Our story
Our name, iziko, comes from an isiXhosa word meaning “hearth” — the warm, central gathering place of a home.
It symbolises connection, conversation and belonging, and reflects our belief that a home should be more than a building. It should be a place of comfort, creativity and shared life.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Iziko Designs is a people-first building design studio creating homes that are both functional and deeply personal. We specialise in residential design that responds to lifestyle, site and environment, ensuring each home feels considered, grounded and truly liveable.
Our approach is holistic. Architecture, interiors, light, materials, landscape and flow are all seen as interconnected parts of a whole. We believe homes should respond not only to the people who live in them, but also to the land they sit on — particularly in a coastal environment where sun, breeze, slope and views shape how a home lives.
Whether designing a bespoke family home, a duplex or a secondary dwelling, our focus is always the same: to transform ideas into thoughtful, well-crafted spaces that stand the test of time. We take pride in creating buildings that are as practical as they are inspiring.
Collaboration sits at the heart of our process. We work closely with our clients from the very beginning, listening carefully and shaping each design around their needs, priorities and budget. We also partner with trusted local builders early in the process, allowing design, buildability and cost to evolve together — creating a calmer, more transparent journey with fewer surprises.
With a strong understanding of local building codes, regulations and construction realities, we guide our clients through every stage of the design process, from site assessments and feasibility studies through to detailed documentation.
At Iziko Designs, we believe a home should be a sanctuary, a story and a hearth — a place where life happens.
Rustin Obery Director | Principal Designer
Rustin is the Director and Principal Designer of Iziko Designs, leading the studio’s creative vision and guiding each project from first sketch through to construction.
His passion for residential design began in childhood, growing up in South Africa with an architect father and spending time on building sites learning how spaces are shaped. That early exposure developed into a deep respect for craft and the role a home plays in family life.
Rustin’s approach is grounded in listening. He is known for his ability to understand how clients want to live and translate that into homes that feel personal, practical and connected to their site. Rather than imposing a signature style, he focuses on creating homes that respond to both people and place.
Working closely with trusted local builders from the outset, Rustin ensures each design remains realistic, buildable and cost-aware. He is particularly drawn to complex sites and layered briefs, where constraints become opportunities for creativity.
Bernadette Obery Director | Operations Manager
Bernadette is the Operations Manager at Iziko Designs, responsible for the systems, structure and client experience that support every project.
With over 15 years’ experience in business management and program leadership, Bernadette brings clarity and organisation to the studio, overseeing project scheduling, operations, systems, marketing, budgets and finance. Her role ensures the design team can focus on creativity while clients feel informed, supported and guided throughout their journey.
Bernadette is deeply people-focused and known for her calm, nurturing leadership style. She values clear communication and thoughtful processes, creating an experience that is both professional and personal.
Alongside her business expertise, Bernadette brings a strong interest in interiors and native landscaping, contributing to Iziko’s holistic approach to design. Her work helps ensure each home is not only well managed, but thoughtfully considered from inside to out.
Isabella Gaylor-Smeekes Building Designer
Izzy is a Building Designer at Iziko Designs, bringing a strong technical and sustainability-focused approach to the studio.
She is a graduate of Environmental Design from the University of Tasmania and has over six years’ experience working as a building designer. Izzy is passionate about creating homes that balance aesthetics and functionality, with a focus on thoughtful detailing, durability and long-term performance.
Her design style is influenced by European architecture and Scandinavian minimalism, resulting in spaces that feel simple, calm and timeless. Now based on the Sunshine Coast, Izzy enjoys applying her sustainable design background from Tasmania to Queensland’s subtropical climate and lifestyle.
Outside of work, Izzy enjoys running, baking and painting, bringing a creative and considered perspective to everything she does.