Our People - A Quick Overview
We are a family owned, medium sized architectural practice, located in the leafy eastern suburbs of Brisbane. Our team is led by, owners and registered architects, George and Dwayne, with their driven desire to make a difference in people’s lives. With support from associates Steve, Martin and Dylan, interior designer Tracey, and office manager Louise, the M&C team at its’ core have many years of experience in facilitating successful project outcomes.
Meet The M&C Team
We trust you get to know us and we hope to be partnering with you soon, as we seek to understand how we can be of assistance to you, with your particular project.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Les and Don
These guys started it all, the original Merrin and Cranston (respectively). Long term businesses are usually founded on the commitment and drive of a couple of individuals that had a passion and a clear direction. For us, that is these guys, way back in 1970, when they joined forces to tackle a not-for-profit aged care project. Who would have known back then, that we’d be still following in their footsteps and upholding their reputation?
Quick Stats
Retired Architects.
DIRECTOR
Dwayne Nielsen
Usually, boys grow out of toy cars and motorbikes, but no, not Dwayne. If it can be driven, ridden, jumped or made louder, he’ll have a go. Not content to leave things as they were made, you can find him tinkering, cleaning or modifying all manner of fossil fuel burning machines. Recently, to the relief of his wife, he has discovered that traveling overseas with her can be enjoyed too, even though it mostly doesn’t require the use of a helmet.
Quick Stats
Registered Architect in QLD, NSW, VIC.
Joined M&C 1985
DIRECTOR
George Bellas
George is mad about fishing. He’s fished his entire life with his family and mates. Turn up to his place and you’ll see he’s got an addiction - got it from his Dad and now he’s passing on that legacy to his two daughters and three sons, with an obliging wife trying to keep up. As part of George’s fishing obsession, he also gets a lot of satisfaction from constructing new fishing rods or repairing old and damaged ones, especially when he can see the product of his labours catch fish and bring smiles on the faces of others.
Quick Stats
Registered Architect in QLD; Advanced Diploma of Project Management.
Joined M&C 2003
ASSOCIATE - DESIGNER MANAGER
Steve Hopper
Steve really enjoys getting out and exploring places that aren’t always on the map. With his family, now old enough to enjoy the roads less travelled, you might find them all on a track in the scrub or chilling out on the beach, pondering their next sojourn. After all, getting there is half the fun.
Quick Stats
Bachelor or Architecture with Honours, Queensland University of Technology, 1995
Registered Architect QLD No. 3379, AIA
Joined M&C 1998
ASSOCIATE
Martin Hernandez
Martin loves outdoor activities, but if it includes his family, he’s even happier. Fishing, camping, 4-wheel driving are all excuses to spend quality time together. Since you can’t spend all your time outdoors, a movie at home with his wife and 3 children is a good alternative. In travelling overseas, he has found another way to spend time with the family – balancing his flex time then becomes the challenge!
Quick Stats
Bachelor of Architecture, Queensland University of Technology, 2004
Registered Architect QLD No. 4636, AIA
Joined M&C 1997
ASSOCIATE
Dylan Crowther
One of Dylan’s passions is skiing, although he doesn’t get to ski as often as he’d like. He likes the odd triathlon and also cycling; he’s more than ready to talk about what to ride, where to ride it and what to wear while doing it. If Dylan can’t ride, he is just as happy outdoors or playing music on his guitar. He is our resident expert on all things sporting and is also our in-house Wikipedia, so if you’ve missed a game or need some stats, then he is your man…
Quick Stats
Master of Architecture, University of Queensland, 2008.
Registered Architect QLD No. 4624, AIA
Joined M&C 2011
OFFICE MANAGER
Louise Macquet
As our resident Brit, it should be no surprise to us that Louise’s family live and breathe all things soccer. When Louise isn’t at the “football” pitch with hubby and her two boys, you will find them exploring on bikes, scooters and Kayaks. Her ideal Sunday would be to curl up with a book, but with her energetic household, there is little chance.
Quick Stats
Degree in International Relations with German Language
Joined M&C 2014
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Tracey O'Leary
Tracey’s young family are her life. Trips to the beach, the park, running around or even laughing together are all great times to be remembered. Her new hobbies include making food that no one eats and counting to 3. A good night’s sleep and non-animated cinema have become rare moments in her life. While Tracey is an avid reader and a keen baker, sometimes the simple things in life, like reading a good book, working on a painting or even playing in the yard together with the family, are times to be cherished.
Quick Stats
Diploma of Interior Technology, Southbank Institute of TAFE, 2006
Joined M&C 2015