What is and what could be with Michael Clarke Architect

Episode Notes Today Penny and I got to speak to Margie Rahmann interior designer and director at Edmiston Jones (EJ). EJ are a practice heavily involved in the built environment of the Illawarra with offices in Wollongong, Nowra and Batemans Bay. The practice has a multidisciplinary team that includes architects, landscape architects, project managers and interior designers that work across five different sectors being health, education, residential, aged care and industrial.   Margie has a passion for workplace design – specifically the idea of what EJ calls co-design. This is a process where Margie asks project users and client to reveal a “day in their life” experience of what they do at work, their experience getting to and from work and more. This information feeds into the design development thus giving clients and users a greater sense of ownership of the design and by extension the end build.     Margie speaks to examples of this as applied to the recently Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre and another project at the University of Wollongong.   We go into Margie’s backstory that led to Interior Design and recall a great analogy Margie put forward last year as a panellist at IFAD linking good robust and highly considered design to clothing. More about Margie Margie started with EJ in 2014, becoming an Associate Director in 2018 and a Director in 2020. She is experienced in architectural interior design with a background in health, commercial, high-end residential, aged care and exhibitions. She has previously been a university educator of design courses as well as course content developer with diploma level design courses. Margie leads the Interiors Team and heads the Health and Wellbeing Sector. She is an experienced engagement professional and advocate for co-design and champions EJ’s methodology now applied to various enterprises, not-for-profits and educational facilities. aej.com.au https://www.instagram.com/edmistonjonesand/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design https://ifad.net.au/ https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes For many, it can be difficult to understand how architecture can help us reflect who we are as a community. How can buildings and public spaces tell the stories of our culture, our history, and our lifestyle? How can we use architecture to bring people together and not push them apart? For Isabelle Toland, Director of ambitious architecture firm Aileen Sage, these are uplifting challenges to overcome, for which her practice is best known. Many would consider Aileen Sage doyennes of weaving the complex array of community perspectives in their community master plans, public works and art projects.They bridge different worlds and people with divergent spirits and lifestyles to find the points of connection. Join Isabelle as she explains Aileen Sage’s process to find that spirit of collaboration that helps reveal who we are through architecture. Find out: ● How Isabelle unites the community around an architectural vision. ● The stories which have inspired her creativity and how Isabelle has translated those stories into her work. ● Examples of how culture, history and lifestyle have been successfully united in architectural works. ● What you can expect from Isabelle at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design on the 27th of October. More about Isabelle Isabelle Toland is the Director of Aileen Sage Architects. A renowned Australian architecture firm, Aileen Sage’s portfolio extends to complex community masterplans, public and cultural spaces, public art projects and residential homes. As a former creative director of the Australian Exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale, and award winner of the AIA NSW Emerging Architects Prize, Isabelle and the Aileen Sage team have risen to fame in the architectural arena. Their work is concerned with the integration of architecture and cultural narratives in both the public and private realm. Aileen Sage has become synonymous with spaces that are beautiful, inspiring, and unexpected. https://aileensage.com/ambition https://www.instagram.com/aileen_sage/ https://www.instagram.com/isabelleaileentoland/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design https://ifad.net.au/ https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes In this episode we look at the design approach to large projects with Marko Damic, principal at Architectus. We dive in to what Marko calls the natural forces that inform the specific design to a project. These are linked to the 5 Ps that is the design philosophy of Architectus being - People, Place, Purpose, Planet and Production. We talk about Marko's beginnings as co-writer and star in a play that Michael directed when the pair were students at UNSW before winning two student scholarships and going on to work for numerous critically acclaimed practices in Australia and London. Now a design leader at Architectus Marko also speaks to his love for the Illawarra Region. A love that began in second year university when working on a design studio project at Garie beach and continues to just recently where Marko and the team submitted a Development Application for the design of a large project in Central Wollongong. More about Marko: With over 20 years’ experience gained in both the UK and Australia, Marko has predominantly worked on the design and delivery of significant high and medium rise multi unit residential, commercial, mixed use, infrastructure and education projects. During Marko’s 11 years at Bates Smart as an Associate Director and lead designer, Marko worked on a number of key projects. He led many major commercial and residential projects through successful design competitions, master plan and design development phases. Marko’s analytical and inventive approach to design and problem solving ensure a thorough and effective design outcome for clients. This has resulted in projects receiving numerous industry awards, including a number of Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards for residential and commercial buildings as well as the AIA Sulman Award for Public Buildings. https://architectus.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/architectusau/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes How does architecture define a region? What is the difference between designing within the city, a suburb, a town and a region? What can architects do to pay homage to the place and its community, beyond the confines of the immediate needs of the client and those they serve?   For William Smart, international acclaim has been cast on his doorstep as much for his bold ideas that push the boundaries of building capability, as his respectful deference to the place on which his projects are built.   Smart Design Studio’s work is seen across Australia in community master plans, large scale multi-storey residential properties, public buildings as well as people’s homes.The versatility of his design team reflects a curious spirit that is endlessly and uniquely adapting to the different needs of their communities and clients.   Through this work, William and his team draw inspiration from each region where they build. Hear more from William about how he learns about the areas where he builds, reveals the constraints and opportunities in those regions’ stories, and forges new architecture that reflects those insights. As my co-host Penny Keogh and I talk to William in the caretaker's residence above Smart Design Studio find out   ●      Some of the design parameters William and the team worked through for the design of the office space for Smart Design Studio and the caretaker's residence. ●      How regional perspectives can be successfully incorporated into an architect's work. ●      The way William works through an understanding of place and how that is used to generate the design. ●      The work William and his team are doing in regional areas. ●      What we can expect from him at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design during the 26th and 27th of October. More about William William Smart is the Founder and Principal of Smart Design Studio. Over the past 25 years William and his team have delivered projects ranging from large-scale master planning, cultural buildings, offices, workplaces.   Under his direction, the studio’s approach to design is holistic, combining both architectural and interior design with passionate attention to detail with an ethos of “Architecture from the Inside Out”.   Smart Design Studio’s buildings have received critical acclaim. He was recently awarded a spot in the 2024 Vogue Living Top 50 Australian architects, among the 50 awards he’s won in his career. Join William to talk about resilience in architecture and his connection to the Illawarra. https://www.smartdesignstudio.com/ @smartdesignstudio https://www.instagram.com/smart.design.studio/ https://www.instagram.com/williamsmart/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes Today my co-host Penny and I get to talk to a former colleague and dear friend Architect Nicole Larkin. For many (myself and co-host Penny included) the iconic coastline of NSW is a place of nature, but for Nicole Larkin of Nicole Larkin Architecture it is also a highly managed landscape. As an architect focusing on coastal planning and design, Nicole has been a guiding force in the protection and elevation of our coastal environment. Most recently, she was selected to consult on the NSW Coastal Design Guidelines, a statewide strategy on coastal planning that was released this year. Nicole’s acclaimed hardcover book, The Wild Edge, a survey of ocean pools across NSW, serves as a tribute to these outliers of the built environment which are poised at the threshold of our nation's boundary. Here Nicole discusses the relationship we have with our coastline and how the community, councils and state government work to facilitate intimate encounters with the landscape and reflect its importance in our national psyche. Find out: ● How Nicole learned to unite complimentary passions for architecture and the coastline to curate a career where she can respect both. ● The emerging issues managing coastal landscapes and how the government and community are working to safeguard the future of coastal infrastructure. ● How the latest NSW Coastal Design Guidelines have considered the longevity of coastal infrastructure to withstand the pressure of coastal environments. ● What you can expect from Nicole at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design on the 27th of October. More about Nicole: Nicole is an Illawarra based architect, artist and designer focusing on coastal planning and design, digital fabrication and the built environment. Nicole's body of work spans crafting statewide coastal policies to conceiving individual public artworks, showcasing her versatility and pursuit of design. Nicole’s hardcover book, The Wild Edge, a survey of ocean pools across NSW, met with critical acclaim as a tribute to our coastline and the contribution these leisure and tourism attractions make to our communities. Nicole’s career path intertwines coastal design, architecture, research, and the arts. Me https://www.nicolelarkin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nlarkin_design/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design R/ https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes How can we make better interior design choices that see our families through generations? What must interior designers consider now more than ever when designing homes for the future? How can we ensure the best collaboration between an interior designer, the architect, and the building trades?   Alongside series Co-host Penny Keogh, we join the iconic Australian interior designer, Gavin Hepper, who will host a panel at the 2024 Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design.   Gavin talks about his local career beginnings, the projects that have shaped his passion for interior design and the collaborations that have importantly influenced his design process.   Gavin also shares what he hopes a discussion about the latest in industry trends will reveal at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design.   Find out:   ●      How we can make better interior design choices that see our families through generations. ●      Helpful interior design choices that are future focused and tech savvy. ●      How we can ensure the best collaboration between an interior designer, the architect and the building trades. ●      What to expect from Gavin’s panel discussion about Trend Resilience at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design.   More about the guest:   Illawarra local Gavin Hepper, of Concepts by Gavin Hepper, has represented his industry on the national stage over a career spanning over 25 years. One of his most recent award wins secured him the title of the HIA’s 2024 Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year.   In between overseeing the interior design of some of Australia’s most exquisite homes, Gavin gives his time to volunteering here and in NZ for the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia. He’s also a brand ambassador for Neolith, the popular designer and manufacturer of sintered stone surfaces.   Informed by his beginnings as a detailed joiner and furniture maker, at industry events around the country he advocates for stronger collaboration with building trades. A regular at international design shows from Milan to Christchurch, Gavin captivates audiences who come to hear him speak. https://www.conceptsbygavinhepper.com/ https://www.instagram.com/conceptsbygavinhepper/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Website: https://ifad.net.au/   Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifad/ Co host Penny Keogh https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/ Host Michael Clarke https://www.michaelclarkearchitects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clarchitect/

Episode Notes Joining Co-Curator of the 2024 Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design, Davin Turner, alongside series Co-host Penny Keogh, we talk about all things we can expect from a weekend of events on the 26th and 27th of October. We also talk about Davin's journey to becoming an architect and director of his own practice starting with the construction of the home he grew up in and the design of his brother's house in Thirroul. A house Davin and his family now live in.   Davin is an Illawarra architect and Principal at Studio Weave, a firm known for its commitment to principles of sustainability and energy efficient design.   Find out: ●      How family and architecture can collide to inspire a love of designing homes. ●      What decisions architects make to make the most of the environment for more resilient energy efficient homes. ●      What you can expect from Davin and his celebration of regional architecture at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design on the 26th and 27th of October. More about the guest: Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Co-Curator Davin Turner is the Principal of Studio Weave, whose architecture firm is driven to innovate in environmentally conscious design with an impressive residential portfolio.   For over 15 years Davin has worked with some of Australia’s leading award-winning architectural firms. He started his own practice to provide quality, custom designs for his local community, often collaborating with other architects. Beyond his passion for architecture, you will find him exploring the great outdoors, from kayaking the Bass Strait to camping with his family; or indulging in his love of pottery and handmade goods.   Studio Weave makes its contribution through the belief that good architecture is about celebrating the connection between people and space. https://www.sweave.net/ https://www.instagram.com/studio_weave_architects/ Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Website: https://ifad.net.au/   Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifad/

Episode Notes In this episode we try to work through a few questions.: How can we use architecture as a symbol of broad reaching values we have? How can we value important historical stories? Can we use architecture to reach beyond those traditional silos of power to level the playing field and give a voice to those who traditionally don’t have one?   Joining the iconic Australian furniture designer and Co-curator of the 2024 Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design, alongside series Co-host Penny Keogh, we talk about embedding cultural resilience into the practice of designing spaces and places.   Here Trent shares what inspires his design approach and what he hopes a discussion about cultural resilience will reveal at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design. Find out:   ●      The inspiration behind the work of iconic furniture designer, Trent Jansen. ●      Delve into Trent’s journey to collaborate on some of Trent’s most notable furniture pieces. ●      A perspective on cultural resilience and how Trent has chosen to prompt different ways of thinking about places and spaces. ●      What you’ll enjoy in the upcoming Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design on the 26th and 27th of October 2024.   More about the guest:   Dr Trent Jansen is a designer based in Thirroul, Australia, and Lecturer at the University of New South Wales Art & Design, Sydney Australia. Trent’s design practice is based in Thirroul, in the Illawarra.Jansen applies his method of Design Anthropology to the design of limited edition and one-off pieces for property development clients including the Molonglo Group, Charter Hall and Mirvac.   Trent’s work has featured in all of Australia’s most notable design magazines and prestigious gallery exhibitions including in the Venice Design Biennial, Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, and the National Gallery of Victoria. He’s recently been awarded Vogue Living’s 2024 Australian Product Designer of the Year.   Trent’s work delves deep into the historical, material, and culture contexts of the narratives he investigates. These investigations have, since completing his PhD, tended to focus on the intersections between First Nation and Migrant Australian narratives. https://trentjansen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trentjansenstudio More about IFAD Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Website: https://ifad.net.au/   Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifad/

Episode Notes This is the start of a mini-series where we will have a co-host Penny Keogh. Penny is co-founder of IFAD - the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design. Penny and I will interview special guests that will be speaking at IFAD 2024, starting with Penny. We all know what it feels like to live in a home that needs a little work. To watch the Block or Grand Designs and love the idea of doing just that. Looking around the suburbs of Illawarra lately, with more and more people moving in, there are more and more clever and beautiful homes going up. But who is designing these magnificent homes? How do they come up with these ideas? Do you think the owners would let you look inside? It would seem you’re not the only one with these questions. As the post-pandemic perspective on life and work evolves, so too has our interest in our homes and how we live locally within a closer community. Here the founder of Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design to be held this year on 26 and 27 October, Penny Keogh shares the reason why now is the perfect time to be sharing the story of regional architecture and celebrating the Illawarra as Australia’s fastest growing architectural hotspot.   Find out:   ●      Why regional architecture is booming and how architecture and design is rising to meet a growing appetite for exciting design in the Illawarra. ●      Some of the exciting projects happening in the Illawarra and how to nominate for this year’s Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design House Awards ●      What is in store at this year’s Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design on the 26th and 27th of October, 2024.   More about the guest and future co-host:   Penny Keogh is the Co-Founder of the Illawarra Festival of Architecture. With a background in marketing for architecture and building brands, a coffee chat with her local friend and architect, Ben Wollen, inspired a celebration of the region’s good work.   Within two short years the festival now brings together Australia’s most respected professionals who represent a growing national excitement in regional architecture. The Festival is a panacea to relieve the pent up thirst for building better to reflect the magical lifestyle and environment of this region.   Links to more on Penny and the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design   Penny Keogh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennykeogh/   Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Website: https://ifad.net.au/   Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifad/

Episode Notes In this episode we push some technical boundaries as I speak to some ideas for experiencing site specific space whilst playing guitar. The undertaking is an effort to showcase the connection between music and architecture and how design ideas can come from outside the profession. We look at two songs to illustrate this point, one by me and one by Radiohead. We then briefly link these ideas to an experience of one of the main exhibition spaces at the Tate Modern in London, England by Herzog and De Meuron.

Episode Notes In this episode we conclude the mini series - "why an architect would say yes to a commission" by focusing on the third reason - that the commission is a good project. We talk through some stories to help appreciate what might make a project good and how this might be contrary to popular belief. For many architects the size of the project, project type and location are not necessarily defining factors.

Episode Notes Following on from episode 20 we talk about the second reason why an architect would say yes to a commission or increase visibility to a potential client or client organisation - because the project has a good client. Contrary to what some may believe this isn't a client that is always saying yes. Nor is it the opposite. Instead it is someone who is able to engage in the process and help the architect understand the characters in the design response to a specific client vision.

Episode Notes Recently I was talking to my business coach and colleague in my business coaching group about some current trends in architectural practice. They both indicated that they had always thought architecture, realising a project with an architect was an undertaking only available for the select few. They are not unique in their thinking. This compelled me to revisit the question "why work with an architect?" by discussing why an architect would say yes to a commission. Why would an architect want to work with a client? This comes from a place of compassion, sympathy, empathy for potential clients to help them remove that predisposition or forgone conclusion that working with an architect is not for them. That an architect would not be interested in their project. That engaging an architect isn't warranted or justified. We answer this question by looking at the three "goods" we are looking for when accepting or pursuing a commission. In no order these are: Good fee, good client, good project. We like to have two of these ticked before signing a project. Ideally we have all three. Rarely do we say yes to a commission that only has one. Today we look at the concept of a good fee and how it is linked to the overall undertaking - the time involved in realising a design response to the client's vision.

Episode Notes Like many others for years post university I had awkward conversations in social circles that went something like this: Someone: "What do you do for a living Michael?" Response: "I work for an architectural firm" Them: "So you are an architect?" Me: "No" Them: "Did you study architecture at university?" Me: "Yes" Them: "So you are an architect?" Me: "No" Confused? They were too. This is because the word architect is protected in the states and territories of Australia and graduating from university does not grant legal license to use it. Candidates (graduates) need to get registered which involves passing a national examination in addition to other things. For years I have been involved in courses that help candidates get registered so in this episode I wanted to answer a question that comes up regularly - "how do I get registered?" by answering a different question "why should I get registered?" Or specifically why did I get registered. This is a high level short discussion with limited detail for the benefit of candidates seeking to frame their study on the way to getting registered.Or for clients, consultants, contractors and other collaborators looking to appreciate what it means and how much it matters.

Episode Notes In this episode we tell a story of design development that occurred during construction for a project in 2012. It was a collaboration with a steel fabricator that resulted in a mirror finished stainless steel desk plaque that I lovingly refer to as the Michael Clarke plaque.

Episode Notes In this episode we talk through a story relating to a design issue that was developed and refined before and during construction. A collaboration between builder, structural engineer and architect. The story is a good example of how the design team can play an important role during construction. True to our way of thinking we linked the story (and the resolution of the design issue) to some popular culture, the 1981 film Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Episode Notes In this episode I spoke to Adam Russell. Adam is one of the directors at Saltbush Projects. We talk about Adam's experience studying architecture, the great firms he worked for and projects he worked on before starting his own practices. Adam led three different firms before a brief stint in the corporate world. After that he started the community focused practice - Saltbush Projects. From luna park rollercoaster designs, architectural tattoos, surfing, surfing injuries, surf photography, urban design and more it is a great conversation that we had in a shed (not a granny flat) that Adam designed. To work with Adam go to https://www.saltbushprojects.com/ Instagram @saltbush_projects Surf photography @snapstoke

Episode Notes In this episode we talk about the role the architect can have during the final stage of design realisation - construction. We often meet people that are unaware of the fact that there is a place for the architect and the design team during construction. A stage where one would think the design is finished/defined to a level of detail in documents submitted to a builder for pricing and construction. In this episode we talk about the value an architect can add during the construction stage, two roles architects can have and some examples of design development and refinement that occurs now that the project artisans - builder and their team - are on board.

Episode Notes In this episode we talk through the origin story of the title of this podcast series - what is and what could be. It came from an experience during final year university where I did not perform as well as I wanted to - in fact I failed. I failed because I didn't do a deep enough dive into the subject matter that was presented to us. Ironically this was workshopping an investigation into something that interested me. How could I go so wrong if I was leading the research? However, with some help from friends, my tutor and my love for playing music I got to a better place than I could have ever imagined.

Episode Notes In this episode we look at competing design parameters with a focus on an aspect of the design of openings to external walls. The example we look at is windows - which in itself is a big design consideration (as evidenced by an origin story I tell in regards to one of my earlier experiences reviewing the design of windows to the house I grew up in). However, the exercise comes with the complication that a fairly common client vision - maximise the extent of ventilation - is in conflict with the requirements for fall prevention under the Building Code of Australia. We talk through the options to resolve this using the case study of the replacement of all the windows to a heritage sensitive apartment block in metropolitan Sydney.