Business Details
25 Years
experience
Award-Winning Aquatic Architects in Brisbane
Established in 2001, we are specialist architects dedicated to creating innovative aquatic environments across Australia. Our practice focuses on sustainable urban design and architecture for leisure and sporting hubs that enrich community life. With over two decades of experience, we have developed expertise in designing aquatic facilities, water-based activities, and leisure precincts. Our work with councils, government agencies, and private organisations has resulted in award-winning projects that combine functionality with environmental sensitivity. We prioritise community engagement and sustainable practices, ensuring our designs celebrate local history and geography.Our team delivers complex projects with construction values up to $94 million while maintaining a personal service approach. We are affiliated with leading industry bodies including Swimming Australia and the Australian Leisure Facilities Association. Our commitment to quality design is reflected in projects like the Pimpama Sports Hub and Yeppoon Foreshore Revitalisation. We integrate solar power, passive shading, and natural ventilation into our designs to create environmentally responsible spaces. Our Brisbane studio fosters a collaborative culture where each team member's skills contribute to exceptional architectural outcomes.
Services
Aquatic Facility Design
Master Planning
Community Engagement
Sustainable Architecture
Sports Precinct Development
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years of specialist experience in aquatic architecture
- Our team delivers complex projects up to $94m construction value
- We integrate sustainable design principles in all our projects
- Our work has won multiple Queensland Architecture Awards
- We collaborate with leading councils and government agencies nationwide
Associations and certifications
- Swimming Australia
- Royal Lifesaving Society
- Australian Leisure Facilities Association (QAIA)
- International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS)
- Aquatics & Recreation Queensland (ARQ)
Services
Aquatic Facility Design
We design award-winning aquatic facilities incorporating sustainable features like solar power and natural ventilation. Our expertise includes competition pools, waterplay areas, and integrated amenities. Projects like the Blackwater Aquatic Centre demonstrate our ability to overcome environmental challenges through innovative solutions such as rammed earth construction.
Master Planning
We create comprehensive masterplans for leisure precincts that balance community needs with environmental considerations. Our work on the Yeppoon Foreshore Revitalisation integrated natural watercourses and topography into functional recreational spaces while preserving local heritage.
Community Engagement
We prioritise community input throughout the design process, ensuring projects reflect local needs and values. This approach was critical in developing the Gympie ARC, where we incorporated community feedback to create multi-generational facilities.
Sustainable Architecture
Our designs integrate passive design principles and renewable energy systems. The Pimpama Sports Hub features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation systems that reduce environmental impact while enhancing user comfort.
Sports Precinct Development
We develop comprehensive sports precincts combining competition facilities with community amenities. Our projects include tennis courts, netball facilities, and spectator areas designed to meet both elite and recreational needs while prioritising accessibility.
People
Yuri Dillon
Founder / Creative Director
Experienced architect with international expertise in aquatic environments. Founded Liquid Blu in 2001, focusing on strategic design leadership for complex leisure projects across Australia, Dubai, and the UK.
Jason Bird
Associate Director
12+ years' experience in architecture, specialising in aquatic and community projects. Leads design and delivery of major projects while maintaining commitment to quality design standards.
Warwick Freeman
Practice Manager
Manages client relationships and project delivery, ensuring efficient operations. Combines technical expertise with problem-solving skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams across all project phases.
Natalie Greyling
Senior Associate
Architect with 8+ years' experience in community and recreation projects. Specialises in documentation and delivery of complex aquatic facilities, ensuring technical excellence and timely completion.
Jared Kennedy
Architect
8-year veteran with expertise in aquatic environments and BIM technologies. Contributes technical skills in parametric modelling and visualisation to enhance design outcomes for water-based facilities.
Questions
What types of projects does Liquid Blu specialise in?
We specialise in aquatic environments, sports facilities, and leisure precincts for councils and government agencies across Australia.
How long has Liquid Blu been in business?
We've been designing aquatic spaces since 2001, celebrating 20+ years of architectural excellence in 2021.
What sustainability features do you incorporate?
We use solar power, rainwater harvesting, passive shading, and locally sourced materials like rammed earth in our designs.
Have your projects won any awards?
Yes, we've received multiple Queensland Architecture Awards and regional accolades for sustainable design excellence.
How do you approach community consultation?
We engage communities throughout the design process to ensure facilities meet local needs and reflect regional identity.
What locations do you work in?
While based in Brisbane, we work with councils across Queensland including Gold Coast, Gympie, and Central Highlands regions.
