atelier Luke

atelier Luke is an architecture and design studio led by Australian architect Luke Hayward and Japanese interior designer Junko Nakatsuka. Founded in 2013 in Osaka, atelier Luke has broad experience in architecture and construction in Japan, Australia and South East Asia.

atelier Luke collaborates closely with clients and local craftspeople to create uniquely personalised and culturally sensitive designs. Based in both Australia and Japan, the design team is currently working with clients on a range of projects in both countries.

how we work

We are a hands-on design practice, but with international reach. Balancing time between both Australia and Japan, our small team works directly with clients and collaborators to ensure a local approach for all projects, whether in Byron or Kyoto, Brisbane or Osaka.

Every brief, site and client is unique and successful projects are always the result of collaborative participation between client, architect and builder. For every project we believe there's no substitute for the first hand experience of place and the personal connection of meeting face-to-face.

Luke Hayward

Luke Hayward is an Australian registered Architect (NSWARB, ARBV and BOAQ), a Japanese 1st-class Kenchikushi (architect and building engineer) and an APEC Architect.

As one of only a handful of architects registered in both Australia and Japan, Luke is uniquely experienced and qualified to provide design services in both countries.

Luke established atelier Luke in 2013, after gaining broad professional experience in architecture over the previous decade.

Built work by atelier Luke has been broadly praised with multiple awards and frequent publication globally in magazines, newspapers, books and online.

In 2021, Luke was the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Architect Prize at the Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Architecture Awards. The Award Jury cited atelier Luke as “a remarkable international practice between Australia and Japan producing outstanding work of a unique sensibility, reflecting both cultural influences.”

Junko Nakatsuka

Junko is an interior designer with extensive experience in design and construction both in Australia and Japan.

Following graduation from RMIT in Melbourne, Junko worked with architects and suppliers in Queensland and Tasmania, focusing primarily on commercial and residential design.

In Japan, Junko has worked with the nation's largest residential building contractor, gaining invaluable experience in the local construction industry.

With this diverse background in all aspects of building design, procurement and construction in both Australia and Japan, Junko brings a unique perspective and a valuable skillset to her work with atelier Luke.