Design Research Practitioner
Acoustics | Sustainability | Buildability
Clients often engage him early in projects to navigate technical complexity while protecting design intent because exceptional projects — like great dancing — rely on perfect timing, seamless flow, and genuine connection.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find Nicholas on a dance floor somewhere — still solving problems, just moving to a different rhythm.
After graduation, he gained diverse experience in transducer development for Rode Microphones, as a researcher for Haron Robson consulting engineers, and as founder and director of Nicmar Group installation contractors, with clients ranging from governments to prestigious property owners. His roles included acoustic consulting for the City of Sydney, installation contracting for NSW Roads and Maritime’s Road Noise Abatement Program, and energy auditing for the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage’s Energy Saving Scheme — building the business case for change and securing investment for building systems upgrades throughout Sydney.
Alongside sustainability initiatives, his expertise spans business development, quality management, and project leadership. He has written and implemented ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management Systems that improve efficiency and enhance client experience. He leads projects with a focus on inclusivity — developing solutions that support older adults and clients with limited mobility. In recognition of this work, he was awarded diplomas in Quality Management Systems and Quality Auditing from NCS International.
In 2006, Nicholas installed audio systems designed by Recording Architecture London — a collaboration between renowned architect Roger D'Arcy and studio designer Hugh Flynn — furthering his interest in combining architectural form with acoustic functionality. His construction experience was showcased through installing complex systems at iconic and challenging venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Silver nightclubs. The Recording Architecture book continues to inspire his work as a global benchmark in studio design.
In 2007, he moved to Sydney for postgraduate study. His research focused on the educational and behavioural consequences of poor acoustics on children, particularly those with special needs. This work revealed critical insights into how acoustic design can enhance learning environments, which he applied during his internship at VIPAC Engineers & Scientists as part of the federal government’s Building the Education Revolution — helping secure significant funding for building upgrades across schools in NSW.
Nicholas is passionate about exploring the world — not only to discover architectural marvels but to learn, research, and immerse himself in diverse cultures, enriching his creative pursuits such as woodworking, interior design, and Latin dancing. Alongside his extensive travels, he has also studied and worked internationally.
In 2001, he studied music production at Alchemea College of Audio Engineering in London, leading to a career as a front-of-house engineer for artists including James Brown and Fatboy Slim. Working in live sound production refined his understanding of sound, space, and audience interaction — shaping his future work in architectural acoustics.
Nicholas blends creative acoustic design, technical expertise, and hands-on experience to deliver innovative, buildable solutions across acoustics, sustainability, and architecture. Specialising in translating ambitious design visions into practical reality, he develops ideas and research that guide early-stage design, strengthen tender submissions, and shape concepts — while ensuring rigorous quality, performance and sustainability standards. His holistic approach creates spaces where aesthetics and technical precision work in harmony — creating spaces that simply work — beautifully, sustainably, and for the people who use them.
The journey from concept to completion inspires him most. Dyslexia once posed challenges in traditional academics, but it led him to hands-on learning in the building trades from an early age. This practical foundation shaped his problem-solving skills and fuelled his passion for understanding. It later earned him qualifications as a carpenter and builder through the Master Builders Association, a contractor licence, and Master Builder membership. Undeterred by challenges, he went on to earn double master’s degrees in Architectural Science (Audio and Acoustics) and (Sustainable Design) from the University of Sydney.
Credentials
Master of Architectural Science (Audio and Acoustics) & (Sustainable Design)
The University of Sydney, School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Diploma (Quality Management Systems) — NCS International
Diploma (Quality Auditing) — NCS International
Diploma (Audio Engineering) — Alchemea College of Audio Engineering
Certificate IV (Building & Construction) — Master Builders Association
Certificate III (Carpentry) — Master Builders Association
Grade Member — Acoustic Society of Australia
Fair Trading license No. 474823C
Master Builders membership number 3506054
