Studio

First design awakening? Working under Jeff Copolov and Kristen Whittle at Bates Smart in Melbourne. At the time they were demigods and world-class architects who were incredibly articulate in designing spaces and who taught me about the place of architecture in life.

What do you love most about the industry? There seems to be a natural optimism in making things and collaborating. I enjoy the energy of projects and the fact we are surrounded by a good quality way of life every day.

What do you see as being most important when resolving a design? I try to start with innovative thought and use new technology where possible. I think it's important to engage all parties in any design solution. Without this, a design is just one designer’s thought and is not relevant.

How would you describe your position? Leading projects, co-ordinating and mentoring staff and maintaining a strong external focus with industry partners (consultants, builders, suppliers, makers, educators, researchers). I also nurture students through Curtin University and am committed to the broader design community through the DIA (Design Institute of Australia).

What is your creative process? I gave a lecture at Curtin University a few years ago on intuition and the role it plays on our design process; I believe there is a natural design solution in all our work and feel somewhat responsible to reflect on this constantly.

Design Theory’s strength? We're diverse people and bring different interests to the table. We are accepting of a problem to solve and I think that says a lot. We're also happy to do the hard work.

Office secret? I like to listen to really loud music when everyone has left the studio.

Your philosophy? Achieve a desirable and real connection between our work and the people who experience it.

What is your creative process? Listen. It’s so important to know a client. We workshop that knowledge within our team. We always look for a story and a spark, then head into materials and technology research. We put ourselves into the space to understand how it will be used, then develop the concept, detail it, deliver it and review it.

How has your passion evolved? It’s about ‘creating’ and it’s about the people we work with. I find it rewarding to see how design can bring day-to-day and commercial benefits to our clients, and how sometimes small changes can bring so much joy to a space. It really is a powerful tool.

How would you describe Design Theory? Knowledgable. Creative. Grounded. Hard-working. Small but mighty.

Career highlight? Watching school children with clipboards wandering around Empire Village Shopping Centre in the sunshine for a school assignment. I really had a sense that the community was proud and had made the precinct their own.

Office quirk? Chocolate is my absolute weakness… and our Dutch cargo bike…

Your career philosophy? Keep it real.

Describe what you love most about the industry? I believe we have a very particular set of skills that allow us to improve everyday spaces in a way that is highly detailed and technical yet at times can also be subliminal for the user. On the flip side, we also have the ability to create challenging, unusual and bizarre spaces, which is equally as exciting.

What is your creative process? To respond to project variables as uniquely as possible with a focus on giving each project a point of difference – whether it be conceptually, through material choice or operationally.

How would you describe Design Theory? We pride ourselves on consistently selecting innovative or unusual materials that offer each client a point of difference, while responding to their brief. We enjoy challenging our clients’ perceptions and hopefully guiding them into an exciting and unique solution.

What do you love most about your job/career? We appreciate and work with old materials and existing architectural elements while also being inundated with and working with new and innovative materials and products. It enables us to appreciate both sides.

Your quirk you don’t want others to know I find making pasta really therapeutic and have been known to forfeit sleep to roll out pasta shapes…

Your philosophy? To contribute to Perth in a way that is honest, original, exciting and hopefully a little unusual.

What is architecture? … the perfect combination of tangible creativity and conceptual thinking.

What draws you to it? The more intimate details and moments in design.

What do you love most about the industry? The collaboration process with fellow designers – I’ve always felt that no amount of scouring blogs and magazines for new ideas can be as effective as an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

What is your creative process? I generally jump in with two initial thoughts – what would we want to see, and how will that make us feel.

What inspires you? … seeing materials used in new, exciting and unconventional ways – something I think Design Theory has mastered.

Your office quirk? My resting ‘working’ face is a very grumpy frown... just know I’m not perpetually confused – I’m just thinking very hard!

Quote to live by? “With freedom, books, flowers and the moon – how could one not be happy?” – Oscar Wilde

Describe what you love most about the industry? The knowledge of giving back to the local environment and seeing ways in which Perth as a whole grows and becomes more diverse – being able to experience this firsthand is highly valuable.

What is your creative process? I've always believed there is no singular way to approach a design process, as each project or path is different. As a very innovative person, I like to be very analytical and try to problem-solve where possible.

What inspires you? Being around people who are equally as passionate and creative. Having a personal creative goal is very important, but being pushed and inspired by those around you is fundamental. It drives collaborative teamwork and usually results in a more desirable outcome.

What do you see as being most important when resolving a design? Communication. It is essential for every project in our industry.

What do you love most about your job/career? Having the flexibility to embrace new technologies and design strategies, and seeing these progress and add to a localised environment.

Explain your quirk… I always get in early and make sure there’s always a fresh pot of coffee on!

Lastly, is there a quote or phrase that sums up your philosophy to what you do? Everyone is a product of their environment. As designers, we aim to understand the occupant, focusing on their background, which shapes an attitude toward a space. We have to be open to thinking like those around us and ask the questions others may not to achieve the best environment for the occupant.