For four decades, Oztal Architects has shaped the built environment with a commitment to design excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

From its early days as a small practice to becoming a respected name in architecture, the firm has continually evolved - pushing boundaries, adapting to industry shifts, and creating spaces that enrich lives.

As Oztal Architects marks this milestone, Architecture & Design sits down with Director Dean Kensit to reflect on the practice’s journey, pivotal projects, and the values that have guided the team over the years.

Langtree House / Ben King

Architecture & Design: Looking back over the past 40 years, what are you most proud of in Oztal Architects' journey?

Dean Kensit: Looking back over the past 40 years, our greatest pride lies in the people - our team, our clients, and the communities we’ve designed for. At the core of our journey has been our commitment to creating spaces that enhance lives and contribute meaningfully to the built environment.

We’ve had the privilege of designing across a range of typologies, from residential to mixed-use precincts and public spaces, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these spaces continue to resonate with the people who use them.

Equally important is the culture we’ve built within our practice, one based on respect, collaboration, and a shared passion for design excellence. This collaborative spirit has allowed us to nurture talent and promote growth, not only for our team but also for our leadership.

The transition to our current directors - Dean Kensit, Frank Parisi, and Nick Pelle - has been a significant milestone, continuing the vision set by our founder, Dominic Maiuto, while driving the firm into an exciting new era of innovation and growth.

We are also proud of the relationships we’ve fostered with our clients. These partnerships have been central to our success, with each project serving as a testament to our dedication to delivering outcomes that exceed expectations. Ultimately, it’s the people who have made Oztal Architects the firm it is today, and we are incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built together.

Canberra Netball Centre / Matthew Sherren

What was the defining moment or project that solidified Oztal Architects’ reputation in the industry?

Several projects have shaped Oztal Architects’ reputation, but two stand out as defining milestones.

The Shaw Wines Cellar Door became a symbol of our evolution, marking our transition from a smaller practice to a firm known for meaningful, impactful designs. The project was an opportunity to showcase our ability to merge architectural vision with the client’s ambition to create a destination that celebrated wine, community, and the surrounding landscape. With its elegant interplay of materials, light, and form, the Cellar Door not only resonated with visitors but also captured national attention, earning prestigious awards.

This recognition was not just a reflection of the project’s success but also an affirmation of our approach to delivering thoughtful, client-focused designs that elevate both function and experience. It remains one of our most celebrated works and continues to inspire how we approach projects today.

Another pivotal moment was the Mt Stromlo Exploratory, designed in the 1990s as a visitor and information centre. At a time when we were primarily focused on residential projects, this unique project represented a leap into new territory. Secured through a competitive design process, it demonstrated our ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace new typologies.

The Exploratory’s design created a strong connection to its site, blending functionality with a distinct aesthetic that enriched the visitor experience. Remarkably, the building withstood the devastating Canberra bushfires, standing resilient as a testament to its quality and enduring design. This project expanded perceptions of what Oztal Architects could achieve and laid the groundwork for the diverse portfolio we are known for today.

Vincent Apartments / Ben King

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting the practice, and how did you overcome them?

When Oztal Architects was founded, one of the greatest challenges was establishing our voice in a competitive industry. Starting with small-scale residential projects, we were relatively unknown, and breaking into larger markets required perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Securing meaningful commissions took time, but each project became a platform to showcase our dedication to thoughtful and functional design. As our portfolio grew, so did our opportunities to explore larger-scale projects and diverse building typologies.

Overcoming these challenges required resilience, strategic partnerships, and the ability to adapt to the evolving architectural landscape. Those early experiences not only shaped our approach to design but also laid the foundation for the reputation we proudly hold today—creating spaces that leave a lasting, positive impact on clients and communities alike.

How has the architectural landscape changed since you started, and how has Oztal Architects adapted?

When Oztal Architects began, Canberra’s building landscape was dominated by small to medium-scale private sector developments. As apartment living became more widely accepted, we embraced this shift, contributing to the evolution of this typology and collaborating with the private sector to deliver functional and innovative residential projects.

Over time, increasing demand for larger-scale developments led us to focus on mixed-use precincts that integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces. These projects required us to expand our expertise and rethink how we approach design, particularly in placemaking and urban integration, ensuring our projects contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.

While residential and mixed-use developments remain a cornerstone of our portfolio, the last decade has seen us grow into educational and commercial sectors, allowing us to apply our expertise to diverse typologies while continuing to create spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.

Turner Townhouses render / Oztal Architects

What core values have guided Oztal Architects’ work over the decades?

At Oztal Architects, our work has always been guided by three enduring principles: design excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

These values shape every project, ensuring that our designs not only meet but exceed the aspirations of our clients while contributing meaningfully to the built environment.

We place our clients' needs at the forefront of the design process, crafting buildings that reflect their unique vision and aspirations, rather than imposing our own ego or style. This client-first approach ensures our work resonates on a personal level while achieving functionality and innovation.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of our practice. Within the studio, our culture fosters respect, cooperation, and a shared drive for excellence, creating an environment where ideas flourish.

Beyond our walls, we actively engage with the broader design community, including consultants and stakeholders, to deliver well-rounded, thoughtful outcomes.

Lastly, our commitment to creating a supportive and inspiring workplace has allowed us to build a team of dedicated professionals who share our passion for exceptional design. Together, these values have enabled us to maintain our reputation for quality and integrity across the decades.

How do you balance innovation with maintaining the practice’s original vision and ethos?

At Oztal Architects, our core vision has always been to deliver excellent design and technical quality while doing everything we can to meet our clients’ expectations. This vision remains the foundation of our work, even as we embrace new ideas and adapt to changes in the industry.

Innovation is a big part of what we do as architects. It’s about finding creative solutions to challenges, and we’re never afraid to explore fresh ideas or concepts. When innovative opportunities arise, we work closely with our clients to see how these can be integrated into their projects.

This helps us create designs that are not only modern and exciting but also practical and aligned with our clients’ goals.

With advancements in technology and sustainability, how do you see the future of architecture evolving?

The future of architecture will require a deeper focus on creating buildings and spaces that are more responsive to their environment. As architects, we have a responsibility to consider the long-term impact of the built environment and the footprint we leave behind.

Sustainability will remain at the forefront, with advancements in building techniques, materials, and technologies offering opportunities to design smarter, more efficient structures. These innovations will help us reduce waste, conserve energy, and create buildings that adapt to the changing needs of their users and surroundings.

A key shift we see is the growing integration of the built and natural environments. Instead of viewing architecture and landscapes as separate entities, the future lies in designing them as one cohesive whole. This approach not only enhances the aesthetics of a space but also promotes environmental harmony and resilience.

By embracing new technologies and prioritising sustainable practices, architects can create spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also contribute positively to the planet and future generations.

What advice would you give to young architects looking to build a lasting practice like Oztal?

Focus on building strong, trusting relationships with clients, collaborators, and your team—this takes time but is crucial for long-term success. Prioritise quality over quantity, as delivering exceptional design will create lasting value.

Embrace innovation, change, and the challenges that come your way—many of which you won’t foresee. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and push boundaries. As architects, we’re problem-solvers, and the ability to adapt and evolve is key. Stay true to your core values and vision, but also stay open to learning and growing with the times.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting this practice, what would it be?

Be bold—take risks and trust the process. Focus less on the financial aspects and more on creating an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. Cultivate a strong, cohesive team early on and delegate effectively. Success is a collaborative journey, and your team will be your greatest asset. Trust that with the right people and mindset, everything else will follow.

After 40 years in business, what’s next for you and Oztal Architects?

Looking ahead, we’re focused on growing and evolving. We plan to expand our team, bringing in fresh perspectives while deepening our expertise in the project types we’re already known for.

We’re also excited to step into new building typologies and extend our reach, while continuing to improve the work we’ve built our reputation on. Our 40th anniversary is a milestone, but it’s also a launchpad for the future—a future where we continue to evolve, strengthen our brand, and bring exciting updates to Oztal. We look forward to growing alongside the design community and continuing to make an impact.

Image: Shaw Wine Cellars by Oztal Architects / Adrien Labutte

Internal 1 Langtree House / Ben King

Internal 2 Canberra Netball Centre / Matthew Sherren

Internal 3 Vincent Apartments / Ben King

Internal 4 Turner Townhouses render / Oztal Architects

Clémence Carayol

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