Talent spotting

Following an illuminating edit and revision, the storied space housing Australia’s oldest and largest literary agency, Curtis Brown, now reads even brighter.

FIONA INGLIS, managing director of Curtis Brown, called on Jen Humphry of design and construction firm Modify to breathe new life into the agency’s premises. The terrace in Paddington, NSW, is now a salubrious work environment as well as a showcase for Australia’s brightest literary stars.

Fiona Inglis: Literary agents represent writers, licensing their copyright to book publishers, and film and theatre producers.

FI: What we seek in signing up new clients are writers who are prepared to do the hard work required to reach publication, and writing that is original, relevant and relatable.

FI: We wanted to be away from but close to the city, and in an area that had character and appeal. We finally landed on this perfect location, just up from the bustling cafes of Five Ways but still with convenience and charm. The business has always been in Paddington so it was also good to be able to continue that tradition.

FI: Like so many Paddington terraces, this one had many original features but was in dire need of upgrading to maximise light and space.

Jen Humphry: We were approached by Fiona whose home we had previously renovated. The brief was to inject life and light into the terrace with provision for future growth in personnel for the business, but also with the opportunity to return the terrace to a beautiful functioning home if it were sold.

JH: The existing terrace was dark and damp with services located at the rear. Many original features had been stripped out or were in poor condition. Relocating the powder room to the centre connected the kitchen and informal meeting areas to the rear courtyard, inviting the