Simon Cookes

Simon Cookes is an experienced professional with a diverse range of roles and responsibilities in the architecture and technology sectors. Simon is currently the Chief Executive Officer at LARKI, a tech startup focused on democratizing affordable and sustainable housing through the use of 3D, AI, automation, and web collaboration. Simon is also the Founder of LARKI, where they fulfill various roles including visionary, tech evangelist, marketer, designer, salesperson, HR director, manager, and architect. In this role, they have developed a web portal to revolutionize how architects obtain existing neighborhood information for design and planning permit applications.

Prior to their work at LARKI, Simon served as an Architect and Managing Director at DB Architecture, where they managed a team of architects and draftspeople, liaised with clients, authorities, consultants, and builders, and acted as the principal designer. Additionally, they worked as a Researcher and Teacher at The University of Melbourne, conducting research into Neighbourhood Information Models and serving as a Studio Leader for Architectural Design Thesis.

Simon has also contributed to the architectural community as an AIA Victorian Architecture Awards Juror for the Australian Institute of Architects. Furthermore, they served as the Design Leader at CRC Low Carbon Living - Victorian Eco Innovation Lab, leading design charrettes and visualizing urban designs for a sustainable and resilient city.

Earlier in their career, Simon worked as an Architect at ARM Architecture, where they contributed to various projects and provided BIM/Revit training and implementation. Simon also briefly served as an Energy Rating Accredited Assessor.

Overall, Simon Cookes has a strong background in architecture, technology, and sustainability, and has demonstrated leadership and innovation in their varied roles throughout their career.

Simon Cookes has a robust education history. Simon completed their Bachelor of Architecture Honors, Bachelor of Property & Construction, Bachelor of Planning & Design, and a Diploma in Language at the University of Melbourne between 1999 and 2005. During this period, their fields of study included architecture, property, and Japanese language.

Simon continued their education at the University of Melbourne, earning a Master of Research (MPhil) degree from 2012 to 2017. Simon'sresearch focused on 3D laser scanning and BIM for surveying, schematic architectural design, and planning permit processes.

Prior to their university education, Simon completed the International Baccalaureate program at Wesley College in Melbourne. The specific years of their enrollment in this program are not provided.

In addition to their formal education, Simon also holds certifications in front-end website development from Collective Campus, obtained in November 2016, and as an architect from the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, obtained in November 2008.