People

SJC Lawler Architects work in an open office sharing ideas , exploring possible solutions always seeking design excellence.

Stephen Coon

Director

Stephen completed his Architecture degree with Honours II from Newcastle University in 1992. His first employment was in at Crone Architects in Sydney, where he worked on high-rise apartments, commercial buildings and other large-scale projects. In 1997, Stephen returned to Newcastle where he took up a position as a Project Architect with Seymour Lawler Architects, managing projects at various stages from design concepts to working drawings to site inspections during construction. This exposure enabled Stephen to broaden his skills and gain competence as an Architect capable of managing all facets of the profession.

Stephen became a Director in Mark Lawler Architects in 2013. With Mark retiring in 2024, Stephen maintains his position as Director and the office has adjsuted its name to SJC Lawler Architects.

Stephen is a registered Architect with the NSW Board of Architects.

Kate Wilson

Office Manager

Kate originally trained as an Architectural Draftsperson, and worked in Canberra on the Parliament House project until its opening.  Then moved back to Newcastle to take up a position with a large Architectural practice working mainly on large residential projects. After time away having a family, Kate first joined the company as part of the administration team with the previous partnership in 2005. Kate is your first point of contact.

Kate is involved in developing proposals, maintaining our office and management systems to ensure we consistently deliver an outstanding service to our Clients. Kate’s friendly and outgoing nature enhances our public image, her knowledge and commitment to quality, assist the team in performing outstanding results.

Lynn Pollock

Registered Architect

Amy Downing

Architectural Graduate

Amy joined SJC Lawler Architects in 2021 and contributes to a variety of residential projects, bringing a thoughtful and grounded design approach to every brief. Originally from Sydney, she relocated to Newcastle in 2018 to pursue her passion for architecture, completing both a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and Master of Architecture at the University of Newcastle.

With a growing portfolio of work and a commitment to delivering design that is both beautiful and functional, Amy is currently progressing toward her architectural registration. 

Mark Lawler

Founding Director (Retired 2024)

Mark Lawler established his own practice, Mark Lawler Architects, over 30 years ago. After gaining experience in Sydney and Newcastle. Mark spent an initial 10 years operating his own office and another 10 years in the partnership of Seymour Lawler Architects, before resuming his own practice following the dissolution of the SLA Partnership in 2009. During his career, Mark has competed a wide range of building types including housing, commercial and institutional projects.

Mark was actively involved in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and served as Chairman of the Newcastle Division for five years. Mark was also a member of Newcastle City Council’s SEPP65 and Urban Design Consultative Panel for 10 years. Having operated a sucessful Architectural office for many years, Mark retired at the end of 2024.