Interview with Stuart Threadgold

Stuart Threadgold ("ST") interviewed on Tuesday, 14 August.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

ST : Since graduating from Curtin University with honours in 1995, I've worked at various award winning offices, such as; Banham Architects, Design Ink and Overman Zuideveld prior to establishing Threadgold Architecture in 2008.

How did you become a designer?

ST : My paternal patronage was engineering so my personal shift to architecture was a decision I had made in my early childhood. I didn't think I could purse my gifting in mathematics 24/7.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

ST : My building design gives priority to climate, context and culture. Since university, I have moved away from building physical models as ArchiCAD is a more complete physical study of a building.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

ST : The inception of a new project and the endless possibilities is always the most exciting part of any project but equally achieving the client's outcomes at practical completion provides immense satisfaction as an Architect.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

ST : In my observations, most projects that suffer fatal flaws and possibly end in court are where the collaborative process between client, architect, engineer et al has broken down through poor communication. Interestingly, the Australian of Architects and Architeam manage CPD events specifically targeting communication but in my experiences, the best way to develop good communication skills would be via marriage.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

ST : Since the global financial crisis, bank credit has been increasingly difficult to procure for many Australian clients. The size, scale and complexity of future projects need to recognize this persistent challenge so I believe growth can be found in smaller projects and budgets - we can already see this shift in the tiny house movement. These days an architect's market is inextricably linked to the derivatives market.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

ST : Younger architects and building designers should consider building a 'war-chest' and jumping over the other side of the table and put to use all the valuable skills they have acquired in wearing a developer's hat.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

ST : One of the biggest challenges for architects these days is selling their service and fighting perceptions of being 'expensive'. The challenge to this misconstrued idea in the market place is to reduce professional fees to levels that could result in short-cuts; particularly in light of recent free trade agreements. Reducing fees is a very slippery slope under tort law and a better course maybe to convince clients 'value'.

What is your day to day look like?

ST : Depending on the number of projects you are juggling at any given time; as an architect and builder it is difficult to rigidly follow a routine. Scheduled meetings and interruptions from clients, consultants and trades mean that routine is a sunset on the horizon.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

ST : Flicking through magazines are the most enjoyable way to be cognizant of design news but online journals, blogs and the like may be the death of print media.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

ST : 10% of all professional fees go to christian charities.

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