Genton is a leading Australian architecture and urban design practice focused on design-led outcomes that enhance the public realm.
Practice
Genton is a design-led Australian Architecture and Urban Design practice, whose work has received critical acclaim through design competitions and industry awards, nationally and globally.
We approach projects across all scales and sectors with a consistent commitment to enhancing the public realm. Taking pride in our collaborative and iterative approach to the design process, we encourage an open exchange of questions and critiques to cultivate the greatest quality of ideas.
Led by Principals Steven Toia, Marc Debney and Jamie McCutcheon, from our Melbourne and Sydney studios, Genton delivers high quality design solutions for the public and private sector; including civic, cultural, transport, commercial, specialised facilities, multi-residential and urban precinct planning.
Design Philosophy
Genton’s designs are focused on four deeply held design philosophies; The Permeable Edge, Catalyst for Change, Human Experience, and Sustainable Design || Caring for Country. These tenets are implemented across all our projects and typologies regardless of scale or industry. Our portfolio is diverse, covering sectors such as transport and rail, through to residential and cultural institutions, however we employ the same overarching principles to every project. We have found this the best way to design long lasting, people friendly, and ultimately sustainable infrastructure, urban environments, and buildings.
Values
We see architecture as an opportunity to learn, think deeply and work responsively to challenge standard practices and create places and spaces for people that deliver something new and better. We listen carefully to hear the intention, remaining genuinely flexible, collaborative and iterative in our approach, where different points of view matter. By staying open and receptive to all ideas, we achieve innovative, high quality design solutions that create better lived experiences than a built solution alone.
Our experience in delivering at scale is balanced by our purposefully small size. Close personal relationships with our clients are defined by great design aspirations and participation on both sides, ensuring bespoke outcomes where all details are realised as intended. Our focus on fresh and diverse talent across cultures, genders and generations helps us continue to break new ground, be a fun place to work and use architecture as a catalyst for something bigger.
Inquisitive
We regularly challenge convention to break new ground. We interrogate and honour the quality of ideas through relentless research, reflection and inquiry, operating in a meritocracy, where the best idea, not the highest rank, always wins.
Generous
We design to enrich lives for future generations and measure a project’s success by its generosity to all stakeholders, from realising the client’s vision, to enhancing the environment and community who use it.
Approachable
Architecture has its own language, but we speak yours. We favour open and honest communication, where listening is fundamental and asking questions encouraged. We’re not precious for the sake of ourselves, instead we focus on the best outcome for the project.
Inclusive
We support reconciliation, gender equality and diversity. We see design as a power for good and endeavour to create spaces that welcome. We respect the historical and continuing connection of First Nations people to Country and promote First Nations co-design and collaboration.
eon.
At Genton, our architectural practice is driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. Within our practice, we cultivate a dynamic hub of creativity and research known as eon. Here, we harness our collective expertise across a diverse range of knowledge domains, from sustainable design and urban planning to cutting-edge technologies and material science.
eon. synergises our talents to shape the built environment with vision, purpose, and a relentless pursuit of architectural excellence.
People
Leadership
Steven Toia, Principal
Steven founded Genton in 2010, establishing studios in both Sydney and Melbourne, with a focus on delivering exceptional Architecture and urban design. It is a professional pursuit that has been recognised with award-winning results across commercial, residential, infrastructure and technical projects including the design and rebuild of iconic rail stations and public buildings, as well as transformative refurbishment projects.His experience extends through design, documentation and procurement of small, large and complex projects both locally and internationally. Steven celebrates a collaborative team culture and a balanced approach to entrepreneurial innovation, with a commitment to combining creativity with business management acumen, skills that have positioned Genton as an industry leader.
Marc Debney, Principal
Genton’s design leader enriches the team with a diverse range of expertise across residential, multi-residential, workplace and commercial projects, as well as public buildings and major infrastructure projects. In his previous professional life, Marc was a lawyer, with a specialty in commercial property law – hands-on experience that ensures his thorough understanding of feasibility studies and planning applications. By remaining hands-on with his clients, Marc’s personal connection to Genton’s projects sees him involved from early concept through to construction and interior design finishes. It’s his commitment to exceptional design standards that helps cement Genton’s reputation as an industry innovator.
Jamie McCutcheon, Principal
Jamie brings to Genton diverse international experience and a proven knowledge of the insights required for sustainable Architectural development. His extensive delivery-focussed experience is a key component in Genton’s ability to transform large scale projects, such as Frankston Station, into award-winning Architecture while making a positive contribution to the local community. Jamie is a valued asset within the Genton team, leading the Rail and Education sectors in the office and is highly-regarded as a specialist in public spaces, places and infrastructure projects. He has developed strong relationships with key government and commercial clients through his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Senior Associates
Shane Smith, Senior Associate
Shane has worked at Genton since 2010, establishing studios in both Sydney and Melbourne, with a focus on delivering exceptional Architecture and urban design. It is a professional pursuit that has been recognised with award-winning results across commercial, residential, infrastructure and technical projects including the design and rebuild of iconic rail stations and public buildings, as well as transformative refurbishment projects.His experience extends through design, documentation and procurement of small, large and complex projects both locally and internationally. Steven celebrates a collaborative team culture and a balanced approach to entrepreneurial innovation, with a commitment to combining creativity with business management acumen, skills that have positioned Genton as an industry leader.
Anna Debauch, Senior Associate
Genton’s design leader enriches the team with a diverse range of expertise across residential, multi-residential, workplace and commercial projects, as well as public buildings and major infrastructure projects. In his previous professional life, Marc was a lawyer, with a specialty in commercial property law – hands-on experience that ensures his thorough understanding of feasibility studies and planning applications. By remaining hands-on with his clients, Marc’s personal connection to Genton’s projects sees him involved from early concept through to construction and interior design finishes. It’s his commitment to exceptional design standards that helps cement Genton’s reputation as an industry innovator.
Elizabeth Ardem, Senior Associate
Elizabeth brings to Genton diverse international experience and a proven knowledge of the insights required for sustainable Architectural development. His extensive delivery-focussed experience is a key component in Genton’s ability to transform large scale projects, such as Frankston Station, into award-winning Architecture while making a positive contribution to the local community. Jamie is a valued asset within the Genton team, leading the Rail and Education sectors in the office and is highly-regarded as a specialist in public spaces, places and infrastructure projects. He has developed strong relationships with key government and commercial clients through his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Oscar Walley, Senior Associate
Oscar brings to Genton diverse international experience and a proven knowledge of the insights required for sustainable Architectural development. His extensive delivery-focussed experience is a key component in Genton’s ability to transform large scale projects, such as Frankston Station, into award-winning Architecture while making a positive contribution to the local community. Jamie is a valued asset within the Genton team, leading the Rail and Education sectors in the office and is highly-regarded as a specialist in public spaces, places and infrastructure projects. He has developed strong relationships with key government and commercial clients through his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Associates
Nicole Sheridan, Associate Nicole joined Genton in 2015, bringing with her a strong background in sustainable architecture and urban regeneration. Her expertise in integrating green technologies into urban spaces has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s approach to environmentally conscious design. Nicole’s portfolio spans a wide array of projects, from high-density residential developments to revitalizing heritage sites, earning her recognition for her innovative solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. She is known for her collaborative approach, fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders to deliver projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. Nicole’s dedication to sustainability and her ability to navigate the complexities of urban design have made her a key contributor to Genton’s continued success.
Lucas Evans, Associate
Genton’s design leader enriches the team with a diverse range of expertise across residential, multi-residential, workplace and commercial projects, as well as public buildings and major infrastructure projects. In his previous professional life, Marc was a lawyer, with a specialty in commercial property law – hands-on experience that ensures his thorough understanding of feasibility studies and planning applications. By remaining hands-on with his clients, Marc’s personal connection to Genton’s projects sees him involved from early concept through to construction and interior design finishes. It’s his commitment to exceptional design standards that helps cement Genton’s reputation as an industry innovator.
Thomas Hanks, Associate
Thomas brings to Genton diverse international experience and a proven knowledge of the insights required for sustainable Architectural development. His extensive delivery-focussed experience is a key component in Genton’s ability to transform large scale projects, such as Frankston Station, into award-winning Architecture while making a positive contribution to the local community. Jamie is a valued asset within the Genton team, leading the Rail and Education sectors in the office and is highly-regarded as a specialist in public spaces, places and infrastructure projects. He has developed strong relationships with key government and commercial clients through his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Leslie Arcus, Associate
Leslie brings to Genton diverse international experience and a proven knowledge of the insights required for sustainable Architectural development. His extensive delivery-focussed experience is a key component in Genton’s ability to transform large scale projects, such as Frankston Station, into award-winning Architecture while making a positive contribution to the local community. Jamie is a valued asset within the Genton team, leading the Rail and Education sectors in the office and is highly-regarded as a specialist in public spaces, places and infrastructure projects. He has developed strong relationships with key government and commercial clients through his exceptional relationship-building skills.
Team
Our team at Genton comprises passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional architectural and urban design solutions. We believe in the power of collaboration and iteration, fostering an open exchange of ideas and perspectives to cultivate the highest quality of design. With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, we provide high-quality design solutions across various sectors, including civic, cultural, transport, commercial, multi-residential, and urban precinct planning. Our team values learning, deep thinking, and responsiveness, challenging standard practices to create innovative and better spaces for people. We strive to maintain close personal relationships with our clients, ensuring bespoke outcomes and attention to detail.
Melbourne
3/125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Sydney
Level 7/222 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000