About us
Across renovations and new builds, we design places that have character: infused with quality, richness and a good dose of personality. We work with homes (mostly) and commercial spaces (sometimes). They celebrate their history, make the most of their surroundings, and really reflect the people who inhabit them.
KIN is led by Leah Gallagher, who originally founded the practice alongside Marjorie Dixon in 2017. The depth of experience within our studio allows us to provide a complete service. We design in response to our client's brief and budget from the beginning; we intertwine architecture with interior design all the way through; and we manage each project's delivery until the very end.
Meet the team
Leah Gallagher
Director | Architect
Leah is a seasoned architect with a love of sensitive, delightful design. She channels her skills and knowledge into creating beautiful architecture in a way that is accessible, enjoyable and low stress. With a genuine enthusiasm for her work, a drive to understand her clients’ needs, and an ability to distill many ideas into one realistic solution, her approach to design delivers outcomes that surpass expectations and create moments of joy within the everyday. Prior to KIN, Leah gained valuable experience from some of Brisbane’s leading architecture firms - including seven years at Kieron Gait Architects – which is complemented by her role as Queensland Chapter Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects. This well-rounded foundation of knowledge is brought to each and every project, and also equips her well as a mentor for developing professionals. When she’s not at work, she’s probably thinking about architecture... and when she’s not doing that, you might find her cooking (Leah is a veritable appliance connoisseur), camping or sailing.
Ashlee Chimes
Architect
Ashlee is an experienced addition to the KIN team. Completing her studies at University of Queensland in 2015 - including a semester abroad in Canada - she has since worked across a variety of sectors, including seniors living, stadium design and multi-res. Her work in aged care sparked an interest in design that facilitates ageing in place: allowing inhabitants to meaningfully live in and enjoy a space throughout multiple phases of life. She’s a passionate problem solver, and believes in delivering outcomes that are thoughtfully tailored to the client and their needs. Ash is also drawn to landscape design, an interest that equips her with a wholistic approach to projects, and is complemented by her own green thumb. If she’s not gardening, she’s likely to be in the kitchen, where she aims to master a new recipe each week.
Bianca Meredith
Graduate of Architecture
Coming from an architectural lineage, Bianca initially chose a different creative path and completed a Bachelors degree of Film and Media Productions at the Queensland College of Art. Bianca realised her passion for design and problem solving was in architecture, and completed her Bachelors at QUT. Currently Bianca is studying to finish her Masters of Architecture at QUT this year. Bianca joined KIN in 2021 as a student of Architecture. Her interest in interiors and eagerness to learn make her a valuable member of the KIN team. We particularly appreciate that she has her finger on the pulse of every new bar or restaurant opening in Brisbane or the Gold Coast!
Elena Ihl
Graduate of Architecture
Elena recently completed her Masters of Corporate Architecture from TH Köln University in Cologne, Germany. She has gained experience on a variety of bespoke residential and workplace projects in Australia and Germany. Elena recently won a workplace design competition at TH Köln University. Elena joined KIN in 2018 and is a great asset to the team. Along with an interest in interiors and documentation, Elena also has strong 3D visualisation skills, which assist us communicating our ideas to clients during the design process. As a committee member of the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, Elena is active in the architectural community, assisting with organising talks and events for young architects.