Redefining the way we build & live.
Our why
After arriving on Byron Bay country and shortly after our humbling family experience with material toxicity, it became clear our journey was set to shift towards natural materials and how these can benefit and shape our industry for a better future.
We have gathered a team of passionate young Architects and Designers who wish to make a difference with their every decision. As a team, we strive to create passive designs that considers the healthy biology of materials, the sequestering of carbon, whilst delivering handcrafted curated hempcrete architecture.
We feel a responsibility to inspire change in designing and building in balance with the environment and our health. Our vision is to share this knowledge and educate with our architectural work, hopefully inspiring a more sustainable balanced direction for our industry. Thank you for being part of that journey together.
Our team
We are a passionate team of experienced Architects and Designers based on the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Our Team recognise the impact that passive design principles, materials biology and construction methods can have on the people who use them. We also appreciate that the amount of carbon our industry contributes to the environment and wish to be pro-active with creative sequestering solutions. We believe in sharing our experiences through our work to inspire the balance we all seek.
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Architect and Director.
Dipl. Architecture | London
BA (Hons) Architecture | Liverpool
Michael has over 20 years experience in the industry. He has worked for TPBennett and KSS in London, Hassell Architects and Lausanne Property in Sydney and was head of property for Andrew Forrest in Western Australia.
Michael has also involved in residential and commercial projects across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia, as well as island nations in the South Pacific.
In addition to his experience as an Architect, Michael is a co-founder of Balanced Earth Pty Ltd, a Byron Bay building firm specialising in Hempcrete and low impact construction. His decades of experience in the building industry lend a unique offering to projects including up to date knowledge on costing and creative use of materials.
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Michael is an engaged member of the community. He established a regional football coaching program for children ranging from novice to elite and lends his years of industry experience to charitable causes such as the S.H.I.F.T Project, who provide unique individual support and education for at risk women.
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Design Director.
Master of architecture | Bordeaux, France
BA Architecture | Bordeaux , France
Leo trained in France and has over nine years of architectural design experience in Australia, including for Melbourne firms McGlashan Everest Architects and Edwards Moore Architects, before joining Balanced Earth in 2016.
Fusing European contemporary style with creative design solutions, Leo has delivered many residential projects at Balanced Earth and has been the lead designer on high-profile commercial projects such as The Sunseeker Motel and The Innovation Centre at the Cape Byron Rudolph Steiner School.
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Leo volunteers with Marine Rescue NSW and manages the Kids Plot at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, a free community space for children & parents, providing mentorship through the joy of creative play.
Leo regularly joins the site teams on Hempcrete installation days and he and his partner built a Hempcrete dwelling on family land.
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Bachelor of Industrial Design
Certificate of Building Design
At 23 Jamie shifted from an already diverse Industrial Design career in Sydney, to Design and Hand build a bespoke dwelling in the Blue Mountains. Whilst working on both commercial fitouts and residential builds, he acquired a comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience of construction. From design through to site set out, carpentry, steel fabrication, concreting and formwork, Jamie brings practical knowledge to his architecture.
After moving to the Byron Shire he has worked in architectural practices in the norther rivers area for 20 years, working on High end residential, Commercial, Government School Grant projects, all the way to the tiniest humble hemp shack in the hills.
Jamie has been with Balanced Earth from ground zero, working on many residential projects and has been the lead designer on technically challenging projects such as Radial House.
Jamie enjoys being part of the process that brings peoples dream homes into reality.
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Landscape Architect.
BA Landscape Architecture
Paul began his professional career at renowned landscape architecture firm EDAW. There he developed his design and industry skills on some of the most significant landscape and urban design projects in Australia.
Paul is interested in blurring the line between the built form and landscape so that the garden, large or small can be integrated with the home and experienced as an outdoor ‘room’ by combining traditional design methods with digital 3D modelling to help conceptualise and enhance the design.
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Paul is a founding member of Dustyeski, the ‘fake genuine Russian choir' who are a collective pillar of the local community, and more recently a globally viral sensation.
Want to discuss a potential project with us?
We’d love to chat.
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