From Deakin to Dreamcenter: Bill Lykouras

When asked what advice he would give current students, Deakin Alumnus Bill Lykouras says ‘Always think out of the box!’ This style of creative thinking has seen him transition from a Bachelor of Architecture to leading the team on Shanghai’s ambitious Dreamcenter.

Even prior to graduating Bill was determined to work with some of Melbourne’s most prolific designers, especially those who were not afraid to challenge clients and their briefs. Bill says ‘it has been a privilege to have worked alongside some of the most talented designers in Australia.’

Over a career spanning twenty years, Bill has rejected the idea that there’s only one way to do things, and believes that knowledge is only half of the tools required to succeed in any career; experience and hard work is the other half of what’s required.

Currently Bill is the Design Director for the Lan Kwai Fong group. Though this role Bill has connected with the types of business leaders, government officials, designers and knowledge that is unprecedented.

The Shanghai Dreamcenter is ambitions, innovative and is slated to become an entertainment, culture, retail and creative-office development that will rival London’s South Bank. The complex reuses and adapts an old warehouse, riverboat maintenance shed and concrete silos to create new, innovative spaces for high end retail, a theatre and food outlets.

Bill believes the Deakin course he undertook gave him a very good foundation to begin a career in architecture. Specifically, the urban design component that still serves him well when working on large mix projects in Asia. Bill’s memorable experiences from his time at Deakin include the well-grounded collaborative student environment, the friendships he developed, and the accessibly to teaching staff that allowed him to casually discuss topics of interest.