About
Jakin
Founded in 2005 by James Watkin, Jakin Luxury Living was created with a singular vision: to lead the industry in the design and construction of world-class luxury properties. What began as a commitment to building beautiful homes has evolved into a pursuit of crafting individual, bespoke lifestyles—where every space is purposeful, refined, and uniquely tailored to the needs and aspirations of the family who lives there.
Over the past two decades, the Jakin name has become synonymous with Sydney’s finest homes, pools, and landscaped environments. Many Jakin projects have been honoured with prestigious Master Builders Association Awards, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising standards that define the brand.
A hallmark of every Jakin development is the attention to detail. In luxury construction, it is the smallest details that create the greatest distinction. James personally oversees each stage of the process, ensuring every project is executed with precision, integrity, and unwavering quality.
Jakin Luxury Living specialises in the acquisition, design, and construction of bespoke luxury residences that not only look exceptional but are carefully crafted to enhance the lifestyle of the families who purchase them. From thoughtful spatial planning and intuitive layouts to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, each home is designed to provide comfort, functionality, and enjoyment at every level. A signature of Jakin homes is the inclusion of health and wellness spaces—whether it be gyms, day spas, meditation zones, or pools—reflecting James’ belief that wellbeing is a critical component of a true luxury home and lifestyle.
By acting as both developer and builder, Jakin maintains complete control over quality, timing, and communication. This end-to-end approach removes the risks associated with third-party contractors and guarantees a seamless delivery from concept to completion, ensuring each home meets the exacting standards of luxury and lifestyle-driven design that Jakin is renowned for.
Owner &
founder
James began his career in the building industry in 2002 as an apprentice carpenter with one of Sydney’s leading builders. While completing his apprenticeship during the day, he studied at night to earn his Builder’s Licence—driven by a passion for craftsmanship, property, and a clear vision for what exceptional living should look like. In 2005, he founded Jakin, with the goal of establishing a company defined by design excellence, integrity, and a commitment to creating homes that genuinely enhance the way families live.
From the beginning, James has brought a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering pursuit of perfection to every project. His passion for property extends far beyond construction; he is dedicated to designing and developing premium residences that elevate a family’s lifestyle, combining functionality, beauty, and enduring quality. As a premium property developer, James oversees the acquisition, design, and construction of bespoke homes, ensuring every element—from architecture and interior design to landscaping and amenities—meets the highest standards of luxury living. By controlling the development process end-to-end, he delivers properties that are not only visually stunning but also investment-grade and enduring in value.
James believes truly exceptional building is not just about technical skill, but about forming strong partnerships with those he works with. He collaborates closely with architects, designers, consultants, and homeowners, approaching every project as a shared endeavour where ideas and expertise are combined to achieve outstanding results. This collaborative approach has been central to Jakin’s reputation and long-standing industry relationships.
An active and engaged member of the Master Builders Association, James has previously served as Treasurer and Vice President of the Parramatta Cumberland Division. Committed to continual professional growth, he frequently attends industry seminars and training events to remain at the forefront of innovation—knowledge he passes on to his team to elevate their collective capability and ensure every project reflects Jakin’s high standards.
Outside of work, James is a devoted family man who loves spending time with his wife Brooke and their three children, Jett, Tyler, and Cove. When he’s not on site or in the office, he can often be found coaching the local rugby team or out on the water fishing with friends and family