MA+Co

Mel Bright is the director of Studio Bright, a Melbourne-based practice known for creating enduring and responsive architecture for people and place.In this episode, Mel and Dave discussed:How she has translated her background in civic projects into the studio’s residential work, and the importance of investing in big ideas, even for small projects.The small steps she has taken toward different project typologies, such as social housing, and how she strategically over-invests in projects that have the most potential to lead to similar projects.The importance of creating a healthy and strong workplace environment and the positive impact that has had on staff retention, morale and culture within the practice.The evolution of her Instagram account, from the early days of posting more personal photographs, to her thinking around sticking with one architectural photographer.What work-life balance means to her, and how it has changed as her children have grown up and the fulcrum has shifted.If you'd like to learn more about her studio, you can visit studiobright.com.au or follow the studio on Instagram at @studio__bright.Office Talk is hosted by Dave Sharp of Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. We work collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation, simply visit officedavesharp.com.Today's episode of Office Talk was edited and engineered by Anthony Richardson of Simple Dwelling Studio.

Anita Panov and Andrew Scott are the directors of Panov Scott, a Sydney-based practice known for their approach to ethical, sustainable and innovative architecture.In this episode, Anita, Andrew and Dave discussed:How crafting personalised books about each of their projects has allowed them to form deeper relationships with their clients, better communicate ideas and articulate their values.How being quiet on Instagram doesn’t translate to a quiet practice, and how they have spent the time off social media designing their business to suit their desired lifestyle.The importance of ensuring that the perception of the practice, and how you communicate and engage with the community, is authentic to the personality of the people within the practice.The evolution of architectural photography over their careers, and the photography trends from the early years of their practice they see re-appearing today.If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit panovscott.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @panovscott.Office Talk is hosted by Dave Sharp of Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. We work collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation, simply visit officedavesharp.com.Today's episode of Office Talk was edited and engineered by Anthony Richardson of Simple Dwelling Studio.

Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan are the directors of Kennedy Nolan, a Melbourne-based practice known for their approach to built form, contextual response and a close relationship with landscape.In this episode, Patrick, Rachel and Dave discussed:How they reject the negative associations around following design trends, and instead embrace the idea that their projects are reflective of their time and place, and will eventually date as tastes change.How having a strong workplace culture that encourages having a life outside of architecture gives them the energy and inspiration to come up with new ideas.The important considerations they make about the best way to photograph a project to enter into awards and media, and how to create images that will better communicate ideas to clients.How the strength of their brand has helped them move into larger scale projects such as Nightingale Leftfield and a 16-storey hotel building currently under construction.Why blurring the lines between architecture and interior design has helped their projects to feel more emotionally engaging, both in person and in images.The value of being an active participant in award programs from the very start, and the positive impact winning an award for their first project had on their practice.If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit kennedynolan.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @kennedy_nolan.Office Talk is hosted by Dave Sharp of Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. Our practice works collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation to discuss your practice, simply visit officedavesharp.com.Today's episode of Office Talk was edited and engineered by Anthony Richardson of Simple Dwelling Studio.

Karen Alcock and Rachael McNally are from MA+Co, a 12-person Melbourne-based practice working on a mix of residential, multi-res and commercial projects.In this episode, Karen, Rachael and I discussed:How the studio has fostered strong long-term relationships with developers, and their insights on ways architects can play a bigger and more impactful role in the development team.Their approach to finding the balance between development budgets and the enjoyment of future occupants by concentrating on designing low-cost moments of joy into every space.They reflect on their recent rebrand, and discuss the benefits of a website that is highly curated, both in terms of the number of projects presented, and the short memorable messages shown to visitors.How the brand refresh allowed them to look inward, communicate what is important to them as a practice, and gain a professional external perspective on their values and strengths.A close look at their recent Mori House, focusing on how commissioning two photography sessions of the one project allowed them to capture the house in both a raw form, and then as a lived-in home.If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit ma-co.au or follow them on Instagram at @ma_co.au.This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, Welcome to Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. Based in Perth, the practice works collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation to discuss your practice, simply visit officedavesharp.com.Episode credits: Edited by Anthony Richardson of Simple Dwelling Studio. Engineered by James Ede of Be Heard. Cover illustration by Woshibai. Design by Studio Hi Ho.

Scott Eldridge and Jeremy Anderson are the directors of of Eldridge Anderson Architects, a 4-person residential practice based on Victoria's Surf Coast.In this episode, Scott, Jeremy and Dave discussed:Why they front-load so much effort into the sketch design stage of the design process, resolving much of the project details at this early stage and presenting a single, fully fleshed-out design idea to their clients.The benefits of slower, more mindful ways of practice like hand-drawing and physical modelmaking for refining clear design ideas, nurturing interest in and passion for practice, and injecting energy and momentum into the architect-client relationship.The ongoing debate over whether architects should put their personalities and design process out there for the world to see, or take a big step back and let the work speak for itself and allow the public to interpret the work in their own way.The idea of a less-but-better approach to marketing and communications, and why subtracting unnecessary elements and carefully considering what gets put out can give a practice a clearer and more potent brand identity.If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit eldridgeanderson.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @eldridge_anderson.This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson are the directors of Retallack Thompson, a Sydney-based architecture practice seeking to create timeless and enduring architecture, interior and landscape design. In this episode, Jemima, Mitchell and Dave discussed:How to make the most of every project opportunity in the early years of practice, from realising that briefs and budgets will often expand and change from what clients present during the first meeting, to taking on smaller projects as a way to explore ideas, develop relationships or refine internal processes.Why Jemima and Mitchell believe that percentage-based fees can create an appearance of conflict of interest that can harm the architect-client relationship, impact the client experience and reduce potential referrals.The unexpected benefits of marketing to other architects; from valuable overflow referrals to collaborations with larger practices on public projects.What Jemima and Mitchell learned about achieving work-life balance from their experiences working in leading practices earlier in their careers, and how they have structured their practice to maximise both the quality of their work and the time they can spend with their kids.The negative influence Australia's real estate industry, with its emphasis on resale value, has had on the creative ambitions of residential clients. Jemima and Mitchell share how they encourage their clients to be brave with their homes, and worry less about future owners and more about their own enjoyment.If you'd like to learn more about Retallack Thompson, you can visit retallackthompson.com or follow them on Instagram at @retallackthompson. This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Katelin Butler is the Editorial Director of Architecture Media, Australia's leading publisher for the built environment and the home of well-known titles such as Architecture Australia, Houses Magazine, Artichoke and architectureau.com. Before taking on the role of Editorial Director, Katelin was the Editor of Houses Magazine from 2011 to 2019, and established the highly successful Houses Awards program.In this episode, Katelin and I discussed:How the Architecture Media editors decide which projects belong in their magazines, and how they look beyond imagery and aesthetics to highlight projects that have educational value for the industry.The role each magazine plays in the Architecture Media portfolio, and the quality-focused approach Katelin and her team take to ensure their titles are the most trusted sources of information in the industry.The different approaches architects can take to engage with the media, looking at targeted vs broad outreach, avoiding busy times of the year, and the value of having patience and holding onto projects for thorough coverage and maximum impact, rather than rushing them out the door in a superficial way.The importance of continuous engagement with editors earlier on in the project timeline, rather than the traditional model of shooting a finished project and submitting it to publications.If you'd like to learn more about Katelin's work, you can visit architecturemedia.com to subscribe to their titles, or follow Katelin on Instagram at @katelinbutler. This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich are the directors of Richards Stanisich, a 20-person interior design and architecture practice based in Sydney.In this episode, Jonathan, Kirsten and Dave discussed:The journey of establishing the new Richards Stanisich brand after 15 years operating as SJB Interiors Sydney.The strategic challenge of designing a new brand that could convey a sense of experience, stability, maturity, and knowledge.The importance of a consistent and creative approach to project photography, emphasising depth, mood, and richness in their work.Their thoughts on fostering long-lasting client relationships, and the importance of repeat business and referral from existing clients.The evolving definition of luxury in the Australian residential market, focusing on uniqueness, longevity, and personalisation over extravagance.If you'd like to learn more about Richards Stanisich, you can visit their website at richardsstanisich.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @richards_stanisich. This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Liam Eastop is the director of Eastop Architects, an architecture and interiors practice based in Melbourne.Eastop Architects was founded by Liam Eastop in 2017 following his extensive practice experience working on award winning residential, commercial & urban design projects. Liam graduated with a Master of Architecture from Monash University, receiving the ‘Roderick Macdonald Scholarship’ for design excellence and has since spent several years teaching and presenting lectures at both Melbourne University and Monash University.In this episode, Liam and I discussed:His approach to project photography, from shooting the studio's first projects on a tight budget, to their current process which involves deep collaboration and planning with photographers and stylists, custom furniture pieces, and carefully planned landscaping.How the studio embraced speculative drawings, images and renders to convey the practice's design approach and interests in the early days of the practice before they had completed built work.The importance of setting firm creative boundaries with clients in order to create a strong and clear body of work, and why Liam prefers to work with clients who have done their research before approaching an architect.How Liam has created a clear and considered brand identity by developing gold standards for all public-facing images, text, graphic design and drawings. If you'd like to learn more about Eastop Architects, you can visit their website at eastop.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @eastop_architects.This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like me and my guests to discuss in future episodes, please send them to [email protected].

Lauren Li is the director of Sisällä, a Melbourne-based interior design practice known for their colourful, playful and liveable approach to residential interiors. Lauren is also a design educator, running workshops, courses and an online community geared towards emerging interior designers. Lauren writes a monthly column for The Design Files, and has just released her first book, The New French Look, with Thames & Hudson.In this episode, Lauren and I discussed:Why Lauren believes having diverse revenue streams can make studios more resilient during slowdowns in the residential construction market, and a behind the scenes look at how she developed her different educational offers.Her journey as a design writer, from five posts a week in the early days of blogging to becoming a monthly columnist for The Design Files and writing a book—and how writing and putting ideas out there in public has helped Lauren to develop a unique point of view as a designer.Lauren's approach to making architectural photography more accessible and personal to the client, and balancing the trade-offs between images that resonate with potential clients, and carefully styled images that are more easily published in magazines.Why Lauren believes working with ultra design-savvy clients—although often the stated marketing goal for many architects and interior designers—can often make it harder for designers to take on the role of expert and educator in the design process.Why branding, getting published, putting your ideas out there and showing excitement and passion for the possibilities of a project can be crucial for building trust with new clients.Why developing a clear point of view as a designer and taking risks to challenge the status quo can help to attract like-minded clients and media exposure for small design studios.If you'd like to learn more about Sisällä, you can visit their website at sisalla.com.au, or follow them on Instagram at @sisalla_interior_design.Lauren's new book, The New French Look, is available on sale right now from online retailers, and your local independent book store.This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like me and my guests to discuss in future episodes, please send them to [email protected].