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About Us
ZAP Creative is a Cairns-based architecture studio led by Paula Newman. Since founding the practice in 2016, Paula has steadily grown it into a capable and responsive team, combining in-house expertise with trusted collaborators to suit each project’s needs.
We work across Far North Queensland and regional communities, delivering architecture that responds to people, place, and purpose. Our process is hands-on and considered — balancing design thinking with practical delivery and clear, honest communication from start to finish.
ZAP Creative brings value to every stage of a project — from shaping early concepts and resolving functional planning, through to documentation, consultant coordination, and construction oversight. We pride ourselves on being thorough, grounded, and easy to work with.
What ties our projects together is a shared commitment to quality, usability, and outcomes that serve the people who use them.
We are problem solvers and creative thinkers who love collaborating with clients, builders, and makers who share our passion for thoughtful architecture.
Paula Newman
A fourth-generation Cairns local, Paula Newman leads ZAP Creative with a clear belief that good architecture begins with understanding people and place. With nearly two decades in architectural practice, including more than 14 years as a registered architect, Paula brings regional expertise and a practical, collaborative approach to every project.
Her background includes the management and delivery of complex public and private projects across Queensland and Papua New Guinea, guiding clients from early concept through to completion. A Registered Architect with the Board of Architects Queensland, Paula is recognised for her ability to provide clarity and direction throughout the process, translating each client’s aspirations into built outcomes that are both refined and grounded.
As a practice leader, Paula balances running a regional design studio with family life in Cairns. This gives her a grounded perspective on how people live, work and connect within their environment. Under her direction, ZAP Creative continues to strengthen the regional design voice of Far North Queensland, creating architecture that builds confidence, connection and resilience for clients and communities.
Architect | Director, ZAP Creative
Gabriela Romero
Originally from Ecuador and now based in Cairns, Gabriela Romero brings a global perspective and a detail-driven approach to her work at ZAP Creative. With a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s in BIM Management, Gabriela combines design creativity with advanced technical capability in Revit, AutoCAD and Adobe platforms.
Her experience spans health, education, community and residential projects across South America and Australia, including recent work on SDA housing and institutional redevelopments. Known for her methodical documentation skills and ability to translate complex design intent into precise construction drawings,
Gabriela plays an integral role in ZAP Creative’s delivery of technically sound and visually refined outcomes.
Gabriela is passionate about architecture’s power to enhance daily life. She brings curiosity, warmth and collaboration to each project, contributing to ZAP Creative’s mission of creating practical, enduring and regionally responsive design.
Graduate of Architecture | Architectural Technician