Stakk Studio's New Look
The team sat down with Mike from Fossick Studio to explore how our design ethos translates into a new and refreshing look for Stakk.
Stakk Studio has never been one to stand still. From the beginning, it’s been an evolving practice driven by curiosity, grounded in problem-solving, and fuelled by the belief that challenges hide opportunity. Good design begins by asking the right questions, and that mindset has guided us since day one. The team approaches each project by framing the real problem, ensuring that creativity is directed towards meaningful, impactful solutions.
The studio’s early years (2017–2018) were spent shaping spaces in retail, hospitality, and events. When the pandemic put a pause on those industries, Stakk didn’t stop; it reframed. We turned our focus to more complex challenges: environmental, architectural, and technically demanding.
This shift wasn’t reactionary; it was an application of our own principle that design is iterative, but not chaotic. Through real-world testing and exploration, the studio strengthened it’s resilience, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. What emerged was a company defined not by circumstance, but by its appetite for doing what others considered nearly impossible.
As the studio evolved, so too did its identity. Originally a small team of two, the studio has grown into a diverse collective of designers, makers, and thinkers. The rebrand was more than a new look; it was a way of unifying values, clarifying purpose, and acknowledging that the company’s strength lies in its people.
Each member brings a unique perspective, and together, they embody a core philosophy: that design is embedded, not isolated. We work within and alongside other organisations. Bridging concept and craft, and ensuring accountability from drawing board to delivery. This relaunch process couldn’t have been actualised without the help and guidance of Mike and his talented team at Fossick Studio, who helped bring this shared vision to life. (Mike is always welcome for coffee).
At the core of our ethos is accountability. Design isn’t complete until it’s been realised, reviewed, and tested in context. Each project follows a full arc from concept to implementation and reflection; forming a continual feedback loop. It’s how knowledge circulates, how responsibility sharpens attention to detail, and how design integrity is maintained from start to finish.
Our hands-on approach means design is always a conversation, one third with the client, one third with makers, and one third within the team. This dialogue ensures that insight, context, and craftsmanship coexist. By synthesising research and engaging deeply with systems, materials, and manufacturing, the studio gleans insights that guide more informed, objective decisions. Every design choice is made with clarity of purpose, balancing conceptual thinking with mastery of material and process.
The studio operates as a flat, collaborative organisation, ideas flow freely, and everyone has a voice. New team members are immersed from day one, gaining exposure to the full spectrum of design: conceptualisation, prototyping, fabrication, and installation.
This openness reflects the studios belief in matching skills to projects and skills. It’s how the studio ensures the right people are assembled for the right challenge. The result is a nimble team that moves quickly, experiments boldly, and trusts one another’s expertise.
It’s a culture that thrives on critique and collaboration, where iteration is part of the rhythm. Technical skills can be taught, but the right mindset; curiosity, accountability, and resilience is essential. The team understands that design doesn’t operate in isolation. It must always be context-aware, informed by culture, fit, and role.
Working within Australia’s unique landscape, the team continually questions what it means to be truly design-led and how their work can meaningfully contribute to a more sustainable and thoughtful built environment.
Stakk Studio also recognises that design requires objective decision-making, balancing ambition with responsibility. With limited resources, they make deliberate choices about materials, processes, and scale. Whether creating bespoke one-off pieces or scalable systems, every idea must integrate seamlessly into its context.
Stakk Studio operates across the full span of a project. They don’t just hand off drawings; they remain embedded throughout fabrication and installation to ensure every detail aligns with the original intent. This approach, threading concept to realisation, anchors Stakk Studio’s work in integrity, longevity, and impact.
The studio sees itself as more than a company; it is a community. Beyond its core team, it draws on the knowledge, skills, and creativity of peers, partners, and clients. The work is always grounded in the present, but with eyes fixed on the future. Technology evolves, challenges shift, and Stakk Studio continues to adapt.
At its heart, Stakk Studio is defined by curiosity, accountability, and a shared belief that design is at its most powerful when it is both absolutely necessary and nearly impossible.