Brooke Aitken - Director & Principal

B Sc (Arch) B Arch (Hons), University of Sydney

Nominated Architect NSW 7393, Nominated Architect QLD 6032

NSW D+BP Act Registration 00000911 /AIA A+ Member

Brooke Aitken is both a Registered Architect and Interior Designer and her firm is based on the combination of these practices. She has had extensive design and construction experience in many areas including Residential, Retail, Hospitality, Medical, and Institutional projects.

Brooke’s ethos is one that asserts the potency of architectural design concepts through to the expression of detail in interior design. Her work has garnered numerous awards and a highly published career in books such as “World’s Best Interiors” and journals such as Belle, Interior Design (NY), Australian House & Garden, and Grand Designs Australia.

Brooke founded the firm in late 2004 after working with renowned international design firms, Anouska Hempel Design and Denton Corker Marshall, where she gained experience in both decorative interiors and modernist architecture. Her design approach is enriched by a deep understanding of contemporary and traditional Asian art and architecture, shaped by her time living and working in Japan early in her career. This foundation, combined with the balancing influences of what she terms “Soft Modernism”, is reflected in the evolution of her signature design elements across both architecture and interior design.

Building client relations is a natural strength, and this is extended in Brooke’s expertise as an art buyer for her clients, where selection and placement of original artworks are entrusted and a key part of her design equation.
Brooke leads the practice as it expands its scope and is involved in every project it undertakes. She is also the Founder and Director of the brand Rill + Stone, which creates and curates singular homewares pieces.

Samatha Hayen

B Sc (Arch) B Arch University of Sydney + University of Technology Sydney
Samantha Hayen joined BA Design in 2008, having spent time in London working with Studio E Architects, a leading environmental practice, where she was Project Architect on award-winning sustainable design projects.
She has also worked with Denton Corker Marshall and Smart Design Studio in Sydney, and Anouska Hempel Design in London - which have all informed her rational, clean approach to design.
Sam has led a wide range of projects at BA Design, from highly detailed boutique fit-outs to new-build residential refurbishments.
She brings a strong environmental agenda to her work and produces simple, beautiful designs which harness light and stand the test of time.
Lisa Droga

B Sc (Arch) B Arch University of Sydney
Lisa joined the firm in 2005, having worked for MGT Architects (now FJMT), Smart Design Studio, and Denton Corker Marshall, Hong Kong.
Lisa’s singularly strong design aesthetic and extensive experience working in both in an architectural and interior design capacity, is evidenced in the creation of stylish, innovative and functional interiors. Her work has been published widely as her discerning eye creates beautiful spaces.
Lisa is actively committed to the Visual Arts in NSW as patron of a number of significant art institutions.
Her work is often wholly interiors focused within an architectural perspective, embracing interior detailing within broader architectural agendas.
Vivian Ma

B Arch M Arch University of Technology Sydney Registered Architect NSW 12517
Vivian joined the firm in 2015 after completing her Master degree in Architecture. She had also studied at Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark and participated in a Design Studio in Berlin.
Vivian’s interest in the integration of interior design into the detailed architectural design process parallels the firm’s design practice and philosophy.
Now a registered Architect in NSW, her expertise includes site extensive construction site experience. Vivian integrates this knowledge into her practical interior designs and material selection.
Vivian’s Asian Australian background plays a key role in her design language, An ongoing exploration of diverse cultures and history through travel continues to provide inspiration and inform her designs.
Melisa Johnson

Melisa joined the firm in 2012 after leaving The Incubator, a Graphic Design, Event Management & Photography company she managed after returning from 20 years in the UK and Japan. Mel is the BA Design Office and Interiors Procurement Manager, with a special flair for logistics and project management.
With a lifetime of design references and diverse project coordination experience informing her passion for all things beautiful, Melisa combines an instinct for client care and communication.
Mel has a distinctive aesthetic in residential furnishing and home and property styling, which translates into stylish interior design tailored to our clients’ personal vision and budget.
Lucas Marcolini

B Arch Urbanism Mackenzie Presbyterian University Sao Paulo
From São Paulo, Brazil, Lucas grew up admiring the rich modernist architectural movement that flourished in the city. He pursued a degree in architecture and urbanism at Mackenzie University. His portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects - from sleek, residential complexes, to dynamic commercial spaces.
Drawn to Australia’s vibrant architecture, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes, Lucas now resides in Sydney and has recently designed his own house - an invaluable exercise that allowed him to apply architectural expertise and learn about local building practices and materials.
In 2023, Lucas joined BA Design. With his keen eye for detail and passion for innovative 3D program advancements in the industry, Lucas has made a significant impact on the firm's projects.
Ren Astono

B Des Arch M Arch University of Sydney
Ren is a talented and driven Graduate of Architecture and interior designer who brings a unique perspective and dimension to the BA Design team. She joined the firm in 2021 after completing her Masters of Architecture.
Ren brings a global lens to her work, having studied in Taipei at the National Taiwan Normal University. Her seven years living in Indonesia and the Philippines have given her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, which she draws upon in her design choices and practice.
Before joining BA Design, Ren had extensive experience in designing for large high-rise residential and medical architecture projects. She was drawn to BA Design for its detail-oriented methodology and the creative freedom offered through BA Design’s scope of works and clientele.
Meredith Martin

Meredith Martin brings a unique blend of expertise to Brooke Aitken Design, with a distinguished background in high-end boutique hotel sales and management. As the US representative for our practice, Meredith oversees the interiors procurement management for our projects based in the United States. Splitting her time between the San Franciscan Bay Area, Palm Springs, and frequent travel between Australia and the US, Meredith draws inspiration from diverse cultural influences, particularly with a fondness for Palm Springs, where she continues to work on her own residential project. Her passion for art and design is evident in her daily life, reflected in her Bay Area residence designed by BA Design, embodying a commitment to aesthetics and innovation that aligns seamlessly with our design ethos.
Lucy Zogg

Lucy brings a diverse background to Brooke Aitken Design. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UTS, Lucy's career began in PR, working for financial institutions such as AMP and Bankers Trust.
After moving to Switzerland, worked in Investor Relations for Schindler Management, travelling extensively throughout Europe. Lucy then ventured to the Middle East, living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia, where she volunteered at an international English school.
Lucy brings her love of systems and mathematics to the BA Design team, ensuring accounts are well managed. Lucy’s passion for the arts extends beyond numbers. She’s an ambassador of the MCA and has a deep appreciation for film and literature. Fluent in both German and Italian, her international flair and rich life experience contribute to the seamless operation of our practice.