TDF Talks With Architect Penelope Seidler

Penelope Seidler is many things. She’s an architect, and an accountant. She’s a member of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation Board, has been a director of Biennale of Sydney since 2010, and sits on the board of the Institute of Architects Foundation in Sydney. She was deputy commissioner for the Australian Pavilion at the 2013 Venice Biennale, and has been a member of the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art in New York since 1973! To top all that off, in 2008, she was acknowledged as a Member of the Order of Australia.

Despite these many accolades, many of us know Penelope best as the wife and professional partner of Harry Seidler, and director of architectural firm Seidler & Associates – which continues to operate to this day.

I was thrilled and a little starstruck to chat with Penelope earlier this month!  We discussed her early life, her experience working with Harry in the 1960s and 1970s, her insights into Australian design and architecture today, and her proudest career achievement to date!

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Notes + Links

This conversation took place at Fisher & Paykel’s Experience Centre in Sydney.

Find Penelope Seidler on Instagram @penelopeseidler.

Penelope continues to run Harry Seidler & Associates with her team in Sydney.

Penelope discussed her studio’s collaborations with artists including Alexander Calder – check out the Alexander Calder exhibition now showing at The NGV.

The Igloo House, Mosman is an exciting new restoration project in Sydney that Harry Seidler & Associates are currently working on.

Penelope reflects on Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House, and her and Harry’s friendship with the Danish architect. Last year, we made a beautiful little short film about how Australia’s most iconic building came to be, and its ongoing influence today.

She also mentions that Sydney’s iconic Sirius building has been sold – we asked what happens next?

This is the 31st episode of our TDF Podcast – thanks so much for listening! You can browse all or revisit any episode here.

Fisher & Paykel is New Zealand’s award-winning appliance brand, has become a global force not just in product design, but also in kitchen design. The company is committed to research, development and collaboration and works closely with architects and designers to seamlessly integrate their appliances into kitchens in innovative ways. Visit, www.fisherpaykel.com to find out more.