OUR PRACTICE

Levesque And Derrick Architects is a small, professional and energetic young practice located in Chelmer, Brisbane. We believe that the simplest ideas, carefully detailed and specified, are typically the best. We enjoy what we do and we are passionate about the whole process of making architecture, from concept design to construction.

Our two directors Mathieu Levesque and Julie Derrick studied and worked together over a 10 year period prior to establishing LADA in 2012-2013. While every project in our practice is led by one of our directors, we work in a small studio environment and each project receives input from all staff members.

LADA is non-specialised, taking on small to medium sized projects across a diverse range of project types. We work on both new builds and ‘alterations & additions’ within the following project types: Residential, Multi-Residential, Education, Health, Hospitality, Commercial, Heritage & Masterplanning. Most of our projects are located in and around South East Queensland, though we have also worked on projects in and around Sydney, Woolgoolga, Casuarina, Mount Isa, Townsville & Thursday Island.

We are a full-service architectural practice aiming to provide design, documentation & contract administration services on the majority of projects that we undertake. Our friendly team would be happy to answer any questions you have about our services or your next project, so please don’t hesitate to call or email us.

OUR DIRECTORS
Mathieu Levesque

Mathieu co-founded LADA with Julie Derrick and is a registered architect in Queensland & New South Wales. He co-directs the practice and is fully involved with all LADA projects.

Originally from Montreal, Mathieu came to live in Brisbane in 1995. He obtained both his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Design Studies from the University of Queensland and started his career working for Bark Design Architects in Noosa.

Mathieu later joined the APA (a micro practice within the Qld Government) where he played a major role in several government & not-for-profit projects, including the redevelopment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base in Mount Isa.

From his experience working within a Qld Government client group and building his own projects as an owner builder, Mathieu has the ability to understand the industry from several perspectives. He uses this ability to obtain the best possible outcome out of each project and to ensure that LADA projects run smoothly for all stakeholders.

Registration No | Qld 4498 | NSW 9389

Julie Derrick

Julie co-founded Levesque & Derrick Architects with Mathieu Levesque and is a registered architect in Queensland. She co-directs the practice and is fully involved with all LADA projects.

Julie grew up in rural Queensland. She obtained both her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Design Studies from the University of Queensland and started her career working for sole practitioner Richard Groves (RGA) in Albion.

Julie extended her understanding of small practice while at the APA (a micro practice within the Qld Government) where she worked on a wide variety of primarily publicly funded projects with clients such as the Department of Education and the Department of Housing & Public Works. Her final year at the APA was spent as an Associate, working closely with the Head of Practice to manage the APA practice.

Julie’s strength lies in listening carefully to client requirements and working with complex design briefs.

Registration No | Qld 4550 |

PUBLICATIONS / MEDIA / AWARDS
2019 Sanctuary: Modern Green Homes – Issue 48 – ‘Elegant Infill’
2017 Brisbane News – ‘West Side Story’
2015 Green Magazine – Issue 46 – ‘100m2’
2015 Brisbane News – ‘Narrow Escape: Architect finds upside to narrow Chelmer Site’
2015 Courier Mail – ‘Watt’s Cooking’
2015 Weekend Edition – ‘Watt Relaunches with New Farmer’s Kitchen’
2012 Walter & Oliver Tunbridge Award for Building of the Year – North Queensland (RFDS Mt Isa Base, with APA)
2012 Australian Institute of Architects Regional Commendation – North Queensland (RFDS Mt Isa Base, with APA)
TESTIMONIALS

“…LADA nailed the brief and in fact surpassed TWG’s expectations, not only from a design perspective but most importantly, from a budgetary aspect. Their project management capabilities prior, during and post build were truly exceptional, due to their understanding of the Brisbane market; their clear & concise communication skills; and their ability to think outside the box when working in such a challenging location. TWG would not hesitate to re-engage LADA – and in fact, have reached out to Mat and Julie on various other times since WATT was completed. This is surely the ultimate test of any successful commercial relationship – the confidence and pleasure of re-engaging.”  General Manager Business Development, Trippas White Group

“My wife and I are aged  in our 70’s and this is the fourth time we have used architects on a project.  The whole process has been amazingly stress free and has been completed within budget guidelines.  The attention to detail and the quality of reporting have been of the highest standard which has meant that our queries have been minimal . Throughout the build we have appreciated the efficiency with which the project has been managed.  In addition the relationship between the builder and the architects has been excellent particularly given that the project is in the Coffs Harbour district and some six hours drive from where we live.  LADA has our highest recommendation.” Owners, Woolgoolga Beach House

“Mathieu was integral to the success of this project…. It has been a pleasure to work with Mathieu on this project, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him for any architectural projects.” Project Manager, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Qld Section)

“I found Mat and Julie very easy to work with on our project, and very accommodating to our needs in regards to stakeholder engagement.”  Precinct Director, Brisbane PowerHouse

“Thank you so much, I love my house, it is amazing! I’m so glad we went with you as you are very talented! Owner, Stafford House

“Working with LADA on this unique project was a seamless experience. The team’s brief was to come up with a relaxed, open plan beach house with natural ventilation and they did a fantastic job! This was our third successful experience using LADA and we have since re-engaged them on another project”  Director, Peel Developments

“We will forever be delightfully reminded about your talents of problem solving, client reassurance, third party negotiation, persevering patience, brilliance of communication and design extraordinaire” Owners, Corinda House