to the University of Newcastle’s Industry Advisory Panel. He has lectured and tutored final year architecture students and is involved in the practice management course, bringing real world professional experience into the academic environment. This engagement reinforces a design led, critical and pragmatic approach that continues to inform his leadership within the practice.

Stuart has been appointed to the NSW State Design Review Panel, reflecting his commitment to design excellence, sustainability and strong public outcomes. The panel provides independent expert advice on significant projects across New South Wales and Stuart brings to this role a values driven perspective shaped by long term practice, advocating for clear design thinking, contextual response and architecture that contributes meaningfully to cities, communities and place.