Design portrait

WHAT HAS INFORMED AND INSPIRED YOUR

form, rhythm, proportion, light, materiality, beauty, meaning – and so history is a rich resource. Our work typically has a contemporary expression but it may have a classical sense of rhythm, a Georgian sense of proportion, a minimalist expression of detail, and a European layering of texture and material. WHAT COULDN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? I couldn’t live without natural light. It’s essential to wellbeing, and is something we think about throughout the design process. Access to daylight is the difference between a sense of harmony and unease. And, come nightfall, a variety of light sources is integral to maintaining a sense of comfort. IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE IN MELBOURNE, WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU LIVE? I would return to London. The history and depth of design is amazing – interiors, architecture, fashion, music, photography, art. WHICH DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS OR INTERIOR DESIGNERS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? John Pawson for his ability to distil the essence of any space; Carlo Scarpa for his focus on detail; Tadao Ando for his mastery of light and engagement with nature; Peter Zumthor for his use of materials and craft; Kerry Hill for his ability to reflect local culture in his work. Joseph Dirand and Vincent Van Duysen for a restrained timeless aesthetic. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS AND DO YOU COLLECT ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? My last purchase was a Frédéric Forest drawing for our ensuite – the calm minimal aesthetic perfectly complements the space. Otherwise, artwork in our house tends to take the form of furniture or objects. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? A couple of particularly exciting projects are the contemporary renovation of a Georgian townhouse and a very special private house. We are also developing a number of custom furniture and lighting pieces. WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND YOUR WORK? It centres on the enduring principles of design, space, material, light, proportion and form. We are committed to delivering distinctive and timeless design solutions that respond to contemporary living and enhance our lives and our cities. conradarchitects.com