Open Architecture Studio
Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architecture practice of 15 people providing end-to-end design services across sport, education, tourism, and mixed-use sectors for Queensland state and local government clients, councils, and select private developers, with specialist expertise in subtropical and flood-resilient design.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersBrisbane, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Open Architecture Studio does
Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architectural design practice founded by Michael Bailey in 2013, operating with a 15-person team from L12/324 Queen Street. The firm provides end-to-end architectural services — from feasibility and master planning through to project completion — across four practice areas: Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Culture, Education, and Mixed-Use developments. Its core methodology is grounded in subtropical climate-responsive design, universal and inclusive design, flood resilience, research-led evidence-based design, and "Designing with Country" cultural protocols with Traditional Custodians.
Revenue is generated exclusively through project-based professional services fees negotiated per engagement. Clients are predominantly Queensland state and local government entities — Queensland Department of Education, Brisbane City Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Moreton Bay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Noosa councils — supplemented by private developers (Arcadian Developments, Comiskey Group, Into Property) and select not-for-profit organisations (Sporting Wheelies). Disclosed project construction values range from A$330,000 to A$180 million, with marquee commissions including Foxwell State Secondary College (A$120m), North Lakes Town Centre (A$180m), Gainsborough State School (A$45m), Honey Farm Road Sports Precinct (~A$40m), and Barns Lane Farm (A$30m).
Distribution is direct and relationship-driven: business enquiries route through Founding Director Michael Bailey, and the firm participates in competitive government tenders and consortium bids alongside specialist partners such as Otium Sport & Leisure, Green Edge Design, Aspect Studios, Knight Frank, FKG Group, and Wiley. Leadership comprises Bailey (founder), Mark Burrowes (Director — Design & Delivery, joined mid-2023 from Architectus) and Dani Martin (Director of Projects and Growth, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects). Geographic footprint is overwhelmingly Queensland, with one documented international engagement (Library of Light competition, Gwangju, South Korea).
Open Architecture Studio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Open Architecture Studio
- Legal name
- Open Architecture Studio
- Website
- https://openarchitecture.studio
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architecture practice of 15 people providing end-to-end design services across sport, education, tourism, and mixed-use sectors for Queensland state and local government clients, councils, and select private developers, with specialist expertise in subtropical and flood-resilient design.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Open Architecture Studio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Architectural Design Services
- NAICS
- Architectural Services (54131), Architectural Services (541310), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Architectural Design Services (BPAHAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Community Engagement & Participatory Planning (BPAHAKAO)
Keywords
Where Open Architecture Studio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brisbane
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Open Architecture Studio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Architecture and Design Services: Open Architecture Studio generates revenue by providing architectural design services across project phases from feasibility and master planning through to project completion. Fees are project-based and negotiated per engagement, serving government, local councils, educational organisations, and private clients across Queensland and beyond.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Architecture services are scoped and quoted per project, with fees reflecting project complexity, value, and delivery phases. |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Open Architecture Studio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architecture firm delivering end-to-end architectural design services across Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Culture, Education, and Mixed-Use developments. Services span feasibility and master planning through to project completion, serving government departments, local councils, educational organisations, and private developers. Specialist capabilities include subtropical climate-responsive design, universal/inclusive design, flood resilience design, complex landfill site development, and Designing with Country cultural protocols.
Product overview
Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architecture firm offering design services across four core practice areas: Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Culture, Education, and Mixed-Use developments. The firm provides end-to-end architectural services from feasibility and master planning through to project completion, serving government, local councils, educational organisations, and private clients. Their expertise includes subtropical climate-responsive design, urban renewal, accessibility and inclusivity, placemaking, and sustainable design. The studio's approach emphasizes community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and climatically responsive architecture that serves Queensland and beyond.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sport & Recreation Design Services Comprehensive architectural design services for sports and recreation facilities including master planning, clubhouses for AFL/Cricket/Soccer/League/Union, indoor sport and aquatic centres, equestrian centres, school sport facilities, grandstands, parks and outdoor recreation, for government councils, sporting clubs, and community organisations.
- Tourism & Culture Design Services Design services for tourism destinations and cultural facilities including precinct and site planning, cultural and visitor centres, community hubs, event and activation spaces, hotels, art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues, for government and private tourism operators.
- Education Design Services Architectural services for educational institutions covering master planning and new schools, refurbishments and campus upgrades, resource centres and libraries, training rooms and lecture theatres, workshops and laboratories, performing arts centres, and sports halls, for state and private schools and the Department of Education.
- Mixed-Use Design Services Design services for mixed-use developments including precinct and master planning, hospitality and food and beverage, retail and shopping centres, placemaking, urban design, commercial offices, and multi-residential projects, for private developers and government agencies.
- Master Planning & Urban Renewal Strategic planning and design services for urban renewal projects, transformative renewal initiatives, infill development, adaptive reuse, and revitalised streetscapes with sustainable infrastructure, for private developers and government agencies.
- Subtropical Climate-Responsive Design Specialised architectural design approach for subtropical environments focusing on shade, airflow, and thermal comfort through passive cooling, deep verandahs, and strategic landscape integration, applied across Queensland projects.
Quantifiable outcome
- Emerge Cooma Terrace Townhouses received a Commendation in the 2021 Queensland Regional Architecture Awards and was shortlisted in the 2021 Houses Awards.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Open Architecture Studio
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Open Architecture Studio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Open Architecture Studio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Jasper Brown ArchitectscoreCollaborated with Open Architecture Studio and Arcadian Developments on the Emerge Cooma Terrace Townhouses project in Caloundra — a four-luxury-townhouse development designed in response to the subtropical climate and surrounding landscape.
- Arcadian DevelopmentscoreClient and collaborator on the Emerge Cooma Terrace Townhouses. Arcadian commissioned Open Architecture Studio and Jasper Brown Architects to design this award-winning residential development in Caloundra.
- Otium Sport & LeisurecoreOpen Architecture Studio has worked with Otium Sport & Leisure on multiple regional sports precinct master plans, including the Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (100ha) and the North Rockhampton Multipurpose Sports Precinct (26ha). Otium leads the design consortiums while Open provides architectural expertise.
- Green Edge DesigncoreOpen was engaged by lead consultants Green Edge Design to design and document three camp kitchens across Western Downs Council's RV Parks. Also collaborated on North Rockhampton Multipurpose Sports Precinct and Honey Farm Road Sports Precinct.
- Aspect StudioscoreOpen Architecture Studio worked alongside landscape architects Aspect Studios to create new shelters, a lookout, and amenities block at Picnic Point Parklands for Toowoomba Regional Council.
- Knight FrankcoreOpen joined a consortium led by Knight Frank to develop the business case for the Noosa Regional Gallery redevelopment. Knight Frank led the consortium while Open provided architectural and design input within the full Queensland Government business case format.
- KP ArchitectssupportingCollaborated with KP Architects on the Strathpine Gateway project — KP Architects handled facade and layout design while Open Architecture Studio led the overall architectural master plan for this entertainment and retail destination.
- FKG GroupcoreOpen Architecture Studio worked with FKG Group on Foxwell State Secondary College ($120m, complete), Everleigh State School (opened 2022), and Gainsborough State School ($45m, completed 2020). FKG Group served as contractor, with Open providing architectural design.
- WileycoreOpen Architecture Studio worked with Wiley on the Red Hill Special School campus amalgamation project ($30m) and Indooroopilly State School expansion, both for the Queensland Department of Education.
- Rounsefell DesignsupportingWorking in close collaboration with Landscape Architect Rounsefell Design on the Bellbowrie Community and Sports Clubhouse master plan and concept design, addressing flood risk and environmental constraints.
- Into PropertycoreOpen Architecture Studio worked closely with Into Property and Sunshine Coast Council to develop the master plan and concept for Barns Lane Farm — a 7.5-hectare agritourism destination on Kabi Kabi Country.
- ArcadiasupportingMaster Plan for Sporting Wheelies Kids Para Sports Hub developed in conjunction with Arcadia. Arcadia contributed to the master planning of this para-sports community hub.
- Comiskey GroupcoreClient for Strathpine Gateway entertainment and retail precinct (under construction) and Coochin Fields Festival Hall (5,000m² main pavilion) on the Sunshine Coast. Open led the architectural master plan.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Open Architecture Studio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Architectus: National Australian architecture firm with strong education, civic and transport portfolios. Mark Burrowes led Architectus' Brisbane studio as Principal immediately before joining Open Architecture Studio, and the two firms operate at similar scale in overlapping Queensland markets.
- Cox Architecture: One of Australia's largest architecture practices with deep education, sport, civic and urban renewal portfolios. Open Architecture Studio's two senior directors (Michael Bailey, Mark Burrowes) both came from Cox, and the firms compete head-to-head on Queensland education and civic tenders.
- BVN (Bligh Voller Nield): Australian architecture practice with a nationally recognised education portfolio and active Brisbane presence. Directly comparable on school master planning and Department of Education commissions.
- Blight Rayner Architecture: Brisbane-based architecture practice with comparable scale, a strong education and public architecture portfolio, and direct overlap in South East Queensland tenders. Direct local competitor for school and civic commissions.
- ClarkeHopkinsClarke: Australian architecture firm with a deep education sector specialisation across primary, secondary and tertiary campuses. Directly comparable on Queensland Department of Education projects and education master planning work.
- Conrad Gargett: Heritage Brisbane architecture firm with heritage, education, healthcare and civic portfolios. Comparable studio size and Queensland footprint make it a directly comparable peer for education and community projects.
- ARM Architecture: Australian architecture firm with a strong civic, cultural and sport venue portfolio. Comparable scale and sector mix (education, sport, community) make it a directly comparable peer for major Queensland precinct commissions.
Broad incumbents
- Hassell: Large international architecture practice with significant Brisbane presence and broad portfolios across education, sport, workplace and health. Operates at materially larger scale and global brand recognition than Open Architecture Studio, but competes for the same government and education commissions.
- Warren and Mahoney: Australia and New Zealand architecture firm with established Brisbane and education practices. Overlaps with Open Architecture Studio in education and civic sectors but operates at substantially larger scale and geographic breadth.
- FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehead Thorp): Large Australian architecture firm with significant public architecture and master planning portfolio. Competes for similar education, transport and civic work but at a much larger scale and project size than Open Architecture Studio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Open Architecture Studio social profiles
Digital presenceOpen Architecture Studio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Open Architecture Studio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Open Architecture Studio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Open Architecture Studio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Open Architecture Studio
What does Open Architecture Studio do?
Open Architecture Studio is a Brisbane-based architecture firm delivering end-to-end architectural design services across Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Culture, Education, and Mixed-Use developments. Services span feasibility and master planning through to project completion, serving government departments, local councils, educational organisations, and private developers. Specialist capabilities include subtropical climate-responsive design, universal/inclusive design, flood resilience design, complex landfill site development, and Designing with Country cultural protocols.
Is Open Architecture Studio a public or private company?
Open Architecture Studio is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Open Architecture Studio founded?
Open Architecture Studio was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Open Architecture Studio based?
Open Architecture Studio is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Open Architecture Studio make money?
One revenue line is on record: architecture and Design Services.
Who are Open Architecture Studio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Architectus, Cox Architecture, BVN (Bligh Voller Nield), Blight Rayner Architecture, ClarkeHopkinsClarke, Conrad Gargett and ARM Architecture. Broad incumbents are Hassell, Warren and Mahoney and FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehead Thorp).
Does Open Architecture Studio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Open Architecture Studio.
What industry is Open Architecture Studio in?
Open Architecture Studio's product category is Architectural Design Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAKAA, Architectural Design Services, with a secondary code of BPAHAKAO, Community Engagement & Participatory Planning. Its NAICS code is 54131.