About us
We deliver architecture, but not as you know it
Our Approach
Uplifting Architecture – Down to earth architects
At Marra + Yeh, we love a challenge – we bring people together, illuminate a way forward and get things done. Design is our tool to simplify complexity and create new possibilities.
Together we challenge the status quo, provide alternative options and strive for maximum impact – we collectively examine all kinds of problems in novel and provocative ways to help our clients succeed.
Our approach blends Eastern sensibilities, European sophistication and Australian ingenuity with specific place histories, creating truly unique outcomes on every project.
Are you ready to collaborate with us, and bring new ideas to life?
Expertise Beyond Architecture
Insight Beyond Architecture
Impact Beyond Architecture
Our approach extends beyond the typical definitions of Sustainability and Architecture to address the most pressing challenges of our time, including:
- Climate Change –mitigation, adaptation and resilience
- Connecting with Country – collaborating with Indigenous peoples and leading Country-centric design approaches
- Housing for everybody – including social, affordable, accessible, sustainable housing and bespoke homes
Together we create positive regenerative impacts for people and nature.
We work with:
- Homeowners – creating beautiful ecological, adaptable and flexible homes
- Housing providers, Community & Commercial developers – creating masterplans and housing strategies that incorporate diversity, appropriate density and sustainability
- Government and public agencies – providing design review, strategic and technical advice
- Arts & Creative organisations – crafting spaces for culture, making and exhibitions
We bring extensive knowledge and compelling insights gathered over 25+ years, including Carol’s Churchill Fellowship in 2009 – benefiting every project with an expansive and holistic perspective.
We actively research, write and share knowledge directly with our clients, for the benefit of our industry peers, colleagues, and the wider community.
We tackle some of society’s most challenging problems with design solutions that bring people back into harmony with nature.
People
Ken Yeh
Tutor and guest critic: University of Sydney
Bachelor of Architecture: The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Ken Yeh is an early adopter of climate-resilient design, he has championed net-zero and energy-positive architecture since the late nineties. His global project portfolio spans urban and regional locations across Australia, Asia, and the United States.
Profile
Ken’s experience and expertise includes designing precincts and masterplans, community and cultural projects, multi-family dwellings, highly detailed homes and custom furniture. Ken is regularly sought to lead feasibility studies, concept development and complex community engagement programs.
As the descendant of a long line of builders and property developers, Ken credits his heritage as helping shape his holistic approach — always ensuring a seamless transition from design to construction. In 2021, Ken was named as one of the top 9 Malaysian architects by Culture Trip.
Teaching
The University of Sydney, Masters and Bachelors programs
AusIndoArch Yogyakarta, bamboo workshop
University of Montpelier, Le Reunion, bamboo workshop
Invited design review critic:
University of Washington, The University of Sydney, UNSW, University of Newcastle, University Malaya
Carol Marra
Registered Architect/Nominated Architect [NSW 7996 & USA]
Tutor and guest critic: University of Sydney & UNSW
Bachelor of Architecture: The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Churchill Fellow
Profile
Experienced both in private practice and government advisory roles,
Carol also provides design review and technical advice to public projects through various government agencies. For several years she was engaged as Principal Design Advisor at the Government Architect NSW, chairing the State Design Review Panel and contributing at a strategic level to State Significant projects and policies.
Jordan Bamford
Masters of Architecture, UTS
Masters of Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, TU Delft
Jordan has experience working on large-scale commercial projects in Adelaide and Sydney in addition to his background in photography and set design. As a student, he was the team lead for UTS’ winning entry (Housing Division) to the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon® in 2021, and also a team member of the Regional Bureaucracy publication in 2022.
Jordan spent time travelling and volunteering on small built projects in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Turkey and Europe, and he enjoys drawing inspiration from global vernacular buildings.
Recognition
Awards
2023
Sustainability Awards, Dempsey Warehouse – Winner highly-commended
ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact, Dempsey Warehouse – Shortlist
ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact, Shelter@Rainforest – Shortlist
2022
Alastair Swayn Foundation Design Strategy Grant
2021
ArchDaily Building of the Year, Sky House – Finalist
2020
Sustainability Awards, Sky House – Finalist
Habitus House of the Year, Sky House – Finalist
2016
Sustainability Awards, Abbotsford House – Finalist
2014
RAIA National Architecture Awards, Shelter@Rainforest – Award for International Architecture
RAIA International Architecture Awards, Shelter@Rainforest – Award for Small Project Architecture
2013
Barbara Cappochin International Prize (Italy), Shelter@Rainforest – Shortlist ’40 best projects’
2012
AR House Commendation Award, Shelter@Rainforest (UK)
WAN 21 For 21 Longlist (UK)
2009
Winston Churchill Fellowship – Climate adaptation in architecture
Talks
2024
Keynote Speaker ‘People & Community’ – Regional Development Australia Orana – Inland Growth Summit, Dubbo
2023
Climate Adaptation with Indigenous Knowledge – UIA World Congress of Architecture, Copenhagen
Design for Inclusivity, Session Chair – UIA World Congress of Architecture, Copenhagen
Architecture for an uncertain future – General Management Group, Sydney
2022
AIA EmAGN NSW – Generation Exchange
2021
Practice & Projects – University of Pennsylvania
2020
The Education of an Architect – Taylor University
Shelter@Rainforest – University of Portsmouth
Sustainable House Day – North Sydney Council
Practice & Projects – University of Buenos Aires
2019
Sustainable Materials – The University of Sydney
2018
Climate Adaptive Architecture – The University of Sydney
2017
Holistic Sustainability – The University of Buenos Aires
2016
Architecture Asia-Pacific Symposium – Brisbane
2014
Tropical Architecture – AusIndoArch Conference, Darwin
Architecture & Money – Architecture on Show Series, Sydney
2013
Architecture & Light – Architecture on Show Series, Sydney
Placemaking in Australia & the Asia Pacific – Sydney Indesign
Architecture & Ecology – Architecture on Show Series, Sydney
Timber Details and Experiences – Malaysian Timber Council, Kuala Lumpur
2012
Building with Wood: Technique & Technology – Malaysian Timber Council, Kuala Lumpur
Shelter@Rainforest – London
Climate Adaptive Architecture – Churchill Fellows Association NSW
2011
Climate Adaptation for Architecture & Urban Environments – The City of Sydney Council
Time for Timber: Culture, Craft & Creation – Malaysian Timber Council, Kuala Lumpur
Environmentally Responsive Architecture – NSW Government Architect’s Office
Climate-adaptive Architecture: lessons from Asia-Pacific – The University of Western Sydney
2009
Architecture & Globalisation – University of Sydney, Australia
Glocalization: the making of architecture across cultures, places and people – Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter, Canberra
2007
Engagement & Delight in Architecture – The University of Sydney
2005
Economics of Heritage Preservation – Perak Heritage Society, Malaysia
