4 minute read
Meet the man behind some of Brissy’s most impressive fit-outs
by Style Media
Tyrone Lowry
Every venue is unique, and that’s thanks to Tyrone Lowry – the founder and director of Lowry Group, who are behind some of Brissy’s most impressive fit-outs.
BOOK THE MAMBA MENTALITY
Whether it’s a restaurant, boutique, or even your local dentist, creating the right ambience is all about the fit-out, and no one knows this better than Tyrone Lowry – the founder and director of Lowry Group.
The Brisbane-based fit-out and commercial construction company is behind the vibe of iconic venues, including Italian Street Kitchen, Gelato Messina, The Green, Newstead Social, Yamas Greek + Drink, and the recently opened Superfly Disco.
“I started Lowry Group with the burning desire for a new challenge and the drive to create my own legacy,” Tyrone says. “I felt I had more to give in the construction industry and I wanted to take the risk by starting my own business.”
The stakes were extra high for Tyrone, who started Lowry Group in April 2021 (aka peak pandemic period!). But surrounded by trustworthy faces, they rose to the occasion and commenced their first two projects only five days apart.
“I love working alongside clients and designers to deliver their vision, with the reward of enjoying the spaces after we help create them.”
As a husband and father-of-two, for Tyrone, seeing his children’s smiles at the end of the day makes it all worth it. “We have a reasonably young team with families and I’m trying to create a culture that supports the importance of family time,” he says. “Your people are the key to your success. I work very hard and place emphasis on building an environment where people feel and know they are appreciated.”
The blooming Lowry Group continues to grow from strength to strength, adding Westfield Chermside’s Holey Moley into their eclectic portfolio this month. As for Tyrone’s favourite fit out: “Lowry Group’s new HQ in the heart of Teneriffe – I couldn’t in my wildest dreams have thought our growth would be as rapid as it’s been.”
COFFEE
CAFFEINE ESPRESSO
NEXT HOLIDAY
CANADA
BAR BROOKLYN STANDARD
DINING SOUTHSIDE
Kristena wears: exclusively Claude & Me Jewellery, Isabelle Quinn Daisy Dress $220, Stylist’s own gloves Family wears: Effie Kats Isadora Dress $269, M.J. Bale Broadford Jacket $449, M.J. Bale Americain Shirt $119.95, M.J. Bale Scouler Pocket Square $39.95, own clothing and footwear
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DOWNING
Tucked away on Brisbane’s iconic Park Road, this family-owned and operated business will make all your jewellery dreams come true.
If there’s one family you can trust with your valuable jewellery, it’s the Downing family from Claude & Me Jewellery. The family-owned and operated business, which is celebrating its first birthday this month, has already made a name for itself as a leading boutique jewellery store in Brisbane. This is no doubt all thanks to the family’s passion for building positive relationships with their customers and designing one-of-kind jewellery pieces such as custom, handcrafted diamond engagement rings to captivating ‘just because’ pieces.
It also helps that Claude, who heads up the business with his two children, Corey and Claudia is one of the best jewellery professionals in Brisbane.
Claude was first introduced to the jewellery industry at the young age of 16 working fulltime as a watch and jewellery technician at a leading retailer. As his passion for the industry grew, a curiosity for sales and connecting with customers also began to develop. Before long, he was on the path to a successful sales career, and he’s never looked back since.
Claude is now looking forward to sharing his 25-plus years of experience with his two children, who have already shown a keen interest for the industry.
“I am so passionate and I love what I do. To do it with the people I love is the most special part for me,” he says. “That was kind of what really pushed me into doing what we’ve done. If it wasn’t for the kids saying they were interested in jewellery, I probably would not have had [started] it.”
Corey, who leads the creative direction for the business – think social media, web design and jewellery design, says, “I have always been a creative at heart for as long as I can remember. So, when dad pitched the idea that he wanted his own jewellery company I was all in.”
Meanwhile, Claudia, who always knew she’d work in fashion, plays a key role in the sales and customer relationships side of the business. She has also been busy with her own namesake collection Claude by Claudia, which is targeted to the younger consumer who is looking for jewellery that’s high-quality but also won’t break the bank. Picture dainty layering necklaces, cute stacking rings, and on-trend huggie earrings.
“I feel like as a family we work well together,” she says, adding, “we are all best friends. We just bounce off each other’s energy.”
On what sets them apart from other boutique jewellers, Claude says, “My philosophy ever since I was young and sales training with a lot of my sales associates, there was never no and it was always yes, and it’s no different with Claude & Me. Anything to do with the jewellery industry, we do it. There’s no job too small.”
The team put integrity at the forefront of everything they do and will go above and beyond to make sure you have the ultimate experience. They are also currently undergoing a sustainability certificate with Positive Luxury, the luxury industry’s most prestigious certification.
So, whether you’re looking for the perfect engagement ring, need help designing your dream jewellery piece or need some repairs completed (yes, they do watch repairs too!), the team at Claude & Me are here to help you.
