State of Kin is an interdisciplinary design practice delivering bold and considered projects across the residential and commercial sectors. Our team of architects, interior designers and construction professionals bring their diverse expertise to projects of all scales, interpreting the client’s vision through a fine-tuned sensibility for outcomes that set new standards of excellence.
Practice
Our work is built on a foundation of research, detail, and expansive thinking. We start by understanding the personal, cultural and geographic context of each project, from which we build a design framework that considers the client, the site features, and the typology of the site surrounds. Close dialogue and collaboration across our team of experts occurs at the outset and throughout our projects, enabling us to test big ideas early in the process, opening up new possibilities and ensuring smooth execution.
Architecture
Our architects are driven by a simple ethos: parameters create possibilities. A rigorous process of due diligence and development defines the parameters of each project we undertake, fostering the space to dream, to test experimental thinking and to find new ideas. Once our vision is defined and tested, we engage with the relevant authorities and navigate the planning process, before our projects are brought to life through detailed technical drawings and the work of trusted master builders who translate our concepts.
Interior Design
Our interiors team works in tandem with our architects, both responding to and inspiring project briefs through considered design decisions. We start by envisioning the function and experience of a space, which is then brought to life through materiality, lighting and spatial organisation. From the broad strokes to the fine details, we favour unexpected materials, artisanal quality, and thoughtful curation of furniture, objects and artwork. We want the spaces we create to feel cohesive, liveable, and intentional.
Construction
Our construction arm brings decades of knowledge and experience to each project, providing confident solutions for ambitious design and the polished refinement that sets our work apart. Our expertise spans project management, quantity surveying and site supervision, which we employ alongside our long-standing relationships with skilled, reliable tradespeople, specialists and artisans. With more than 90 years of combined experience behind us, we relish the opportunity to tackle new challenges and expand the capacity of our craft.
People
Founded in 2016, State of Kin is a dynamic team of architects, designers and construction professionals who bring passion and rigour to every project.
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Ara Salomone
Director / ArchitectureAra Salomone is a registered architect with 20 years of experience. Before co-founding State of Kin, she led a team of design professionals in a leading Perth-based practice, working on residential and commercial projects locally and internationally. Ara’s design approach balances her creative vision with an expert command of practical elements to produce confident and unexpected outcomes. She applies a refined point of view to a range of projects, honed through her experience working on commercial and residential buildings of varying scales. As our director of architecture, Ara oversees all architectural projects from concept to completion.
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Alessandra French
Director / InteriorsAlessandra French is an interior designer with more than 15 years of experience working across the residential and commercial sectors. Growing up around her family’s long-standing construction company, she gained exposure to the industry from a young age, and went on to cut her teeth in the fields of styling and visual merchandising before pursuing interior design. This background enables Alessandra to draw on influences from a range of disciplines, balancing a distinctive flair with timeless design choices and a sharp eye for art, objects and furniture. As co-founder of State of Kin, Alessandra heads our interiors department and sets the overall creative direction of the practice.
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Steve Salomone
DirectorSteve Salomone is a registered builder with more than 40 years of experience. Previously, he owned and operated a prominent Perth construction and development company for several decades. Steve’s wide-ranging expertise encompasses all areas of construction, from project management and site supervision to quantity surveying and compliance. He brings this knowledge to State of Kin as an invaluable strategic advisor. Steve’s technical expertise is matched only by his long-standing appreciation for art and design, ensuring a cohesive, practice-wide commitment to realising creative vision without compromise.
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Gino Salomone
DirectorGino Salomone is a trade-based builder with more than 50 years of experience. Having previously owned and managed several construction and building companies with his brother Steve, he has extensive knowledge of organisation skills, construction practices and an in-depth understanding of Perth’s building industry. Gino leverages this on-the-ground experience in his expert management of State of Kin’s construction arm.
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Donny Salomone
Registered Builder & Construction ManagerDonny Salomone is a registered builder with more than 20 years of experience. His career stems from spending time on building sites with his father, Gino, from a young age. With expertise in construction management and site supervision, Donny has a well-honed ability to orchestrate large teams to successfully deliver complex, large-scale commercial and residential projects. In addition to his work on the ground, he has an eye for detail and understands the intricacies of bringing a design concept to life. Donny enjoys collaborating with the design team to explore different forms of architecture that push him to develop new ideas and ways of working.
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Massimo Salomone
Construction ManagementMassimo Salomone is a highly qualified construction management professional. His expertise is in scheduling, estimating and contract administration, ensuring our projects remain on track from start to finish. Having completed his studies in both construction management and architecture, Massimo also has a strong understanding of design, making him an invaluable part of the State of Kin team. In addition, he holds qualifications in safety, health, management and quality assurance, ensuring every project adheres to Australian standards and reflects the highest level of craftsmanship.
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Jemaya Thompson
ArchitectJemaya Thompson is a registered architect with diverse experience working at practices in Melbourne and Perth. Having completed her Master’s in Sweden, she is particularly interested in examining how different cultures and environments shape people’s daily rituals. Jemaya honed her experience in the multi-residential space before moving to a firm in Melbourne, specialising in residential and hotel projects. She also has experience in interior design, giving her a well-rounded understanding of realising a project from concept to build.
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Jordan Niven
Graduate of ArchitectureJordan Niven is completing his Master’s in Architecture at the University of Western Australia. Before joining State of Kin, he spent time in south-east Asia, where the region’s diverse architectural typologies piqued his interest in design. Jordan brings his passion and attention to detail to our team, assisting with all facets of an architectural project. He enjoys developing design concepts and distilling them into single gestures that guide a project’s intent from start to finish.
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Elise Karageorge
Interior DesignerElise Karageorge is an interior designer with a comprehensive understanding of the design process, having completed studies in interior architecture and integrated design. As part of State of Kin’s interior team, Elise is responsible for concept development, sourcing unique materials and procuring furnishings. She also combines her interest in graphic design with the interior realm, exploring how a brand’s visual identity can be translated into a space.
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Rob Pinna
Site Supervisor / BuilderRob Pinna brings 30 years of building experience to the State of Kin team. His diverse background enables him to expertly manage projects and supervise sites across the residential and commercial portfolios. Rob also enjoys working directly with the architecture and interior teams to ensure construction and trades are aligned with the project vision every step of the way.
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Martin Cooper
Maintenance ManagerMartin Cooper is State of Kin’s maintenance manager, working across residential and commercial projects. Having previously worked as a carpenter from age 16, Martin’s attention to detail and ability to problem solve ensures every project is completed to the highest standard.
Awards
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WA Architecture Awards 2024
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Habitus x Winnings House of the Year 2024
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Australian Interior Design Awards 2024
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INDE.Awards 2024
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Interior Design Excellence Awards 2024
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Interior Design Excellence Awards 2024
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Interior Design Excellence Awards 2024
Selected Press
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VL50: Australia's best designers, architects, landscapers and artists of 2024
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Mentoring the future of architecture with Ara Salomone
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We’re So Passionate About ‘Bringing the Soul Back’ to Perth