Global design, delivered locally
Skup Studio champions the unique collaboration between two architectural practices.
We are the local architect of record, bridging the gap between the homeowner and the international design architect.
The international design architect leads the vision.
We lead the local delivery.
Our work is informed by global experience and grounded in local realities. Climate. Regulations. Culture. Cost.
We guide local approvals and technical delivery, translating international design into compliant, buildable and well-executed Australian projects.
“Rory and Renata’s attention to detail was outstanding. They were genuinely nice people to work with, and handled every change with confidence. Throughout the entire process, they remained highly professional”
— Leon Kamenev
Our story
Like many great partnerships, ours began on-site and almost by accident. We met working on high-end residential homes at a large practice, including several homes designed by the South African practice SAOTA. It was then that we recognised a shared, natural synergy to interpret global design ambitions and translate them into the Australian context. From there, Skup Studio was born.
While each of us continues to lead our own independent practice, Skup Studio was established as a dedicated entity to formalise and strengthen our collaboration.
Starting with a close partnership with SAOTA, we now collaborate with international architects, delivering global ideas through local knowledge.
“Rory and Renata are highly skilled in navigating the minefield of local permits, and are helpful in maximising opportunities and highlighting potential challenges. They also understand the competencies of subcontractors, and know who the best teams are.”
— Philip Olmesdahl, Director at SAOTA
We are
Focused on high-end residential architecture.
Located in Sydney, and registered in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
Experts in planning systems.
Comfortable with complex DA strategies.
Used to working with award-winning international teams.
Operating in Sydney’s premium coastal suburbs.
Experienced in working with multi-million-dollar construction budgets.
We are not
Project managers – We lead and drive the process from concept to completion.
Focused on low‑budget or fast‑turn speculative developments.
A substitute for the design architect – We realise the vision.
A remote documentation service without local accountability.
Learn more about how we work in our FAQ
Meet the founders, Rory and Renata
At Skup Studio, collaboration is everything.
Renata Ratcliffe
Co-founder and Principal
NSW Nominated Architect 8307
B. Science (Architecture), B. Arch
NSW Board of Architects
Registered Design Practitioner DEP0002037
Renata brings more than 23 years of experience across residential, multi-residential and high-end private residential projects, with deep expertise across Sydney’s North Shore. Her work is defined by an innate understanding of local design nuances and materials, offering insights that come only from long‑standing, on‑the‑ground experience.
She is widely recognised for her methodological, informed approach to regulatory requirements and technical delivery, as well as her calm, assured presence on site. Renata is also the Principal of R Squared Studios.
+61 410 597 913
“Renata is amazing. Throughout the whole project, she was calm, detailed, and incredibly considered. If you’re going to work with a firm like SAOTA, you need someone like Renata involved to make it successful. Without her, it just wouldn’t have worked.”
– Kristy Gold
Rory Avis-Foster
Co-founder and Principal
NSW Nominated Architect 10610
ARBV VIC 801764, ABWA 00142
B. Environmental Design, B. Arch, M. Arch
With more than 12 years under his belt, Rory’s practice is underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the local Sydney consultant landscape, planning pathways, technical delivery and DA approval processes.
Having worked extensively across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, he brings a deeply rooted understanding of high-end materials, local trades and artisans, and the nature of the area’s complex sites and approval challenges. Rory is also the Principal of AvisFoster Collective.
+61 438 109 578
“Rory always meets a challenge head-on. We’ve built a lot of fabulous things over the years, and we’ve learned a lot from each other. For him to be as good as he is at his age… it’s almost frightening.”
– Matthew Bell