Following their well-earned promotions to Senior Architect at SMFA, Stav Rozaklis and J Sin reflect on the pivotal projects that have shaped their careers, their evolving roles within the practice, and what leadership in architecture means to them.

In this interview with Clémence Carayol, they offer insights into their journeys so far, their approach to balancing creativity with function, and their advice for the next generation of architects.

Architecture & Design: What has been the most rewarding project in your architectural career so far, and what made it stand out?

Stav Rozaklis: I’ve been lucky enough to work on a number of projects that have been highly rewarding, particularly with my work in the education and sports and recreation sectors.

Many of my projects come to mind, but one that influenced my career path was my first ever project designing new clubrooms for the Woodville Hockey Club. It was my first experience working with a client and stakeholders in collaboration, to develop a cost-effective, efficient and functional design.

The development provided modernised and inclusive facilities supporting the growth, diversity and future of the sport and the Club community. The positive feedback from the club on the process and the outcome sparked my passion for community projects and design that’s based heavily on consultation and strong client relationships.

J Sin: The most rewarding part of my career so far was working on Tonsley MAB and the series of tenancy fit-outs within the precinct. Rather than a single project, it’s been an ongoing collection of projects within a shared framework, repurposing the former Mitsubishi site into what is now an innovation district.

What made Tonsley MAB projects stand out was the scale, ambition, and collaboration required. Each tenancy presented its own challenges, and we had to design adaptable, high-performance spaces that supported a wide range of industry. Being involved at the beginning of Tonsley MAB’s transformation has been a deeply fulfilling experience.

How has your role evolved since you first joined SMFA, and what aspects of that journey have shaped you most as an architect?

SR: With SMFA I’ve been given the opportunity to work on fulfilling projects in an environment and with a team that align with my values. I’m continuously inspired and motivated by the diversity of skills and experience in the team.

The support and encouragement from the leadership team, and being trusted with responsibility built my confidence in my role which has had the biggest impact on my growth.

JS: Since joining SMFA in 2011, my role has evolved significantly, and I’ve had the opportunity to build on my past experiences. SMFA gave me the opportunity to bring my experience and apply it to a wide range of projects. Early on, I focused on design development and documentation, but over time, I’ve taken on more leadership responsibilities, guiding projects and collaborating with clients and colleagues.

SMFA has provided a platform for me to expand my skills while respecting and incorporating my past experiences. The chance to use both my creative and technical knowledge to shape projects at SMFA has made me a more well-rounded architect, balancing design excellence with practical solutions.

In what ways do you approach leadership within project teams, and how do you foster collaboration among colleagues?

SR: Sharing responsibility, encouraging input and ownership of a project across the whole team, and fostering a solutions-based perspective to any issues. I apply what has worked best for me in teams and that’s always been a supportive and collaborative environment.

JS: To me, leadership is about working for the team—not above it. A good leader supports their teammates, helps remove obstacles, and creates an environment where everyone can do their best work. One of the most important parts of leading a team is understanding that people have different strengths, and when those are recognised and supported, the whole team performs better.

I take responsibility for the direction and delivery of the project, but I also make sure that team members feel ownership and pride in the work. I always try to acknowledge their efforts—whether it’s creative ideas, technical input, or the day-to-day dedication that keeps a project moving forward. Everyone contributes in different ways, and those contributions deserve recognition.

I also encourage open dialogue throughout the process. Giving teammates space to share ideas and make decisions builds trust and leads to better, more thoughtful outcomes. In the end, strong leadership means creating a collaborative, respectful environment where the whole team can succeed together.

Can you share how you stay current with developments in architectural design and technical standards?

SR: Actively seeking and feedback from clients, contractors, project teams and industry professionals to get live and actionable feedback on the way we do what we do. Keeping these relationships and lines of communication open, and keeping an open mind when it comes to new ideas. Staying current is just as much about our perspective on change as it is about the change itself.

JS: Staying current is essential in architecture, as both design approaches and technical standards continue to evolve. I regularly read architectural publications, follow key industry bodies, and keep up with updates to building codes and regulations. These sources help me stay informed about trends in design, sustainability, materials, and technology.

Equally important is learning through practice. Each project presents new challenges and opportunities to apply or explore current standards, especially when working with consultants, contractors, and suppliers. I also make a point of engaging in peer discussions and sharing knowledge within the team; this creates a learning culture where we all grow together.

What advice would you offer to younger architects aspiring to progress within the profession?

SR: Find an environment where you are constantly learning, that encourages creativity and supports you to take ownership and responsibility. Approach problems and challenges with a positive solutions-based mindset. Ask questions freely and often, and never feel bad about it! Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can from every project and every team - one of my favourite things about architecture is that there’s always something to learn.

JS: One of the most important things I’ve learned is to always ask why, not just how. Understanding the purpose behind a task or design decision helps you think more critically and contribute more meaningfully. It’s easy to get caught up in doing things a certain way, but when you understand the intent—whether it's a client goal, user need, or technical constraint—you start to see the bigger picture and design with more clarity and purpose.

I also believe in taking responsibility for your work. Be curious, follow through, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as long as you’re learning from them. People respect reliability and initiative, and those qualities are just as important as design skills.

And finally, remember that architecture is a team effort. Respect others’ contributions, be open to feedback, and value collaboration. The profession is built on relationships and shared outcomes, and progress comes when everyone is working toward a common goal with mutual respect.

How do you balance creativity with functionality when designing spaces that serve diverse communities or complex needs?

SR: Exploring and unlocking unique opportunities that respond to the brief and achieve functionality is a creative process, so I don’t necessarily look at the two in isolation.

When it comes to ensuring that a project is serving the needs of its community and end-users, starting projects with a strong understanding of the brief and project outcomes through consultation is key. Making purposeful design decisions with this in focus, and encouraging collaboration and communication amongst the project team, ensures a balanced outcome.

JS: For me, the starting point is always understanding why we are designing something—not just how to do it. Designing shouldn’t be just because I want to try an idea or because I know how to do something. Every design decision should be grounded in purpose. I always ask: "Why should the design take this form? Why does this approach make sense for the people who will use the space?"

When you understand the “why,” the balance between creativity and functionality becomes much clearer. Creativity isn’t about doing something for its own sake—it’s about offering solutions that respond to real needs in a thoughtful, often innovative way. Functionality, on the other hand, ensures that the space works on a practical level: For different users, across time, and within constraints like code, cost, and construction.

My approach is to let the purpose drive the concept, and then refine it with creativity and technical knowledge. The end result should feel intentional, not forced, something that not only works well but also feels right for its context and users.

Image: Stav Rozaklis and J Sin / supplied

Clémence Carayol

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