OUR PRACTICE

Levesque And Derrick Architects (LADA) is a small and energetic Brisbane architecture practice. Our Co-founders Mathieu Levesque and Julie Derrick studied and worked as Architects alongside one another for over ten years before taking an inevitable leap of faith in 2012 and establishing LADA, a Brisbane architecture firm in the leafy suburb of Chelmer. Our practice is built on the premise that the simplest ideas, carefully detailed and specified, are typically the best.

A full-service architecture firm, LADA guides clients through every stage of the design process. From pre-design including initial sketches and preparation of the design brief to contract administration, careful attention to detail every step of the way has always been our remarkable point of difference. From the site and its context to the client’s brief and budget, we work comprehensively to ensure every piece of the puzzle fits before proceeding. We understand that giving our clients the confidence to move forward with a vision is an essential step in the process. We love what we do, and the outcome of each project taken on by LADA is a product of our passion and professionalism.

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 residential, multi-residential, hospitality & education sectors. The majority of the projects taken on by LADA are located in and around South East Queensland. We have, however, worked on projects located in Sydney, Woolgoolga, Casuarina, Mount Isa & Thursday Island.

While every project at LADA is led by a director, our small studio practice on Honour Avenue is home to a collaborative environment where the input of staff is central to each project. We truly believe the quality of our work and the exceptional outcome of each project is a testament to the expertise of our team. We are talented Architects committed to producing bespoke architectural solutions through meticulous consideration and dissection of a client brief. And while we listen to our clients and their expectations, we’re not afraid to be honest and challenge the status quo. To improve the project outcome and reduce the likelihood of variations during construction, we scrutinise every detail before it becomes a reality.

If you would like to know more about our practice or our services, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.

OUR TEAM
Mathieu Levesque

A registered Architect in Queensland and New South Wales, Mathieu is the Co-Founder of Levesque and Derrick Architects (LADA).

Originally from Montreal, Mathieu has been living in Brisbane since 1995. He completed his studies at the University of Queensland where he attained a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Design Studies. Two decades in Brisbane means Mathieu is no stranger to the South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales regions. His love of the subtropical climate and lifestyle is embodied in his work, from the pre-design stage through to post-construction.

Mathieu commenced his career working for Bark Design Architects, an architectural firm located in the Noosa Hinterland. Subsequent to his work with Bark, Mathieu joined a micro practice within the Queensland Government called the APA. He gained extensive experience through his key roles in several Government & not-for-profit projects, including the award-winning Royal Flying Doctor Service Base in Mount Isa.

More recently – stirred by a long-time interest in the design of social housing – Mathieu went on to work with the Housing Partnership Office within the Queensland Government. His involvement in the feasibility and design of various social housing and indigenous student accommodation projects is quite distinct. It has formed the foundation of Mathieu’s skillset in designing social (and accessible) housing for those less fortunate living in Queensland.

Achieving the idyllic balance between the client, builder and architect’s objectives is where Mathieu provides true value to those he works alongside. His strength lies in his exceptional ability to see and understand projects from multiple viewpoints. Mathieu thrives on reaching the best possible outcome for each project and every stakeholder.

Registration No | Qld 4498 | NSW 9389

Julie Derrick

Julie co-founded Levesque & Derrick Architects with Mathieu Levesque and is a registered architect in Queensland.

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
2021 Qld Government Social Housing Design Guideline – Pg 38/39 – ‘ Make Homes Practical’
2021 Dwell+ ‘This family home in Australia is a love letter to the sea’
2021 Green Magazine – Issue 82 – ‘Daily Grind – Flexible’
2021 Habitus – Issue 52  – ‘The House of the Year Special Issue’
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