About Jakaan
Your Local Architects
Our Philosophy
Jakaan Architects is a small architecture studio based in the Blue Mountains, Australia. Our team brings a practical mindset and years of experience to every job, with a genuine aim to make the design process straightforward and collaborative.
When you work with us, you deal directly with your architect. We know the local landscape, the council processes and the common roadblocks and we plan carefully to help avoid them.
Our goal is simple: to create well-considered spaces that work for the long term and feel right from day one.
Our Approach
At Jakaan, we believe architecture should feel clear and considered, not overwhelming or out of reach. Our focus is on thoughtful, buildable design that respects your vision, your site, and the realities of construction.
We’re here to solve problems, not add to them. From managing tricky approval processes to working with heritage overlays or consultant teams, we bring a practical, collaborative mindset to every stage of your project.
We bring decades of combined experience to each project, and with a small, hands-on team and deep local knowledge, we’re able to pivot fast, plan smart, and keep your project on track.
Our Team
At Jakaan Architects, each project is backed by formal training, professional accreditation, and a long history of collaboration with councils, consultants, and communities across Australia.
Geoff Ferris-Smith
Nominated Architect
Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours) – UTS
Certificate of Architectural Practice – UTS
NSW Architects Registration Board #8334
Member, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) #17777
Kym Devoy
Bachelor of Design, Architecture – UTS
Ryan Cox
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Civil Engineering – UTS
Awards & Recognition
Winning Design – Regional Art Gallery – Tamworth City Council
Winning Design – Vineyard Urban Design – Blacktown City Council
Joint Winning Entry – Ray-Ban Sunglasses Exhibition – UTS
Joint Winner (in association) – Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf – RAIA
AW Anderson Award – Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Tony Van Oene / Concrete Masonry Association Prize – UTS
Byera Hadley Testimonial Prize – UTS
Commendation – Undergraduate Dissertation – UTS
A Legacy of Design
At Jakaan, architecture is more than a profession, it’s part of our DNA. Geoff Ferris-Smith’s grandfather, Ralph Ferris, was an architect in the mid-20th century, and his influence sparked a passion for design that’s been passed down through the generations.
For us, architecture isn’t just a job, it’s a way of seeing the world. That perspective has been shaped over generations and now informs every project we take on, with an eye for detail and a respect for the craft.
Work with a Registered Architect
As a registered architectural practice in New South Wales, Jakaan Architects operates under the NSW Architects Code of Professional Conduct, a legally mandated set of standards that governs how we work with clients, consultants, and the community.
This means we’re accountable not only for the quality of our design work, but also for how we communicate, manage expectations, handle fees, and uphold ethical practices. From transparent agreements to ongoing professional development, our clients can trust that we’re committed to delivering thoughtful, responsible architecture at every stage.
FAQs
What makes Jakaan different from other architecture firms?
Clients often tell us it’s our clear communication, practical solutions, and honest approach. We simplify what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process and focus on designs that are both beautiful and buildable.
Do you offer sustainable design services?
Absolutely. Sustainability is considered in every project, and we have experience designing homes that are energy-efficient, bushfire-resilient, and tailored to their environmental context.
What happens in the initial consultation?
It’s a relaxed, 20-minute phone call where we learn more about your project, answer your questions, and explain how we work. There’s no pressure, just a chance to see if we’re the right fit.
What does it mean to work with a small team?
It means personal attention, direct communication, and a collaborative process. Everyone on our team is hands-on and equally invested in creating great outcomes for our clients.