John Deicke, the eponymous founder of our practice, has more than three decades of experience across all aspects of architectural practice, including design leadership, contract administration, and practice management. Registered as an architect since 1985, John has worked extensively in Australia, Asia, and Europe, delivering complex projects across health, aged care, education, housing and civic sectors.
Early in his career, John developed deep expertise in healthcare planning while working with Llewelyn Davies in London, contributing to major hospital and commercial projects including St Mary’s Hospital and the London Stock Exchange. A subsequent secondment to Hong Kong saw him act as Senior Design Architect on the $500 million Kai Tak Airport air cargo terminal at Kai Tak Airport, leading large multidisciplinary teams within a highly complex international delivery environment. Returning to Australia, John joined Goodsir Baker Wilde Architects as an Associate Director, where he led hospital master planning projects and advanced his focus on education, social and affordable housing, and seniors housing.
In 1994, John co-founded Deicke Richards with Peter Richards and continues today as Managing Director of the practice. He plays a central role in shaping the studio’s design culture, governance, and long-term strategic direction. John currently leads numerous master planning projects across education and retirement living, working closely with schools, universities and care providers to guide campus evolution, growth, and renewal. He also brings extensive experience in social and affordable housing, delivering projects that balance economic constraints with dignity, quality, and long-term community benefit.
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, John has held significant professional leadership roles, including membership of the Queensland Board of Architects, and has contributed widely to architectural education through teaching, visiting panels, and juries. Known as a thoughtful, steady, and generous leader, John is deeply respected for his mentorship, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to architecture as a civic and social act.
Registration
QLD Architect Registration Number 2058
VIC Architect Registration Number 16792
NT Architect Registration Number 1006
Qualifications
B Des St
B Arch
