Design is problem solving, thinking creatively about the best outcome and how to reach it most efficiently.
Design applies to the process as well as the end result.
The success of a design is measured in its function and the emotional reaction of the user.
Good design is not always evident, however bad design is very quickly evident.
GERROA HOUSE
This house was originally an asbestos clad box, added to in dribs and drabs by the client in the 50 years since they bought it. Knocking it down was never a possibility, so we strengthened, insulated and re-clad it, consolidated the spaces, added another wing and turned it into something beautiful.
QUEENS PARK SHED
This building was a derelict storage shed from the 1930s, added to in the 80s and fallen into disrepair. I was commissioned by Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust to refurbish the building, and by Trippas White Group to fit it out as a cafe.
The building itself was unremarkable, but cost and planning restrictions dictated that the external appearance of the building was not going to change substantially. Therefore we decided to make the best of its meager assets: the expressed structure and the internal space of the original shed which was pleasing, the symmetry and of course the fabulous location under the trees on the edge of Queens Park.
This building represents for me much of what I believe in with regard to my ecological responsibility: making the best of what is there instead of ripping out and starting again.
These websites have better photos than I do:
http://www.grindley.com.au/interiors/project/queens-park-shed http://www.habitusliving.com/projects/rustic-chic-at-the-shed
To learn more about the sustainability features of this project click here
NORTHBRIDGE HOUSE
This house was designed for a market, on a difficult sloping site and required to be approved as a Complying Development.
MARY MACKILLOP INSTITUTE, DILI
This is a combined residence, training centre and head office on a very tight site for the Mary MacKillop Institute, which is run by the Sisters of St Joseph in Timor-Leste. I designed this project but it was documented by the builder so did not turn out entirely as I had intended. The basic principles of the design were sound, however
- allow for general top daylighting, as power failures are common
- assume no air conditioning: keep the sun out and create breezeways.
- maximum security for the staff
- maximum privacy for those living on site
CAFES
My chance beginnings working for Hungry Jack’s launched my into a fairly consistent succession of cafe and fast food design and involvement as follows (working backwards) :
- Gelato Franco, Marrickville Rd. Marrickville.
- Arthouse Kitchen, COFA UNSW Paddington – architect and construction manager
- Queens Park Shed – architect
- Bar Navitas, UNSW Kensington Campus – architect
- Centennial Parklands Dining – architect (2013 alterations and additions)
- GG Espresso at AIS -architect and project manager Click here
- Botanic Kiosk, Botanic Gardens Sydney – design advise
- Press & Co, Fairfax Building Pyrmont – design advise and documentation
- Big Fish fish cafe, Darlinghurst – architect
- Delifrance – 9 cafes 1999-2004
- Hungry Jacks- 15 inlne and free standing restaurants in NSW 1995- 1999
RETAIL
I was Retail Design Manager (Lend Lease) based on site during the construction of Erina Fair, which means I co-ordinated the shopfitters on site, with each other and with all their required services.
I was also the sole Retail Design Manager during the expansion of T2 at Sydney Airport (2005) which means
- I wrote the Design Guidelines, which fixed the general appearance of the retail areas
- I co-ordinated and approved the designs of all individula tenancies, to ensure that they worked with each other and in the contect of the whole development.
- I managed the construction process on site, to ensure that all fitouts were completed on time , to the approved design, and seemlessly in the middle of an operating airport terminal.
Retail fitouts which I have completed in my capacity as an architect include
- Powergolf, Alexandria
- Photo Shop, Pitt St Sydney
- Bijoux, Sydney Airport
ARTHOUSE KITCHEN
Cafe in Paddington, on the campus of the College of Fine Arts, UNSW.
My main intention was to make it light hearted and welcoming, I think the trend in cafes lately can tend towards sombre and chilly. The space we started with was fantastic: bifold windows on 2 walls overlooking a renovated park with heritge listed trees.
To see a movie of the construction of this cafe, click here
To read more about the sustainability elements of this project, click here
BAR NAVITAS, Tyree Energy Building, UNSW
The issue here was how to make a statement within a new, spectacular building, in keeping with the surrounding architecture but with a distinct personality.
