The Design Files Daily

Architecture

Friday, January 14, 2011

Interview – Derek Swalwell

Astrid House Singapore for Habitus Magazine.  All photos by Derek Swalwell.

Habitus cover – the home of Piero Gesualdi.  All photos by Derek Swalwell.

The home of Piero Gesualdi for Habitus Magazine - all photos by Derek Swalwell.

All photos by Derek Swalwell.

Personal photo project, 2010 by Derek Swalwell. Styling by Rachel Vigor.

Super slick vs. super rustic.  All photos by Derek Swalwell.

All photos by Derek Swalwell.

It is a sad truth that all the photos on TDF need to be 520 pixels wide in order to fit the layout of the page.  It looks nice and uniform, of course, but can also be quite heartbreaking where there are beautiful pics to share, with delicate details that just get lost when the image is shrunken.  This happens often but I think perhaps I have never been QUITE so devo (yes, ‘devo’) as I was last night when reducing all Derek Swalwell’s images to this measly size ;(  Whilst of course they still make beautiful viewing, I IMPLORE you to go and see the work on his own website – the grand scale of his stunning architecture shots and urban city skylines just needs to be viewed at FULL SCREEN resolution!

Derek Swalwell is a Melbourne-based photographer very well respected both here and overseas for his incredible architectural photography.  If you love to flip through the pages of Vogue Living, Belle, Habitus or international design and architecture mags, chances are you will have admired Derek’s beautiful work at least once or twice before!  Of course he’s not averse to mixing things up a bit – his varied portfolio also includes stunning (and at times quite kooky) portraits, travel shots and food, often styled by his very clever partner, food stylist Georgia Young.

Derek is one of those amazing people who seem to divide his work effortlessly between continents, as if it really is no different than just going in to the office everyday.   He regularly works in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Dubai… now that just seems super grown-up and impressive, doesn’t it?

Derek has worked for all the bestest magazines in the land – of course the local favourites  mentioned above, as well as niche Architecture titles and big name international mags like Wallpaper and Dwell.  I must admit I rarely look at the credits in international mags, never expecting to see an Aussie name… I must keep an eye out from now on!

Huge thanks to Derek for sharing his beautiful work and generous answers with us today.  (I now have Georgia Young in my sights…!)

Tell us a little about your background – did you always want to be a photographer? What path led you to what you’re doing now?

I had wanted to work in the visual arts since early high school.  I guess I’ve been shooting commercially for around ten years now.  Prior to going out on my own I assisted for nearly six years, mostly to advertising photographers here and a bit in the UK.

When I started out on my own I was shooting primarily architecture, as I’d always been hooked on interior design and buildings generally. Be it houses or commercial design, I wanted to see as much of it as I could, the materials, the way the light would pass through a building, it’s imprint on the surrounding landscape… although strangely enough the idea of being an architect didn’t really appeal to me, I was more interested in how I could illustrate it.

At that early stage I was shooting predominantly for architects, designers and editors.  I still love shooting design, and have since moved into advertising and editorial as well.

Where might we have seen your work? What have been some favourite shoots / clients in recent years?

My work has been across a number of mediums in recent years, magazines, books, billboard, press… online.

The most likely place I guess is magazines, architectural & design titles… Architecture Review, Habitus, Belle, Inside Out, Wallpaper, Vogue Living, Singapore Architect, Dwell, Monument and Blueprint Asia and others.

In terms of favourite shoots, a tricky one to pin down, also depends a lot on what I’ve been up to, although if we were talking about architectural work: I recently had a commission in Singapore to shoot 14 houses for a book! We did it in 2 weeks. Although it sounds grueling, it was actually really inspiring and calm, and I found myself relishing in my surroundings everyday… beautiful homes, surrounded by tropical gardens, inspired design and great people.

I work in Asia regularly now, and just love the climate there, my clients always lay it on too… gotta love that.

Editorial work has rewarded me many times over, working for great titles like Habitus, Belle, Inside Out, Vogue Living, Home Beautiful etc… All these magazines have great people behind them and I feel privileged to have a relationship with them.

Advertising work has also yielded some great relationships, that I’ve had for some years. It’s always interesting work and I love the challenge, and believe it or not the pressure is strangely enjoyable. I’ve made some great friends from advertising jobs.

Blair road House for Ong & Ong Sinapore – all photos by Derek Swalwell.

Blair road House for Ong & Ong Sinapore – all photos by Derek Swalwell.

Was there a ‘big break’ early on which kick-started your career? Would you have any advice for young Australian photographers starting out?

There wasn’t necessarily one big break that set my career on a trajectory… I guess I made the connections early in terms of meeting editors and seeking out the people who were doing work that I admired and respected, and it was thanks to those editors, designers, architects and art directors who gave me an opportunity to shoot for them, and the rest is down to relentless hard work and determination, and a belief in what you’re doing.

Succeeding as a photographer is about believing in your work firstly, being honest with yourself, then knowing what it is you want to achieve, what work you want to do…

I spent a lot of time harnessing my style and approach in the early days, and striving for that ‘finish’ to my shots that I hoped would set me apart from others.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Well that really kind of depends on what’s happening at the time ..

A typical shoot day would start with an obscenely enormous coffee (gotta make ‘em smaller) breakfast, meet my assistant Vinnie at the studio, meet clients/stylists and get into the job at hand, then editing back at the studio, for the retoucher to complete the following day.

If I happen to have a day in the office then I do tend to be doing a lot of things from production, quoting and paperwork, to making calls and scheduling, although I’m one of those people that can start something, do it for 10 minutes, then hold it, start something else, then hold that and start something else, etc etc .. until I’ve got 9 different tasks all going at once. I am on medication for that though.

How is your business structured..? Do you employ an assistant or other collaborators? Who takes care of the ‘business side’ of things?

I work with an assistant on virtually all jobs, although I do have a regular in Vinnie, I do also use other people from time to time.

Over the years I’ve learnt the value of a good assistant, and when you find one you gotta keep em.

Shoots are processed, with the files either going to retouchers like tobyandpete for advertising jobs, and editorial or architectural work handled by another guy here in my office.

I generally handle my invoicing and quoting, but all my figures and bookeeping I outsource, I’d never go there.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration – travel, local and international design trends, magazines, books or the web etc?

The web is probably my first port of call, there’s so much material you can spend days overdosing on inspiration… otherwise overseas magazines on design, interiors and art. Books by Steidl, Scalo and Rizzoli.

Apartamento magazine from Spain… golden, and films especially, films can conjure up great ideas, you just have to then do them….

Bottom two shots – Designer Adelaide Bragg at home for House & Garden.  All photos by Derek Swalwell.

Which other photographers, designers or creative people do you admire?

The list is endless, but I love the work of artists like Darren Wardle and Louise Hearman.

Photographers Larry Sultan, Julius Shulman, the brilliant Kiran Master, Derek Henderson, Sze Tsung Leong and the dreamlike quality of Massimo Vitale’s work.

Architects Richard Neutra, Tadao Ando and Oscar Niemeyer are some of my faves.

What would be your dream creative project?

I’ve got a few idealic scanarios, but a commission to shoot a book on the worlds coolest houses, one whole year and a massive budget would be nice.

What are you looking forward to?

I’m shooting a book on emerging architectural practices in Asia, taking in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, later this year with a much respected architectural writer.

I’ve also just taken on a new studio premises in Prahran, after sharing space for the past 7 years with others. I am setting it up over January & February, I am really excited about it and can’t wait to launch it.

Melbourne Questions –

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

I live in North Caulfield, near my favourite part of the inner Melbourne around East St Kilda, at the end of Carlisle St. I just love the creative buzz around Balaclava, Carlisle St and Windsor. The coffee… there’s plenty for my daughter to do, the beach etc… I’ve just always had my friends and based myself over this way.

Your favourite bookshop in Melbourne for design / photography / reference books?

Architext in the city… brilliant books on design.

NGV shop, Greville St Bookstore had some gems too (sadly now closed), as well as Avenue Bookstore in Albert Park… and I always seem to walk out of Magnation having dropped a bundle on magazines.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

To be honest probably Penang Coffee House in Hawthorn… I absolutely love Malaysian food, Nasi Lemak, Roti Channai.. it’s a modest place, I often go there Sundays with my partner Georgia Young and our daughter Mia.

But I do love Movida, Caffé e Cucina and always content after leaving Lau’s Family Kitchen.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Probably either down the park with my daughter Mia, or dragging her through JB hifi, before getting her to help me wash my car. She’s 3.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

Secrets ? Melbourne ? Melbourne doesn’t have secrets, everyone’s done everything, numerous times, then told everyone.. but if I was pressed for something, then I’d say a few beers on a balmy evening after work at the Windsor Castle… magic, although potentially dangerous.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Architecture, Interview, Photography, Uncategorized Comments (8)
Friday, December 10, 2010

Interview – Stuart Harrison of RRR’s ‘The Architects’

Stuart Harrison’s brand new book ‘a Place in the Sun’ published by Thames & Hudson

Layout from ‘A Place in the Sun’ by Stuart Harrison, design by Stuart Geddes of Chase & Galley

One of the amazing homes in Stuart’s new book.  Shoal Bay Bach in NZ – Parsonson Architects.

Image from Stuart’s book – House Hafner, NSW – Tribe Studio

As someone who rambles on often about things I secretly don’t actually know too much about, I have particular admiration for people who REALLY and TRULY know their stuff.  Stuart Harrison is one of these people.  He is probably Melbourne’s best loved architecture nerd.  (I hope he won’t mind me saying that).

Stuart is also what I would affectionately describe as ‘Melbourne Famous’.  He has an architecture firm of his own – Harrison and White (HAW), based in Brunswick, but you probably know him better as one of Triple RRR’s radio hosts – his Tuesday night radio show ‘The Architects‘ has been going strong since 2003 and it would be fair to say has somewhat of a cult following amongst local architecture lovers!  Stuart and co-hosts Simon Knott,  Christine Phillips (and occasionally also Rory Hyde) strike the perfect balance between entertaining banter and a ‘we seriously know what we’re talking about’ attitude.

Stuart’s passion for good local and sustainable architecture in particular is quite infectious – it’s hard not to be enthused about local design and architecture after a chat with Stuart!  What is perhaps most unique is Stuart’s populist approach to architecture – he believes good building design should and can be widely appreciated by all – not just design buffs!  Much of his work with ‘The Architects’ radio show on RRR has been about bringing awareness of architecture into the wider realm, and making it accessible to everyone.

Continuing on this mission(!!), Stuart has just released a brand new book – ‘A Place in the Sun’, published by Thames & Hudson!  I was super lucky to receive a copy from T&H (thankyou Michelle!) and it is truly brilliant!  So lovely to read about local homes which are unique to the Australian (and New Zealand) landscape and climate.  Stuart has sourced and researched over 40 striking homes – from the sunny beaches of tropical Queensland to the terrace houses of inner-city living.  A Place in the Sun curates a beautiful collection of cutting-edge dwellings that respond to varied climates to maximise the sun’s potential.  A truly great read and an especially great Christmas present, don’t you think?!

Thames & Hudson have also kindly offered a copy of ‘A Place in the Sun’ for yet another Design Files giveaway! To be in the running, just leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, Melbourne time.  The winner will be selected at random and notified by email.

HUGE thanks to Stuart for his time with this interview (how do you find time for anything Stuart!) and to Michelle Brasington at Thames & Hudson for the beautiful image selection and the giveaway!

Tell us a little about your background – did you always want to be an architect? What path led you to setting up your own firm?

An astronaut at first, but architect from the age of ten or so… I studied first at UWA in Perth then moved over to Melbourne for a year – that ended up as fifteen years, completing at RMIT and in 1999 starting my own firm…probably way too young but I wanted to be involved…

Foyn-Johnanson House in Northcote, Designed by Stuart Harrison’s firm Harrison & White (HAW)

What have been some of your favourite architectural projects in recent years?

Toyo Ito’s Sendai Mediatheque is a great project I got to see in 2007 in the flesh… a new way of thinking about structure and space… it got me into Ito in a big way and I was lucky enough to meet and interview him last year.

In Australia, ARM’s Shrine of Remembrance Refurbishment is brilliant, as is the new Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) by Cox. McBride Charles Ryan’s Fitzroy High School extension blew me away – how an ordinary building with a regular budget can be done so well when a good architect is given the opportunity. I go out of my way to ride or drive past it.

McBride Charles Ryan’s Fitzroy High School extension – photo taken by Stuart Harrison

The new Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) by Cox – photos from the Cox Architecture website

In addition to running HAW, you also co-host super popular Triple R radio show The Architects. How did this opportunity originally come about, and has the popularity of the radio show had an impact on your own architectural practice?

Simon Knott and I were asked to do a few architecture segments on a summer fill-in show back in 2003, this led to a regular gig on Bruce Berryman’s show. We were then offered our own show by RRR out of the blue… we were surprised but we saw it as a great opportunity to get architecture into the wider realm, so we took it, not knowing really what we were doing…. But it has helped me as a communicator, and architecture is often about that. In terms of the practice, it has added another dimension to why we might make good architecture….

Stuart Harrison (far left) during a live radio broadcast at Federation Square – alongside him are Simon Knott, Paul James, Shelley Penn and Dimity Reed. Photo by Rory Hyde.

AND in addition to HAW and Triple R, you somehow found time to write a BOOK this year!? How on earth did you manage that!? Has ‘A Place in the Sun’ been simmering for some time?

Yes since last year – Thames & Hudson were keen to get some new voices and I was keen to continue the process of getting good architecture out there… to make it less abstract and elitist, something for all. I did most of the writing last summer when we were a bit quieter in the office, but it did dominate my whole life for a while – we had a great designer in Stuart Geddes and it was great to work with him again.

Page from ‘A Place in the Sun’, designed by Stuart Geddes

What do you think defines a uniquely ‘Australian’ design aesthetic when it comes to residential architecture?

I’m a pluralist at heart so like a diverse range of approaches, but there is something about the sun and how we chose to deal with it – and the book is about this. Historically Australian houses have been pretty good at protecting themselves – verandahs, screening, and later on orientation – but air-conditioning ruined the necessity for that. The book looks at houses that innovate, and that’s what I like most.

Another stunning Australian home from Stuart’s book – this is Ivanhoe House in Victoria by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Each one is different and that’s what I wanted a life in architecture to be.  Most of them have a bit of everything that I do, work at the office on projects, media stuff with the radio show and writing, and then teaching often at night. There are often a little frantic, but that is better than not having stuff to do – that stresses me out.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration in your own practice – books, international magazines, the internet, your environment, travel, nature, family or friends… etc?

All places – architects I admire and yes books and magazines, but also that which surrounds us – the ordinary stuff of the city. I’m also pretty sure Star Wars has had a big influence; I seem to reference it all the time when talking to students.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

Robin Boyd continues to inspire both as a great architect and communicator – he talks to us all I think.  I draw from my fellow Melbourne architects – Rob McBride, Kerstin Thompson, Nigel Bertram. Peter Corrigan and Ian McDougall showed me how engaging architecture in this country can be, how its more than just making things look good, it’s a cultural act.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Having energy to keep being an Architect, it takes a lot.

What would be your dream project?

Would love to see that Sydney to Melbourne fast train line get up; to be involved in that someway would be great. My post-grad research was into suburban and regional public buildings and this where I would like to work in practice over the next few years – where architecture can make things a bit better.

What are you looking forward to?

Doing bigger buildings, working with exciting people, travelling and seeing architecture being widely appreciated and for all.

Melbourne Questions –

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

Brunswick – I live and work here, it’s a place in transition but right now it’s ideal – capturing both the old and new versions – the bars and mechanics, the apartments and fabricators – a truly mixed-use environment. I still love my old haunts of Collingwood, Fitzroy and St Kilda but they have lost something.

Your most admired architectural icon in Melbourne?

National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road by Sir Roy Grounds (1968)

Your fave bookstore in Melbourne for design reference books etc?

Brunswick Bound

Where / what was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

Tonight at the Rose Garden BBQ Shop (Elizabeth St, Melbourne) – I took three people there for the first time. Get the spicy chicken ribs.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

The Melbourne Uni underground carpark.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Architecture, Interview, Uncategorized Comments (120)
Friday, October 15, 2010

Interview – Shareen Joel

Interiors by Shareen Joel Design

3 Bowls – product design by SJD

Super posh bathroom by SJD!

Bloom flagship store by SJD

OH well what do you know, I appear to be interviewing ANOTHER busy Melbourne designer / business owner / multitasking Mum!   Jeepers I feel like every woman in Melbourne is juggling a successful creative career with at least 2 kids!  Nice work ladies!

After studying Industrial Design at RMIT, Shareen Joel cut her teeth at Ford Motors before launching her boutique design studio, Shareen Joel Design, in 2003.  Based in Prahran, SJD now employs 5 fulltime designers, and takes on a great variety of design projects – from architecture and interior design, to product development and branding…  in the big wide world of grown-up jobs this is known as ‘integrated creative brand management’!

Shareen’s folio of work is just so slick and well, a bit posh.  Her interiors are beautiful in the most classic, unpretentious way – no fuss or fluffy decorative details – SJD is all about clean, clever and above all understated design.  Shareen and her team have gained an expert reputation for their impressive work in retail in particular – high profile clients include Country Road, Dulux, Seafolly, Witchery, Seed and Bloom Cosmetics.

I have long been curious about Shareen after seeing a few snippets of her work here and there… so it’s great to finally get a little window into her world!  Much like her work, Shareen’s responses below are succinct and un-embellished!  She’s a woman of few words… but with a folio like this, it pays to let the pictures speak for themselves :)

Thanks so much to Shareen for sharing her beautiful work with us today… do pop over to her website for more beautiful projects!

Tell us a little about your background – What path has led you to what you’re doing now?

I studied Industrial Design at RMIT)… I have always been obsessed with everything visual – from Product Design to Fashion Design and Graphic Design.

I was at Ford for 10 years prior to starting SJD. My initial goal was to start a creative design studio that crossed over all areas of design from product through to interiors, architectural design and creative direction. We focus on maintaining a consistent and harmonious message across multidisciplinary design facets.

Bloom flagship store

SJD has an allegiance to simplicity, balance, classic style and proportion. We are renowned for achieving commercial outcomes whilst maintaining aesthetic integrity.  These principles are upheld by our very special team of designers.

Can you give us a little insight into your personal background, and your secret to managing that elusive work / life / kids balance?!

My family history has been in the rag trade. My grandparents were tailors in Melbourne when they arrived here in the 50’s. My mother was always in the fashion industry when I was growing up and was a renowned fashion designer. My father on the other hand has a strong engineering mind and understood mechanics and manufacturing . It must have been the influence of both that led me to desperately wanting to be a designer and ultimately studying Industrial Design.

My husband Dean’s background is in marketing. He is entrepreneurial, business minded and has always encouraged me to live my dreams and take risks. Together we have 2 children who are aged 11 and 9 years old. Life is a constant balancing act which uses goes to plan but sometimes turns to chaos, usually when the kids are on school holidays.

What have been some of your favourite projects / clients in recent years?

I love the work we’ve done with Sheridan on product development, re-design and branding of their retail stores.

Your portfolio of work so varied! … residential interiors, commercial and retail, product design and creative direction! What is your favourite type of brief and why?

My favourite projects are any where we have the trust and support of our clients! The ability to have a clear vision is important.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Putting out fires and wondering when (other than lying awake at 2am) I may have the time to be creative!

Where do you turn for creative inspiration – books, international magazines, the internet, your environment, travel, nature, family or friends… etc?

All of the above. I research 24/7 and never switch off!

Double Tray - product design by SJD

Which other designers, architects or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

My current favourite is Tokujin Yoshioka and I also love what Phoebe Philo is doing at Celine. I also love Achille Castiglioni, Mario Bellini, Le Corbusier and Tadao Ando.

What would be your dream project?

I’d definitely love to work on a luxury yacht – I think all areas of transportation from bikes to aeroplanes are dream projects.

What are you looking forward to?

A holiday with my family and some design inspiration.
I’d like to think the two are linked in some way.

Seafolly Store Chatswood by SJD

Melbourne Questions –

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

I love the city – all the way through to the arts centre precinct and the new Recital Centre. I love the juxtaposition of feeling like I’m not in Melbourne but I am.

Your favourite bookstore in Melbourne for reference books and inspiration?

The Avenue Bookstore in Albert Park.

Where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

Izakaya Den.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

The Shrine – at any time of the day.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Architecture, Interior Design, Interview, Uncategorized Comments (7)
Friday, September 24, 2010

Interview – Rachel Nolan of Kennedy Nolan

Hampton House designed by Kennedy Nolan, shots by Derek Swalwell.

Kew House – LOVE that cabinetry!  Shots by Derek Swalwell.

Hawthorn House – shots by Derek Swalwell.

Brave colours (and pink carpet!) – St Kilda House. Shots by Derek Swalwell.

There are so many reasons to admire Melbourne architect Rachel Nolan.  Mainly, her work is amazing.  ALSO, she’s super nice.  And she’s a busy Mum to three young kids!  The creative trifector!  Not to mention a pretty sure way to end up on The Design Files! :)

Rachel partnered with Uni pal Patrick Kennedy in 1999 to found their firm Kennedy Nolan, whilst they were both still in their late twenties.  Since then the company has won many accolades, and built a portfolio of such truly beautiful work – I am so so so in love with ALL of their residential projects.  After scouring their website these last few days, I have to say I have officially earmarked Kennedy Nolan to design my dream house one day (They don’t know that yet).  Fingers crossed!

In addition to learning about her creative process and influences, I was excited to learn a few fun things about Rachel Nolan in this interview..!  For instance, she’s planning a parallel parking competition next month!  True story.  Also, she and the entire staff of Kennedy Nolan go out to lunch together once every single week!  (And mostly all order the same thing!?).   Got all the important details covered around here!

HUGE thanks to Rachel for her time and such thoughtful, generous answers!  I hope I can be just as fun, inspiring and productive as this when I have three little kids and a business to run!

Do pop over to the Kennedy Nolan website for more examples of their beautiful work!

Rachel Nolan – photographed by Peter Brew-Bevan for The Age Melbourne Magazine

Tell us a little about your background – did you always want to be an architect?  What path led you to setting up your own firm?

Since I can remember I was always taken with ‘making place’. I renovated many of my friends’ cubbies: once even directing my mate’s Dad to put up a wall in her cubby house & hinge a fold-down table from the rear wall. Lego had me mad for building houses when I was a kid too. I get to have fun with this stuff all over again now that I have made my own small people!

I met my business partner Patrick Kennedy when I left home to go to university. He & I had actually grown up in 2 towns about 10km from each other bridging the Murray River. It was during our studies that we discovered our shared enjoyment of particular buildings & types of environments.

Some of my earliest memories of innovative design, Patrick and I shared. The 1970′s work of the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation, Clyde Cameron College by Kevin Borland & Bernard Brown, & a variety of houses by the project housing company Merchant Builders were just some of the projects we would yack about in our early graduate days. I would often visit his house on the way back from work, drink many beers, smoke many cigarettes & chat about architecture.

At this time we were both working for small architectural firms in Carlton & Collingwood, & had both been given quite a lot of design responsibility early in our careers. My partner & I had just purchased a terrific stand alone warehouse in Fitzroy that had an entire top floor that was perfect for an office. Both Patrick & I had many friends who kept asking us to run their renovations as ‘private jobs’. We had confidence, space & potential clients!  So we resigned & found ourselves at Officeworks with a fax machine in our trolley & a new credit card in our possession. What do you have to lose when you are in your late 20’s!

What have been some of your favourite projects in recent years?

Thinking back on it, I would have to say our very first project in James Street, Northcote which is still a special house after 11 years. This house really defied that typical ‘big open planned living space on the back’ that everyone seemed to want at the time. To this day our residential work still pursues this sense of domestic intimacy. We received our first award from the Institute of Architects for this project which was entirely surprising & delightful.

Northcote House – photographed by Emma Cross, Gollings Photography.

In 2001 we began work on a townhouse development in George Street, Fitzroy.  This was for my partner & his brother. They were very trusting, easy clients, but said it must make them some money & win an award. Luckily it did. After having my first kid we ended up living in this building for a few years. It wasn’t designed for us but was a great joy to live in. I drive past this building often & still feel very proud of it.

Fitzroy Townhouse – shots by Derek Swalwell.

I am recently very proud of the work our office did on Sacred Heart Primary School in Oakleigh. This one had to be pumped out quickly. We worked with an amazing school principal, our staff over-performed & the buildings are brave & exciting. Isn’t it good to hear something positive about the Building Education Revolution!

I have lots of favourite bits from our projects. Jealousy is a good measure of how much I like them. Coming away from a house & wishing I lived there is a good sign.

Kennedy Nolan is known for your beautiful residential work… what is it about residential projects that you love?

I feel like I understand how you inhabit domestic space. I remember what it is like to be a kid, what it is like to be a student, what it is like to share a house, be single, live with your partner. I know what it is to have a husband & run a family house. But to be able to use this & find some magic in how you might live is what I love about doing residential projects.

I get a kick out of refining a floor plan. Like solving a riddle, the final floorplan should look easy, effortless… the job it is doing should not look like hard work.

Middle Park House – shots by Derek Swalwell.

How would you describe the Kennedy Nolan design aesthetic? Is this a good reflection of your personal sense of style in your own home?

This is such a tricky question for us. Eleven years of practice has produced many different projects. Different people. Different sites. Different existing conditions. This difference is what has kept things interesting for us.

A particular design aesthetic is not something we actively pursue in our practice, aside from the time when Patrick was in love with black grand pianos. However, people can often pick our projects, so there are obviously identifying characteristics. I guess our website speaks volumes with regard to this question.

Having said that, there have been some consistent approaches to design that we are committed to. The opportunity for the garden to play a key role in the enjoyment of domestic life is one in particular that resonates with the way I live in my own home.

My personal sense of style in my own home is a different thing. I renovated a derelict house 2 years ago, foolishly timing moving in with the overdue delivery of my third baby. The house is nothing near what I would design if we were to start from scratch. We recycled and renovated without extending. Making an energy efficient home was a high priority.

Recycled Oregon floorboards & joinery, natural sisal floor coverings, stained black timber ceilings and black& white hand-made marble wall tiles form a very relaxed & peaceful backdrop to our beautiful view over the Yarra river. We live on a magnificent, bushy block of land in Fairfield. My husband has spent the last 2 years clearing the neglected block & we are getting ready to tackle a 20 year plan for our garden. Looking beyond the house gives me the greatest joy at home.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I work 3 days a week at the moment because I have little kids. After dropping the oldest 2 at school I get to work & generally cannot get started without doing a coffee run. Our office has 4 people working full-time & another 7 that work part-time. So each day presents with a different line up.

Typically I check my emails, make my phone calls & get on with work on individual projects or running of the business. Since having children my role as Architect has changed dramatically & I have been very blessed with Patrick as my business partner because he really is responsible for the running the show. In time, when all my kids are at school, I would like to be back full-time & give him an opportunity to have a bit of a break.

These days my role is more design based at the earlier parts of the project. I take an active role in presenting our ideas to our Clients: drawing & talking, old fashioned skills. We still find that the hand drawing is something that our Clients enjoy. The project is often worked up in a 3D computer program; hand sketches are then made over print-outs & then re-rendered in another program.

I have also been spending time recently getting finished projects photographed and published. This is a lovely time to reflect on our work. I am not involved with the documentation & administration of our projects like I once was, so to enjoy the finished product without the pain of the build is a huge privilege. For a presentation recently we went back & made a package of projects that included the initial Sketch Design drawings and photographs of the completed buildings. The realisation of each project was amazingly pure & something I feel very proud of.

Hawthorn House – shots by Derek Swalwell.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration?

Life is stupidly busy at the moment, and it is unlikely to slow up in the next few years. We try to take a decent break once a year and we have fallen into a bit of a holiday pattern of one year on and one year off. So every second year we find ourselves on a break-neck, see everything, explore everything, overseas holiday. When I find myself in a foreign culture it always gets me thinking about how we live; what our choices are. I find this time can be very creatively inspiring. Maybe when you are on holidays you are just open to more, ready to see & hear new things. We always return from these holidays pretty exhausted… but kind of mentally recharged.

Landscapes also inspire me. Before we had kids our overseas holidays were about spending time in landscapes not cities so much. We did a couple of long walks that I found very inspiring. It is pretty easy to understand why a high altitude desert or glacial mountains would be considered inspiring but it was more the time I had to think that I found so special.

Gardens too. Try visiting ‘Fülling’, Gordon Ford’s own garden in Eltham and not be inspired by such a beautiful vision.

Re-arranging my furniture makes me feel creatively re-energised. I like change. There was a stage when the kids & I would move the house around every 2 or 3 weeks. It is great fun making new space with them.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

I have a design crush on Patricia Urquiola. A Spanish architect turned furniture designer. She runs her studio from Milan. I don’t seem to come across a lot of design I really love, in particular furniture, but she is the exception. She approaches her work with a relaxed vigour and her ability to incorporate traditional artisan techniques into her pieces is almost always delightful. I think I should invest in something of hers right now!  In 20 years I will be sorry if I haven’t.  You look at some of the beautiful design classics & think how wonderful it would have been to have collected one when it was hot off the press.

We have David Band currently redesigning our office graphics & website. When we were looking at graphic designers for this job (previously having done this all in-house) we were very taken with David’s recent paintings and liked the idea of using an artist who was more at home with pencils & paint rather than a computer screen. To date our graphics have been very monochrome. David has such a beautiful way with colour & we are looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for us.

Recently we had to ‘pitch’ for a project, which is not how we typically procure our work. We were exploring some case-study houses for this particular project, looking at how we might approach a particular design without actually designing it. Revisiting the work of Hungarian born Modernist, Marcel Breuer, was a joy. Casa Hooper II & Casa Pack are houses he designed in America in the 50’s & are still so inspirational today.

Eaglemont House

What are you most proud of professionally?

Aside from the actual work, our workplace is a proud achievement of ours. We have been in practice since 1999 and our staff has now grown to 11. We are all architects & have a workplace that has evolved to accommodate our staff when they return to us after having their babies. There has been a baby-explosion that has occurred at Kennedy Nolan: there have been 9 babies grown in our office, with another on the way. It is an open plan design studio in a friendly neighbourhood that is also a happy place to work. Both Patrick & I are very proud of this & grateful for our staff.

What would be your dream project?

Designing a new office for Kennedy Nolan would be a dream project & timely too. In the next bit we are going to start to burst at the seams for space. It would also be a great opportunity to use our skills to make space for ourselves; no client….should be a breeze!

What are you looking forward to?

Longer, warmer days. Winter in Melbourne has really dragged its feet. Getting home when it is dark is grim.

I have a group of old mates who I studied architecture with. They are a very professionally accomplished gang & are split between Melbourne & Sydney. Recently when we all got together at Saturday in Design we discovered that each of us thought ourselves to be highly skilled parallel parkers. The competence levels escalated after many wines & there is a pending parking competition that is scheduled for October, just to shut down the bragging. Put your parking skills where you mouth is I say. The choice of car and venue is still to be decided.

North Melbourne House

Your fave Melbourne neighbourhood & why?

I am split on this one. Our office is just off Brunswick Street in Fitzroy & we have a very established community of folks around this area that tend to all catch up at the counter of our local coffee shop Sila, run by Dom & his sisters Mary & Cathy. There is something very village about this part of my life. It reminds me of growing up in the country. It is refreshingly uncool in Brunswick Street.

Living on the river is another remarkable neighbourhood. We live in the bush 10 minutes from the city. We can make our way down to the Collingwood Children’s Farm from Fairfield entirely on bike tracks along the creek & river. The Convent & Children’s farm are prime destinations when you have 3 young kids.

Your most admired architectural icon in Melbourne?

The National Art Gallery of Victoria by Sir Roy Grounds is my choice of Melbourne architectural icon. Exciting to walk by, drive past & visit. The day of the Black Saturday fires, when it was an evil 47 degrees outside, the Great Hall was full of families that clearly did not have air-conditioning in their own homes (we were one such family). It is such a magnificent interior in which to sit on the floor & hang-out.

Your favourite bookstore in Melbourne for design reference books?

To be truthful, I really don’t have any time when I can enjoy hanging out in bookshops. Luckily I get to read books that others have picked up whilst casually hanging out at well stocked bookshops.

Where/what was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

Every week our office has lunch together at Akari, a Japanese restaurant around the corner from our office in Brunswick Street. Virtually all of us order tempura udon, a winter soup that we all crave when the week comes around. Delicious & a cheap eat.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

Try being the first to arrive through he doors at the Melbourne Museum on a Monday morning (NOT on school holidays). You get the whole place to yourself.

Hampton House – Shots by Derek Swalwell.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Architecture, Interview Comments (12)
Thursday, June 10, 2010

Interview – Hamish Guthrie of Hecker Phelan & Guthrie

Bistro Guillaume, designed by Melbourne firm Hecker Phelan & Guthrie, Photo by Earl Carter.
St Ali’s South Yarra Outpost – top photo by Thom Rigney, bottom photos from the St Ali website.
Pt Lonsdale photographed by Shannon McGrath. – LOVE those knitted Urchin poufs by Christien Meindertsma (I think?)… and the brilliant Hay Pinnochio rug! Perfection.
Pt Lonsdale photographed by Shannon McGrath.


Longrain Melbourne – photos by Shannon McGrath


I have been keen to feature prolific Melbourne interior design firm Hecker Phelan & Guthrie on the site for a loooong time. In actual fact, I first contacted HP&G requesting an interview on January 6th this year! This week, director Hamish Guthrie finally got his interview back to me – but of course was most charming and very apologetic about the delay! :) It’s been a super busy time – late last year founding partner Kerry Phelan announced her departure from the company after 10 years of partnership, and this year both Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie have taken time off to travel, absorbing creative inspiration and gearing up for the challenges ahead. No hard feelings Hamish – it was worth waiting for!

If you’ve ever been out for a posh dinner in either Sydney or Melbourne, chances are you’ve come across the work of HP&G. With a particular knack for restaurant and bar interiors, HP&G’s work in Melbourne includes Longrain restaurant, Comme, Bistro Guillaume and St Ali’s South Yarra Outpost…. and you must have been living under a rock if you haven’t seen shots of their INCREDIBLE work for The Ivy in Sydney – with it’s lavish bars, restaurants, hotel and penthouse, complete with LA-inspired rooftop pool, striped sun shades and splashes of citrus yellow everywhere. It’s sheer, mad Alice in Wonderland genius – and a project only HP&G could have delivered!

A HP&G interior is just fantastically, magically brilliant. It seems nothing is too wacky, too bright or too brave for these guys. HP&G’s work is well publicised both here and overseas, and for good reason… each stunning interior bears their distinctive hallmark – and yet no two ever look the same. Their use of colour, pattern and attention to every minute detail truly sets them apart from the crowd.. and makes for a very photogenic portfolio!

It was refreshing to learn that despite their many accolades, HP&G are still a friendly and relatively small company of just 17 staff…. and that although he’s known for decadent design at work, Hamish admits that his own home is ‘well worn’ and far from perfect! Also, generally, I think a lot can be said for a man who takes his dog to work with him everyday…!

Huge thanks to Hamish for his time and for all the fantastic shots… I must also thank Simone at HP&G who facilitated the interview, and has been very sweetly emailing me on a monthly basis since January saying ‘we haven’t forgotten about you!’. :)

Hamish Guthrie of Hecker Phelan & Guthrie

Tell me a little about your background – what path originally led you to interior design, and to founding Hecker Phelan & Guthrie in 2001?

The genetic offspring of a Dentist and Physiotherapist does not necessarily scream designer! But growing up in an environment which embodied my parents shared passion for the arts and crafts, on a self sustainable bush block on the fringes of Melbourne allowed for plenty of opportunities for a young boy to design, build and break things.

Out of school and not quiet knowing which direction I to head- I was introduced to Architect Daryl Jackson. Daryl showed me a new world of design and architecture and I knew then that this was the path for me.

I completed a bachelor of arts (interior design) at the RMIT in 1993, working part time and holidays for Daryl Jackson Architects along the way and moving into full time employment on graduation.

Whilst at Daryl’s, I was introduced to a clean cut young man from Adelaide in his first job – Paul Hecker. Little did I know he would be my business partner 20 years down the track. After eight years at Daryl Jackson, broken with some international travel along the way, it was time to move on and broaden my design vocabulary in a new environment. Having always admired the work of Paul and Kerry and sensing early on the potential of the practice, I joined Paul and Kerry at Hecker Phelan and eventually joining as a partner of the studio in 2004 and the formation of Hecker Phelan & Guthrie (HP&G).

HPG have won so many accolades and awards for your incredible and varied work over the last 10 years…I know it’s hard to choose favourites – but what have been one or two of your most memorable projects and why?

It’s always hard to play favourites- so I will stick to the more milestone projects; Flagship store for Jigsaw fashion brand Little Collins St (year 2000 – not the current design) – It was the first time I felt that my design ideas were trusted by my employer. There was the freedom to explore new avenues in design and a confidence to bring new ideas to the table. On the photo shoot for this project I met my wife – the architectural photographer Shannon McGrath.

Comme – The opportunity to work on heritage and culturally significant building with a client who knew his trade was irresistible. There was a lot of satisfaction gained through breathing new life and a new energy into this old building as a place of entertainment and pleasure. Certainly there are things that I would do differently if I were to design the space today, but I guess that is the nature of design.

Comme – photos by Shannon McGrath

How is the business structured? – how many staff work with you at HPG, and do you and Paul Hecker still play a very hands-on role in the design work and day to day running of the business?

Growing from a small to a medium size studio, it became imperative that we put a structure in place with peoples roles within the studio clearly defined. The appointment of key personnel into the practice has enabled Paul and me to continue to be intimately involved in the design generated out of our office. We oversee all projects through tri weekly design reviews with staff in an informal workshop environment.

There is currently a team of 17 people (+dog) which is a reflection of client demand for our services.

2 Directors
1 Practice
3 admin (PA/media & Communications, Accounts & Office Assistant)
3 senior Design managers
6 interior designers
2 architects
1 office dog- Bergie

HP&G’s office building in Cremorne (aka Richmond) – photo by Shannon McGrath

What does a typical day at work involve for you at Hecker Phelan & Guthrie?

Thankfully in our studio there is no such thing as a typical day. The nature of our diverse project work and the continuing evolution of the design office make for an ever changing work day……….. with its fair share of challenges along the way!

With the recent changes at HP&G, Paul and I are truly excited and re- energised about the possibilities of the studio. In addition to the day to day running of the business, and current project work, we are investing a lot of energy into defining the new HP&G and mapping the path for the new HP&G through design and a common goal.

The more typical aspects of my workday may include; Design reviews, hand drawings/ sketches, client meetings, potential client meetings and submissions, site visits, showroom visits as well as the more pragmatic aspects of the business; billing, staff resourcing, programming, fees etc

Bovis Lend Lease building – photos Marcus Clinton


How would you describe your sense of style in your own home?

I would love to be able to tell you that our home is the full embodiment of my work as an interior designer and of my wife as the Interior photographer and stylist. The reality is that it isn’t!

We are currently residing in a well worn Victorian house searching for that complex marriage of ceramic / glassware and a 1 year old child who has just taken to walking!

Our home environment comprises of a collection of furniture, art and objects which are the ‘must haves’, a reflection of our personalities rather than as a response to space. The space will follow.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration – travel, local and international design trends, magazines, books or the web etc?

Having just returned just returned from travels through Copenhagen and Stockholm enroute to the Milan furniture fair, I would have to say that it is travel which is my ultimate source of inspiration. A quick recap of my holiday snaps would confirm that inspiration can be found in many varying places and forms. Not only does it fill your mind with fresh ideas but also validates or re affirms your existing design ideas.

As you mature as a designer and have a clearer sense of your own aesthetic there is a more profound sense of editing the experience as you go, capturing those experience which appeal to your design sensitivities and discounting quickly those that don’t.

Joe Black retail store – photos by Shannon McGrath
Joe Black retail store – photos by Shannon McGrath

Which designers / creative people do you admire?

It’s those people who I have been privileged to have worked for/with over the years. Daryl Jackson who mentored me straight out of school and gave me my first opportunities as a young designer, Jeff Copolov who showed me the possibilities of design during the early days of Crown, Paul Hecker with whom I share an aesthetic kinship and those artists and collaborators- Pandarosa & David Band, who are not only a delight to work with but have brought a new creative energy to a number of our projects.

Farina Kitchen & Bar in Adelaide – featuring wall illustrations by TDF favourite Pandarosa!

What would be your dream creative project?

Marc Newson is probably doing them as we speak! They would involve travel in an exotic location and a creative challenge void of commercial realities.

What are you looking forward to?

Completing my own projects.

Domain Chandon, photographs by Earl Carter

Melbourne Questions -

Your top 3 favourite shops in Melbourne for home furnishings?

Between work commitments and getting out of town on the weekends- I don’t really get many opportunities to shop in Melbourne. Having said that – It is hard to resist those must have items you stumble across in your travels as a designer. Format, Geoffrey Hatty and for my Scandinavian hit – Great Dane and Three Quarters.

Marais retail store in Melbourne, photos by Shannon McGrath


What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

Movida Aqui - an Adelaide restauranteur recently took me there for lunch. He took control of the menu and he has a habit of over-ordering. Everything we had was amazing! It’s my style of food- simple ideas executed beautifully.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

I would like to say ‘chilling’ at the farm contemplating life’s curiosities but the current reality is working (cleaning bricks chopping wood) at the farm contemplating life’s curiosities.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

The Botanical gardens at 7am. (I’m the guy pushing the pram, with Bergie the big brown dog) It’s like we have the place to ourselves.

Posted by Lucy at 8:00 pm
Categories - Architecture, Interior Design, Interview Comments (5)
Thursday, May 13, 2010

Interview – Scott Weston

Sydney architect Scott Weston
Scott’s Redfern home
Scott’s Redfern home – brilliant Florence Broadhurst wallpaper!
‘Perishable architecture’ by Scott Weston Architecture Design for Nokia
Nokia event – featuring beautiful details such as laser-cut leather placemats

Bespoke furniture by SWAD – a custom turned-leg table in tomato red resin and solid timber frame handpainted to match the resin tabletop.

LOVE that table!

For this one I have to thank Jenny Butler (again!). After sharing architect Scott Weston‘s incredible Sydney home on Apartment Therapy last year, Jenny recently left me a little comment here suggesting an interview with Scott! *Ding* – lightbulb moment! Why did I not think of that before!?

I have admired Scott’s work from afar for a long time… perhaps since first spotting his seriously stunning Moroccon-inspired contemporary home renovation/addition for Vogue Editor Kirstie Clements, which featured in Vogue Living a couple of years ago. Truly, 100% AMAZING.

There are so many super brilliant architects out there… and yet so many architecturally-designed homes in Australia end up looking, well… beautiful, but kinda ‘samey’. Not so at Scott Weston Architecture Design! Scott and his colleague Gregory Phillips have a distinct edge which always ensures that a SWAD project will look nothing like any other home you’ve ever seen! Scott and Gregory fill their projects with colour, pattern, and exquisitely designed details – from inspired custom graphics to bespoke cabinetry with pops of hidden vibrant colour. The results are brave and breathtaking every time!

What I love best about Scott’s interview is his unique approach to the idea of ‘resale value’ when designing a home! “Why live in a place tentatively when you can create a home that suits the way you live and reflects an integral part of your personality?” he says. Here here! It’s true – so many homes end up looking awfully generic because people are paralyzed by this single factor …and let’s face it, it’s going to take more than a pink bathroom to deflate the Australian housing market at the moment!

Huge thanks to Scott for his time with interview, and all the fabulous images. SWAD is a super busy little firm – and yet, Scott always seem to reply to an email within 3 minutes!? Now that really is impressive!

Tell us a little about your background – what path led you to what youʼre doing now?

I grew up in Papua New Guinea in a place called Gordon Estate, where I was schooled with both indigenous and overseas students. My father was a graphic designer and he set up what was a TAFE college to teach locals Graphic Arts, while my mother worked at the DEO (District Education Office) and was a fantastic nurturer.

I suppose as you can see from the outfits that somehow the use of colour and the environment has obviously been intrinsic to what I do now as a professional Architect!

Scott and his sister setting fashion trends in Port Moresby!

From Papua we settled back in Sydney, and eventually I studied at UTS in Sydney, where I did the 6 year part-time course and worked at Alexander & Lloyd in Chatswood, Philip Cox and Partners until I graduated. Graduating with FC Honours, the University Medal, Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarships, Elizabeth Jubilee Trust Fund Scholarship and some others. This enabled me to travel for the next year quite extensively and living for three months in Rome in a monastery studying the works of Bernini – a sculptor and prominent architect of the Roman ‘Baroque’ period. From there I moved to London and studied at the RCA and lived just off Kensington Square for two full years. While studying I worked in Soho for Terence Conran and Fitch Benoy.

On my return to Sydney I wanted to work for a larger organisation on ‘State Projects’ to see if I fitted in doing larger scale public buildings, while starting to moonlight on my own personal projects, with eagerness to climb the Sydney real estate ladder! In the early 90′s I was awarded the Dulux colour award for ‘best residential interior’ for my humble inner city flat that I had painted myself, giving me the confidence to pursue my passions.

I received my first comission for Sydney’s Medusa Hotel in 1997, so decided to jump ship and go solo. From then until early 2002 I was by myself, knee deep in learning about how to setup a small architectural practice. Gregory Phillips came as a fresh eager just graduated student from COFA who was well rounded in many facets of design, and so we both fitted together quite literally hand in glove. We both brought different talents to the design table and had our own strengths and weaknesses, and from there we have developed a thriving practice that tackles a broad spectrum of design, architecture, furniture and graphics.

My main goals in this profession are to be ‘Passionate‘, have ‘Fun‘, be ‘Pragmatic‘, a ‘Maverick‘, and be very very ‘Disciplined‘.

What have been one or two of your favourite design projects in recent years?

1. Brad Ngata Hair Salon @ IVY Palings Lane Sydney

A witty, innovative and chic hair salon based on the theatrical re-interpretation of a grand French salon. There are two distinct zones – the cool monastic washing/reception area, & the cutting room that re-interprets Madame Pompadourʼs French apartment, through three metre high digitally printed laminate panels that cocoon and define the space.

An architect-designed large bevelled mirror & console is located at each cutting station. A suspended ceiling of ornate plaster cornices & rosettes house four large pendant lights. A solid timber herringbone floor with a huge pastel pink silk curtain softens the architecturally graphic interior and is framed by a black & pink printed curtain pelmet.

Brad Ngata Hair Salon work in progress and scale model

The salon is screened by a three metre high by eight metre long linear cabinet finished in embossed silver filigree laminate which houses the storage, office & kitchen facilities. The cabinets contain concealed colour and create a visual division between the salon & the glowing white ritual pod.

The ritual room is a white glowing lightbox, cocooned internally in a custom leaf/bluebird graphic laminate, where the client has their hair washed and coloured.

2. Residence for the Editor of Vogue Australia

Contemporary residential architecture often approaches the design of additions to heritage buildings by mimicking it, as modern additions are deemed by council to be ʻout of characterʼ to the existing building.

In this project a clear distinction is made between the old and the new, but the two sit harmoniously together. The ʻoldʼ retains its period features and illustrates the moment in time in which it was designed and built. The ʻnewʼ addresses the functional requirements of a modern family home and the responsibilities of a modern piece of domestic architecture with regard to habitability & sustainability.

The philosophy was to examine traditional Moroccan decorative tiling patterns and architectural forms, and reinterpret those ideas in a simple contemporary way. Continuous linear forms, curved shapes & strong grids formed the backdrop to then apply the in-built architectural decorative quality & colour throughout home.

Vogue editor Kirstie Clements with Scott and Gregory in her stunning SWAD-designed home
Kirstie Clement’s bathroom – WOWOWOW.

The methodology was similar to the crafts based culture we were drawing reference from – to elevate humble materials & finishes such as glazed tiles, and produce repetitive patterns that could be applied to walls floor & ceilings. We also used new materials such as opal acrylic and laser cut graphic vinyl to this effect.

Incredible use of pattern in Kirstie Clement’s Home – and how about those custom BALUSTRADES…? Genius.

More balustrades. Because they deserve they own photo.

You work on an incredible variety of projects – from residential to commercial, retail, institutional.. as well as temporary structures and even custom graphics / cabinetry! What is your favourite type of work to do? Is there any job you would decline?

Being a multi-disciplinary architectural practice, we tend to attract quite a range of projects. Each client brief is so unique – we never rest on laurels, we’re always striving to explore, testing ourselves and our skills to achieve the best we can possibly deliver for each and every person. So the most current projects are probably our favourite, as the things we have previously learnt can be put into immediate practice.

When a potential client interviews us we also are also interviewing them. We gain an insight into the compatibility of being able to work with them as a team player. Some projects may take up to two years to complete and it is imperative that you have a trustworthy and fun working relationship!

Bespoke cabinet for Judi Hausmann in walnut, with each compartment in a different lacquered finish.

How would you describe the Scott Weston design aesthetic? Is this a good reflection of your personal sense of style in your own home?

An architect who straddles the great divide between functionality and decorative embellishment. Why can’t architectural solutions be chameleon-like, bespoke, functional and dramatic? I have never understood the undue influence of resale value on the design of a home. A lot of homes end up looking incredibly generic because people think the house will eventually be re-sold and theyʼre worried their aesthetic preferences might not appeal to a potential buyer.

I disagree with this approach. Why live in a place tentatively when you can create a home that suits the way you live and reflects an integral part of your personality? I believe that it is possible to embrace the architectural and the decorative simultaneously.

The application of colour on a project is an extremely intuitive solution and yet most of the time a client would never consider this to be a main deciding factor in how they want to function and relax.

Colourful SWAD bathrooms! (the tiny mosaic tiled examples are from Scott’s own home)

The ability to invent and be playful with colour is a major component of our practice. Colour comes in many forms and finishes within the building industry. Every project we work on has a unique client, brief, location, site, budget limitations – and from that we generate our concepts or concept box. It is at this moment in time that we incorporate colour into the architectural framework and seduce our client.

We practice what we preach and my home is just as unique and singularly crafted as what I would provide to my clients.

Scott’s Redfern home
Scott’s Redfern home

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Gregory and I have a verbal meeting and we address immediate and long-term issues every morning. We carve up the task sheet – from high through to low priority, and put our nose to the grindstone.

Itʼs a bit like a juggling act where we have a conveyor belt of projects on at various stages of concept design, documentation, construction, photo shoots, client entertaining and PR.

Elizabeth Bay apartment – scale model and finished bedroom.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration – books, international magazines, the internet, your environment, travel, nature, family or friends… etc?

I have been trained as an architect to look at details, how things are placed or brought together. So my inspiration comes from the everyday experience of interacting with people and places. It enables me to look at the past, present and absorb what has already been done and reinvent those ideas into my own world. However, when I let my imagination run wild, these are the three places I draw inspiration from.

1. Hong Kong for its vibrancy, frenetic nature and its ability to reinvent itself.

2. The inner child within, as I believe you need to hold on tight to your aspirations, beliefs and that inner core of confidence.

3. ‘Architecture is the mother of all arts and also the noblest of them all’ – however, art galleries, design centres, musical and drama houses are places that I draw inspiration from.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

I draw inspiration from these following things;

1. From building abstract concept models based on the client brief.

2. Listening to the client and how they want to live and function.

3. Visual stimulus from books, magazines, client interests, sojourns overseas
and day trips to intriguing suburbs such as Cabramatta.

4. From listening to one another and not assuming how something should be.

What are you most proud of professionally?

The long established list of clients that I call friends who I still do work for and have developed a trusting relationship with. Without that trusting relationship you have nothing!

What would be your dream project?

My next home – a kind of bespoke magicians box that does not give away all itʼs secrets at once but where I can utilise all the learnt skills and trades people I have around me to create a thing of great beauty and functionality.

What are you looking forward to?

New identical twin terraces being built in Redfern 2011.

Construction commencing 17th May 2010 for alterations and additions to a Rozelle workerʼs cottage for a young family.

Architectural interiors with bespoke joinery for an Art Deco Apartment for the media personality Deborah Thomas.

Having our latest commercial project ʻOpen Hausʼ being selected for the May cover of (inside) Interior Design Review.

Providing Perishable Architecture to Harperʼs Bazaar Magazine.

SWAD’s latest commercial project, ‘Open Haus’.

Sydney Questions –

Your favourite Sydney neighbourhood and why?

My favourite suburb is split between the suburb of where I live Redfern and Cabramatta. Why? The multi-cultural profile and our village-like community… the proximity to walk into the city from Redfern and the journey I take to get to Cabramatta. The mixture of art galleries, cafes, and local providores.

Your most admired architectural icon in Sydney?

Wylde Street Apartments. Inter-War Art Deco grand sweeping façade of a building at 17 Wylde Street Potts Point, designed by Aaron Bolot between 1948-51. Beautifully detailed and functionally planed apartments that offer cross ventilation, great views and compact living spaces that still set a benchmark in high density residential dwelling.

The best bookstore in Sydney for design / reference books etc?

‘Ariel’ in Oxford Street Paddington, ‘Lamella’ in Bourke Street Redfern, Kinokuniya Bookstore in Sydney CBD.

Where / what was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

Sailors Thai ʻNoodle Barʼ restaurant at the Rocks Sydney, massaman beef curry, green papaya salad, deep-fried whole fish on a bed of deep fried seaweed in lemon and lime juice, boiled rice and a bottle of New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

After fruit spelt sourdough toast and fresh fruit and museli I normally go for a two/three-hour
walk that depends on what suburb I want to explore and what restaurant is in that vicinity for the all important grazing at lunch time.

Sydneyʼs best kept secret?

It would have to be split between two suburbs – Auburn and Cabramatta, both for the exotic cultural mix of people and the fresh produce I can purchase while enjoying a fantastic lunch.

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