TOM F ER GUSON
The Sydney architect-turned-professional interiors photographer shares some of the highlights along his creative journey.
I studied architecture at the University of NSW and went to work for Cracknell Lonergan Architects after I graduated in 2000. I received a few design commissions off the back of my first solo architectural project, which led to establishing my own practice in 2006. I’d always had an interest in photography so started taking photos of my work, then other architects and designers asked me to shoot theirs. The transition from full-time architect in 2006 to full-time photography in 2020 has been gradual. Construction on the last of my architectural projects was completed in May this year.
I grew up in a 1960s red-brick house in a relatively new subdivision in North Turramurra [on Sydney’s Upper North Shore]. I’m not sure whether it had any great influence on my interest in architecture, but I do have childhood memories of drawing floor plans that were similar to the house in my spare time. I also remember my mum telling me that the dining room should always be close to the kitchen.
Each work day is different, but I can genuinely say that every job is enjoyable. I love the solo projects, where I am left alone with a house and camera for a day or more, as much as I enjoy the highly collaborative, highly styled team efforts. I think the most enjoyable thing is that I get to see such a variety of great architecture and interiors up close.
Professionally, I’d like to explore different kinds of photography. I’ve just begun dipping my toe into the world of drones because I am often asked if I can do drone shots of a property.
While I don’t think drone footage can replace traditional photography, there is definitely room for drone shots as a complement to a set of stills.
A real highlight in my career was having my images of the ABU House project by Stephen Collins Interior Design on the cover of Elle Décor
Italia in 2014. It was a great milestone and an important point in my transition from architecture to photography.
The biggest challenge was definitely the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. As an architect with a new solo practice and an employee to think of, it was very tough.
Strategies for a satisfying work/life balance? Sometimes I think I have a great work/work balance so I’m probably not the best person to ask! Photography is such a creative process though, so sometimes I don’t feel like work is actually work. For me, getting out for a walk around Sydney Harbour – without headphones – taking in the sites and sounds of the city is a good antidote to work.
Reading really nourishes my creativity. I love physical copies of design and architecture magazines. I’m currently reading Night Lessons in Little Jerusalem by Australian author Rick Held too.
When I’m retouching, I usually have ABC local radio on in the background. When I’m driving to shoots, I like to listen to podcasts. My current favourite is ‘No Such Thing As A Fish’ [produced by the makers of the BBC television show, QI].
Which artists, architects and designers do I admire? This is a really difficult question – there are so many on the list! Having been an architect, I admire anyone who has the tenacity to get projects designed, approved and built.
My favourite artists are Tomislav Nikolic and Coen Young. My favourite designer has to be Achille Castiglioni – I just adore lamps.
I’m not much of a fashionista but Valentino’s Rockrunner trainers are a bit of a staple for me. They’re expensive but they last forever and are a perfect balance of comfort and style.
True luxury? An infinity-edge pool by the ocean. It’s the swimming version of driving with the windows down and the airconditioning on!
I recently went to New Canaan in Connecticut, USA, to visit the BassamFellows office, The Glass House and Hodgson House, all designed by Philip Johnson. It was pretty amazing – beautiful buildings full of beautiful objects. Grace Farms, a nature park with community creative spaces designed by SANAA, was another highlight of the trip.
There’s a lot to love in my own neighbourhood too. Quattro Passi cafe in Darlinghurst [in Sydney’s inner east] is a longtime favourite. For dinner, I adore The Apollo, which does modern Greek food, and Cho Cho San (contemporary Japanese). Both restaurants are in Potts Point, another suburb in Sydney’s inner east.
www.tomferguson.com.au
“The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to see such a variety of great architecture and interiors up close.”