Ladies and gentlemen, it is our pleasure to introduce you to Future Talks by RTF, a platform where pioneers of the design industry share their experiences and insights, shedding light on the evolution and soul of design.
In our continuing exploration of design innovation and the luminaries who breathe life into architectural narratives, we are honored to introduce you to a visionary trailblazer in the field of architecture – Monique Woodward.
Monique Woodward is an architect whose work transcends the boundaries of convention and redefines the art of architectural storytelling. Co-founding the illustrious WOWOWA Architecture in Australia in 2010, Monique has carved her own path in the world of design, leaving an indelible mark along the way. Her journey has been marked by numerous accolades, from being elected as a National Councilor of the Australian Institute of Architects to her role in co-chairing both EmAGN and the Small Practice Forum.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Monique was awarded the prestigious Australian Institute of Architects National Emerging Architect Prize in 2019. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she’s also a passionate educator, sharing her wisdom with aspiring architects at institutions like RMIT University and the Monash Art, Design & Architecture faculty (MADA).
Moreover, Monique’s expertise extends beyond the classroom and studio, as she has lent her discerning eye and expertise to various state and national awards juries, including a prominent role in the esteemed NGV Architecture Commission.
As we delve into Monique Woodward’s remarkable journey and the exceptional work of WOWOWA Architecture, we are sure to be inspired by her innovative design philosophy, unbounded creativity, and her tireless commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture. Join us as we embark on a captivating conversation with Monique Woodward, where she unveils the design stories that have truly come alive under her guidance and vision.
RTF: Hi Monique, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. How would you highlight the importance of constantly evolving in architecture? How do you look at it in your work at WOWOWA Architecture since you began?
Monique: I consider myself the team captain. As the Creative Director of WOWOWA Architecture it’s my heartfelt and almost sacred responsibility to constantly be evolving our practice for the wonderful humans that call the studio home. Questioning each decision, seeking freshness, lionizing innovative design thinking to maintain our thought leadership status amongst the industry is something we cherish. It comes naturally for some part, but also takes huge amount of courage and curiosity to live in that space.
RTF: What are some challenging aspects of being an architect that isn’t commonly talked about? And how has time reshaped them?
Monique: To always show up with grace and compassion. Soft skills and EQ are needed in every aspect of the work we do and I consider it a practice to improve on daily. How can we be better at reading people, how can we anticipate their needs, how can we allow space for them to tell us. For deep story listening as well as storytelling. Can we be kind to our builders when they misunderstand a detail or try to claim for more than is due. The struggle is real and requires huge empathy.
RTF: What is your design philosophy and what shaped it?
Monique: JOY. How can we embody this while we design and how can we create joyful experiences for the people who inhibit the spaces we create. It’s both simple and profound. It’s simple and hard. We enjoy mining the polarity and multiplicities here. We love embellishing collective nostalgia and levity. We are colourists. Our plans work hard and are always what make me most proud. A good plan is everything.
RTF: You have also taught design at various institutions. How do you look at the responsibility of informing others and inculcating architectural and design wisdom in people through lectures and workshops?
Monique: I stand on the shoulders of giants to be great and I understand my place in the legacy of time. Mentees stand on my shoulders to be even taller and I welcome this transfer of knowledge because I benefitted so heavily from the tales of the people I admire within our broad and diverse profession. WOWOWA sees itself as a teaching office where we invest in our team to be their best and grow into the architects they wish to be. We do allot of goal setting and visioning.
RTF: How important do you think an architectural identity is for a firm? What does that ‘architectural signature’ mean to you?
Monique: It’s crucial for each and every new practice to unpack its own authentic Visual Language. Only by leaning into the depths of one’s own intuition can newness be unearthed.
RTF: What kind of attention do you give to the ‘community’ in conceptualising a project? How do pragmatism and subjectivity go hand-in-hand in it?
Monique: Collaboration is key to our success as an organisation. We are here to serve the people who hire us and we are here to serve our own desires to create meaningful projects that are loved by the groups who commission us and also the broader community who will interact with our structures. We have a responsibility to a lot of entities as architects including to the earth we build on – to repair the damage our forefathers made and rewild and restore the original ecologies.
RTF: What are the changes in the Australian Architectural and Design landscape that also mirror Global changes or vice-versa and how do you look at it?
Monique: Environmental regeneration and the urgency with which we all need to individually do better. Sustainability isn’t a luxury to be value managed, it’s really just the new ticket to entry now and we collectively need to push harder.
RTF: How do you look at the work beyond designing for young architects, such as involvement in publishing, handling media and building an online presence?
Monique: I encourage everyone to be experimental with the way we communicate. Architects have important things to say and should aim to reach the people who are interested in their stories.
RTF: What do you think of building a social media presence for architects? How important is it and what does it demand from the architects who choose to do it all on their own?
Monique: I think socials is a tool like any other to create a space to make positive change. It’s not the only way. But it’s a method to hear yourself speak and with practice establish resonance as you hone the skill.
RTF: What advice would you give to emerging architects who are looking to increase their chances of getting their work published? Are there any specific resources or platforms that you would recommend for architects seeking publication opportunities?
Monique: I would ask what success looks like, why are you wanting to get published and by who. Articulate your favorite platform and interrogate what gets traction, can this be replicated, can you reach out to others you have seen on there and ask for advice.
RTF: How does your off-the-table life shape your professional life?
Monique: Being a mum makes me more present and grateful for the time I get to spend at the studio because the rest is all family time.
RTF: Who has been your inspiration throughout your architectural journey?
Monique: Our city, Melbourne also known by its First Nations name Naarm. Constantly inspired by this place – it’s an endless source of yummy details to be reimagined. The urban fabric is something I’m so privileged to work within and will always strive to contribute meaningfully and tell the stories of our time.
