Whether it’s sporting star, war heroes or cult-classic characters, large-scale public art simply offers an experience that can’t be rivalled by a plaque. 

Sculpt Studios is the Gold Coast-based manufacturing facility that’s behind many of the country’s beloved sculptures and found in some of Australia’s most significant locations.

Operating in a 1500 sqm warehouse in Molendinar, Sculpt Studios combines zones of work like carpentry, robotics, composites, steel fabrication, painting booths and of course, sculpture.

By uniting creatives and craftsmen under one roof, Sculpt Studio creates innovative and engaging work that turns shared ideas into lasting public sites.

Notable projects include the bronze statue of Allan Langer at Lang Park, the life-like recreation of Batman and the Batmobile at MovieWorld and the ANZAC War Memorial in Brisbane’s ANZAC Square. 

Liam Hardy working on Sculpt Studio’s Laura Geitz statue.

Launched in 2010, Sculpt Studio was founded by Liam Hardy who stumbled upon the Gold Coast’s thriving creative industries at a young age. 

“I was 18 and … some mates wanted to get a share house here on the Goldy. It turns out the Gold Coast is an amazing place for creative industries.”

It’s this creative hub that has made Sculpt Studios such a successful venture. The Gold Coast location affords Sculpt Studios convenient access to the region’s esteemed community of local businesses.

“We embrace advanced manufacturing and keep as much of the creative processes in house here on the Gold Coast.  Other companies need to rely on externally sourced elements,” said Liam.

Before starting Sculpt Studios, Liam was selected to work as an Imagineer on the Tokyo Disney Sea project at the age of 25. But his foray into the world of large scale projects didn’t happen until 2008. 

“During the GFC, I saw an opportunity to buy my first 5 axis robot from the USA for a great price.”

“That was the start of doing large scale architectural elements and engineered art work.”

Today, Sculpt Studios has 16 employees and garnered a stacked resume of projects at institutions like QAGOMA, Queen’s Wharf Casino, Brisbane War Memorial and several theme parks and zoos. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Service men and Women Memorial, Anzac Square.

“That’s one thing I’m quite proud of – providing on-going full time employment for artists and creative trades …​​ The Sculpt Studios family is amazing.”

His team is currently designing and constructing 42 new animal exhibits for Taronga Zoo with its sights set on Brisbane 2032 Olympic games legacy projects. “Our design team loves a challenge especially with the ’never been done before’ type projects.”

With 14 years of projects under its belt, Sculpt Studios doesn’t look to be slowing down. “We want to inspire interaction and joy whilst providing ongoing meaning for the community and visitors.”

“Who knows what the future holds, but I’m sure there are plenty of exciting challenges around the corner.”