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001Valencia St
Mayfield NSW, 2022Award
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations & Additions)
Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Sustainable Architecture
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002Cooks House
Newcastle NSW, 2021Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Interior architecture award
[View...]
003Ajax Ave
Port Stephens NSW, construction begins ’27
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004Valencia St Shed
Mayfield NSW, 2025
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InfoLeaven.
An architecture practice by James Ellis
AboutLeaven is an architecture practice that uses the act of construction to transform spaces in considered, responsible and beautiful ways.
Each project’s context is considered carefully in terms of brief, site and budget to help determine how best my services can be applied. This forms the framework for my design process, which gently transforms with the needs of the project to create spaces that are responsive and unique to the sites and the people who inhabit them.
Much like the leaven in a good loaf of bread, I focus on taking simple materials and transforming them into something that reflects the people and place in which it was made.
If you would like to discuss a project or find out more, feel welcome to email or call.
AI PolicyThe design of every Leaven project is my own. The ideas, sketches, spaces and details all come from time spent with you, your site and understanding how you want to live, and that is work I don’t hand to a machine. I set the creative direction from start to finish, and AI never replaces my professional judgement.
I do use AI for the work around the design: running the business, writing reports, researching planning controls, and turning my drawings and models into realistic images so you can picture a space before it’s built. Those images illustrate the design; they don’t create it.
Using these tools for the paperwork means more of my time goes where it matters most: into the design itself.
Awards & PublicationsCooks HousePhotographed by Alex McIntyre
Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Interior architecture award
Newcastle Herald Article
Valencia StUndertaken whilst at Curious Practice
Photographed by Katherine Lu
Award
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations & Additions)
Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Sustainable Architecture
ContactJames Ellis
Islington NSW0431 423 964
james@leaven-ap.com
Instagram
Nominated ArchitectJames EllisM.Arch (Hons 1)
UoN Deans Medal
2017 AIA NSW Design Medal
NSW 10978
ABN 96 814 638 494
AcknowledgementWorking within an industry based around the ownership of land I acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. I acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which I operate and pay my respects to Indigenous Elders past and present.
001 / 004
Valencia St
Mayfield NSW, 2022House undertaken whilst at Curious Practice
Backyard shed by Leaven
House photographed by Katherine Lu
Award
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations & Additions)
Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Sustainable Architecture
Return to List of Works
002 / 004
Cooks House
Newcastle NSW, 2021Photographed by Alex McIntyre
Commendation
Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle Chapter
Interior architecture award
Newcastle Herald Article
Return to List of Works
003 / 004
Ajax Ave
Port Stephens NSW, construction begins ’27
Return to List of Works
004 / 004
Valencia St Shed
Mayfield NSW, 2025
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