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Michael Bailey (Principal Architect)
As the founder and director of Open Architecture Studio, Michael has focused on establishing a dynamic design studio made up of energetic and passionate designers that together have a rich and varied expertise in community-centric projects. The focus on community projects is driven by Michael’s passion for his local community and belief that well designed public places play a critical role in supporting connected, healthy and active communities. Michael combines his keen design sensibility with a strong technical background, and and prides himself in his clear communication and calm approach to solving design challenges. He has led a number of award-winning public projects while working as an associate for with Cox Architecture and as part of large teams with Donovan Hill, both of which are highly regarded Australian practices. These projects include the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre, the James Cook University Townsville Campus Master Plan and the National Maritime Museum of China among others.
Chapman Leijenaar (Principal Architect)
Chapman is a Queensland registered architect with nearly two decades of professional experience. An insatiable quest for exceptional design has earned him the role of senior design architect with a number of reputable practices, leading design teams to successfully deliver meaningful and value-add results that exceeds client expectations. Chapman has extensive experience in a wide range of building typologies including corporate, commercial, residential, educational, sports-leisure and hospitality, as well as marine interiors and exterior styling. He believes that individual buildings should connect to its immediate and greater urban environment, and will always look for ways in which the building can contribute to its community by celebrating the function through its simple and logical form and by revealing the inner workings to the casual passer-by to inviting interest and engagement.
Practice Ideology
With offices in Brisbane CBD and Moreton Bay Region, we specialise in large-scale education, sport, cultural and mixed-use projects. Our studio is led by senior architects Michael Bailey and Chapman Leijenaar, who have delivered award-winning projects throughout their careers, including the $400M National Maritime Museum of China, and the zero-carbon Sir Samuel Griffith Centre in Brisbane. This highly acclaimed work has continued, with the opening in 2020 of a $65M innovative vertical school and sports excellence centre at Foxwell State Secondary College on the Gold Coast. We take pride in our team’s strong design sensibility and personal service, and aim to surpass our clients’ expectations with buildings that both delight and surprise.
