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/