Newly elected to the ArchiTeam Board at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, we ask Leighton Thomas 5 questions to find out a little more about him.
Who are you?
I’m a passionate technically-minded architect, devoted family man and cenosillicaphobic sports fan. Raised in Melbourne, gradually matured and registered in Brisbane and keen traveller for career and exploration. I’m motivated by getting this done right and on time.
What do you do?
My wife Anna Baranoff and I run our contexture ARCHITECTS office with a folio mix of laboratory, healthcare, education and residential work. We’ve found that the diversity of clients, project scales and cashflow profiles gives us the perfect mix to stay engaged, inspired and—importantly—paid.
Outside of the studio we have a very active family life filled with sport, music and social commitments. Our Year 7 son loves his basketball, volleyball and AFL… and our Year 9 daughter enjoys waterpolo, touch-football and making her cello sing!
What has been the scariest/courageous thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve been held up at gunpoint on the Rock of Gibraltar, riden my bike through the night from Mildura to the Port Fairy coast, survived floods and eaten snake, dog and a fermented chicken embryo while still warm.
However running contexture ARCHITECTS with my wife has been both the scariest and most courageous step in our careers, but a very natural progression from the security of salaried roles within some of the nation’s largest firms.
While presenting daily challenges, establishing the practice has been undeniably rewarding. We thrive on delivering the best outcomes from challenging briefs.
Who do you admire and why?
With Anna as my leading example, I admire studio leaders who have figured out how to make it all work—balancing profitability, high-quality output and meaningful contribution to the profession, whether through teaching, industry organisations or engagement with the media. When someone can juggle all that and still find time for their family and for themselves, they’ve earned my admiration.
What is it about ArchiTeam that made you want to get involved?
The co-operative model amplifies potential. I’m energised by the power and efficiency of a collective—its ability to support members, showcase exemplars and advocate for our place in the industry.
Architecture isn’t just a career; it’s an all-consuming way of life. Running a small practice can be tough and sometimes isolating. ArchiTeam provides countless opportunities to build meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, and that’s something I value deeply.