Sam Alawie
Principal Architect and Developer
Nominated Architect - NSW Architect 11721
Sam Alawie represents a new generation of architects redefining the relationship between design, lifestyle, and value. His approach blends creative intuition with strategic insight; a perspective shaped through years of experience in both architecture and development.
Founding Zane Carter Architects, Sam set out to elevate the standard of residential design in Australia, creating homes that are not only beautiful but perform intelligently; architecturally, financially, and emotionally. His work reflects a deep respect for proportion, materiality, and detail, while balancing the realities of construction and the pursuit of long-term value.
Through a growing portfolio of record-breaking projects, Sam has established a reputation for transforming undercapitalised sites into award-winning, high-performing homes. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: great design should enrich life, evoke emotion, and endure for generations.
Cathy Alawie
Director
Working alongside founder Sam Alawie since the inception of Zane Carter Architects, Cathy has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s brand, strategy, and creative direction. As Director, she combines a Bachelor of Commerce, a Masters in Marketing, and an accreditation in Interior Design; a multidisciplinary foundation that unites business strategy, emotional connection, and a deep understanding of spatial composition, materiality, and interior experience.
Before joining Zane Carter Architects, Cathy built a career in branding and marketing within leading Australian fashion companies, collaborating with top fashion editors, stylists, and art directors before expanding her work to global brands. This background sharpened her eye for visual cohesion, texture, colour, and the emotional cues that elevate both fashion and interiors.
As part of the Executive Team, she oversees client communications, branding, business strategy, and the studio’s interior design direction, maintaining quality control and design integrity across every stage of each project.
Matthew Ng
Senior Architect
VIC Architect - 20409
Matthew Ng is a Melbourne-based architect at Zane Carter Architects and a registered architect in Victoria. Originally from Singapore, Matthew studied architecture at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) before beginning his career in multi-residential design, where he developed a strong foundation in spatial efficiency, coordination, and project management.
With over a decade of experience across residential, multi-residential, and mixed-use projects, Matthew has worked through all stages of design, from feasibility and town planning to documentation and delivery. His calm, detail-oriented approach ensures each project maintains design integrity, technical precision, and a clear architectural vision from concept to completion.
