Tony O'Meara
Having established the studio in 2020, Tony has nearly a decade of expertise in crafting contemporary architectural homes throughout the Southern Highlands and South Coast. Possessing a deep understanding and appreciation of the region, its climate, and lifestyle, Tony seamlessly integrates architectural sensitivity with a profound appreciation for the local context and environment. Tony’s diverse skill set goes beyond just architecture; he blends his design finesse with keen business insight and strategic planning. This is emphasised by his academic pursuits, having successfully completed a Master of Project Management at the University of Wollongong and a Master of City Planning at the University of New South Wales, strengthening his comprehensive skill set. Clients often attest that Tony’s greatest strength lies in his exceptional ability to not only listen intently but also to truly understand the intrinsic elements that define each project. It goes beyond the concept design; it is in the awareness of the unique needs and aspirations of each client that allows a personal touch into every project. This commitment to understanding and translating the essence of a home sets Tony apart in creating residences that resonate on a deeply personal level with the occupants.
A Human-Centered Approach to Design
At AO Design Studio, Tony leads with a humanistic approach, ensuring that every project is driven by the people it serves, the places it inhabits, and the program it fulfills. His design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture should blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, fostering a strong connection to nature while enhancing everyday living experiences.
Drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape, Tony and his team meticulously explore each site’s potential, analysing sun patterns, natural ventilation opportunities, and key vantage points. This thoughtful approach results in architecture that settles seamlessly into its surroundings, responding to climate, terrain, and lifestyle in a way that is both functional and poetic.
A Commitment to Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is at the core of Tony’s architectural practice. Through passive design principles, the studio carefully considers solar access, natural ventilation, and thermal performance to create energy-efficient buildings that enhance occupant comfort. Every design is tested and refined through the process, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in both form and function.
Tony is a firm believer in the power of collaboration, working closely with like-minded consultants, builders, and clients to ensure that each project is executed with technical precision and design integrity. His expertise extends beyond the conceptual stage, ensuring that the initial vision is realised in construction with the highest level of craftsmanship.
The Journey of Design
For Tony, design is an iterative and exploratory process, one that involves continuously refining ideas, questioning assumptions, and discovering new possibilities. His approach is both analytical and intuitive, balancing the art and science of architecture to create spaces that are not just aesthetically compelling, but also deeply functional and meaningful.
Since founding AO Design Studio in 2019, Tony has guided the practice from a sole venture to a thriving architectural and interior design firm, together with his wife, Kalpana Sagar. With a growing portfolio that spans residential, medium-density, and Seniors Housing projects, he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture while staying true to the studio’s core values: innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design.