I initially decided to be an architect when I left High school. I thought at the time that it was a good mix of Art, Science and philosophy. This turned out to be correct.
I like to work in the area of adaptive re-use. Iyt is a challenge to bring new life to an old building. The bones of the old give us great inspiration.
I like to work with metal and timber, but also brick, but only old brick. New brick is too uniform. Old brick has the edges taken off and is more individual and expressive.
It annoys me greatly if elements do not aligh. If they do not then there must be a reason for this. Design always involves making a decision. If the decision is not to make a decision and place something at random, then its placemnet must work otherwise it hurts me.
Architects have a great responsibility to society. Initially we satisfy one of the three great needs; water , food and shelter. I would like to see architects advocate more for refugees /assylum seekers. The conditions Australia houses these people in are shameful.
We have a unique way of working with our clients. We are a solutions provider, so much more than just being a supplier of architecture and design services. We like to work alongside our clients and other design professionals. This collaborative business culture is geared to smarter ways of operating, enabling us to achieve high standards of delivery and performance within budget and time constraint
As a sustainable architect, I am interested in the whole lifcycle of the built environment. This includes the construction, waste, utility and demolition of any building.
My firm ONE20 architects will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability. It was s an honour to be shortlisted for a lifetime achievement award, and at just 51 year, I consider myself only halfway through my life as an architect.
I am intrigued by architecture’s link to the environment, I have always been concerned with waste and the most efficient use of resources. Lately I am becoming more interested in more natural environments and the way they are inhabited. I may well look at researching a PHD in this area.