Practice Notes: Staying Connected with the Industry.

The fourth episode of Practice Notes is here, our video series in partnership with ArchiPro. These round-table conversations shine a spotlight on our talented Australian design community, bringing together industry leaders to answer our burning questions, all related to the practice of design and architecture—from the opportunities to the challenges, and everything in between.

The discussions speak directly to ArchiPro’s mission to connect architects and designers with clients and empower people to create better spaces in which we experience life.

Back in the hot seat is Ian Moore of Ian Moore Architects; Domenic Alvaro, Global Design Director at Woods Bagot; Eva-Marie Prineas of Studio Prineas and David Flack of Flack Studio, continuing the conversation with our editor, Dana Tomić Hughes.

In this episode, we pick the panel’s brains on how they stay connected with the industry. We cover everything from how they stay on top of new products and suppliers; how they go about expanding their professional network; and the importance of the trades in our industry.

Practice Notes: Advocating the Value of Design.

For the inaugural episode of Practice Notes, this mighty group dives into The Value of Design—a topic that's perhaps never been more relevant with today’s bombardment of images and endless “inspiration”.

Well known for his layered approach to materiality, David works with a close-knit group of collaborators.

A common theme throughout the conversation was the importance of cultivating relationships with various collaborators. “For me, having a really good structural engineer is really important…,” says Ian. “Having long-term relationships with all these people, right down to your electricians to your plumbers is critical, and it’s just a slow process of building up your team.”

“All of our key engineers and associated designers, like landscape and lighting, and any other particular technical experts—they’re all part of a collaborative process in conceiving and executing good work,” says Domenic. “I think that’s also part of the fun—you need to have like-minded designers that want to go on the journey with you.”

Eva Marie agrees, explaining, “We couldn’t do what we do without a really good extended team and I think that’s something we really value. They know exactly how we do things and it actually makes working a breeze—and it’s cost-effective for our clients because everyone knows where they’re going in the projects.”

Practice Notes: Finding The Right Client.

The second episode of Practice Notes examines the client relationship fundamentals and how to build trust and cultivate client relationships, and how much of this responsibility rests with the professionals...

Eva Marie hard at work with her joiners. Working closely and consistently with her makers she considers them part of her extended team.

Through his work, Ian strives to create a timeless aesthetic; with materials that are natural, long-lasting, low maintenance and environmentally conscious.

“What I find is that we work with a core group of collaborators and we’re very loyal to them,” explains David. “I love materiality. When I set up our studio, I wanted to make the finishes front and centre, because I think you should be celebrating that materiality and it becomes a journey as part of our strategy of how we work with our clients.”

Ian discusses how his design ethos is intrinsically linked to his core palette and material considerations. “What I try to aim for in my work is to be timeless and create buildings with materials that are natural, long-lasting, low maintenance and very good for the environment. It’s using things that are tried and tested. I always say to people—when you go to Rome you love walking around and seeing the buildings and they’re made from a particular material that’s been there for 2000 years and it’s still going strong. That’s what I’m going to give you, my aim in life is to produce that.”

Check out the full conversation in the video below.

Practice Notes is a bespoke Yellowtrace Promotion produced in partnership with ArchiPro—one of New Zealand’s most successful start-ups, which launched in Australia earlier this year, with a mission to simplify the end-to-end building process. Purpose-built for people at any stage of the building journey, the cutting-edge platform seamlessly connects those wanting to build or renovate an architecturally designed home with the Australian industry professionals and products that can bring their vision to life.

For more information on ArchiPro Australia, visit archipro.com.au. To apply to join the platform as a professional member, click here.

Practice Notes: How Important is the Design Brief?

From learning the minutiae of people's daily lives to unlocking a problem, a brief can enrich a project and push the boundaries—transforming it from good design to a uniquely elevated space that functions to perfection.

[Concept, direction, scripting, graphics and video production by Studio Yellowtrace. Filming and post-production by Tommy Devy. Photography by Nick Hughes/ Studio Yellowtrace. Shot on location at Cult Sydney showroom.]