Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we delve into the fascinating world of design, innovation, and the visionary pioneers who bring these stories to life. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable individual who has played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of Australia.
Meet Marie-Claire, a co-founder of an architectural studio in 2016, and one half of the dynamic duo alongside her husband and business partner, James. This dynamic pair has successfully built a team of over 50 talented individuals dedicated to bringing visionary projects to fruition across Australia.
Marie-Claire’s journey into the world of design and architecture began with her graduation from Sydney University, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Design in Architecture. Her unique blend of engineering and architectural expertise has set her on a path of remarkable achievement.
With a career spanning both project management and architecture, Marie-Claire has honed her skills, with a particular focus on hotels and multi-residential projects. Her extensive portfolio boasts a collection of high-end hotels and expansive multi-residential developments, showcasing her prowess in crafting spaces that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Today, we invite you to join us in exploring the insights, inspirations, and incredible journey of Marie-Claire. Her story exemplifies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and the boundless potential that resides within the world of design and architecture.
RTF: Hi Marie-Claire, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. How did the initial experience of designing and managing projects eventually help build Place Studio?
Marie-Claire: We have always considered the project journey and the design process required to get the best outcome for a project. This initial experience of all the micro aspects of a project has helped us grow Place Studio considering the key requirements and drivers for projects.
RTF: Place Studio has been influential in the Australian architectural landscape. How do you define your approach towards design?
Marie-Claire: As a studio we have always considered the client’s drivers and journey. We have focused on making sure our designs are in keeping with the client’s requirements and are value driven to provide housing to all types of people across Australia. We are focused on amenity and space planning to achieve the best value for both the investor and end occupant.
We have a strong focus on contextual analysis that influences our design process. We do an iterative design process to get the best outcome for a design, always trying to stay strong to our initial design ethos and narrative for a project.
RTF: How do collaborative efforts shape a project? What are some advantages of working with your Partner James Alexander-Hatziplis?
Marie-Claire: We have always focused on collaboration since the beginning. Place is a studio where the team works together to problem solve and design the best outcome for a project. Working with my husband James has always helped me problem solve and think in a different way. We are both very different and bring different perspectives to the table.
RTF: What are some challenges of working with contractors and consultants?
Marie-Claire: Managing a project delivery can sometimes be challenging. The key aspect for us is making sure all the builders and consultants we work with will deliver items in a timely fashion and have an open collaborative relationship with our team.
RTF: How would you highlight the importance of constantly evolving in architecture? How do you look at it in your work since you began?
Marie-Claire: Our studio is always changing and growing based on changes in the design and construction market. We see it as an opportunity to grow and rethink our processes to get the best outcome for design projects. We evolve in our workflow but also the way we approach design. We believe constant evolution is required in the current marketplace.
RTF: What are your views on sustainability in urban design and architecture? Have far have we come from sustainability renders and plans to their real-life execution?
Marie-Claire: Sustainability has a long way to go. Local Councils and governments have been slowly introducing measures to improve sustainability. More measures are needed and consideration for costs to make this work for real-life execution. Most people are only providing provisions for sustainability measures not going all the way with these requirements.
RTF: How do you look at the work beyond designing for young architects, such as the likes of involvement in publishing, handling media and building an online presence?
Marie-Claire: We focus on design and delivery of projects. As part of this we get involved with research and development. We have gotten an online presence from the types of projects we deliver and the fact that we are trying to change the status quo of architecture by bringing a young and fresh approach.
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?
Marie-Claire: We always consider the local context and community as part of the design process. It is important to make sure the design takes the local context and pragmatic project requirements into account. Bringing both the subjective design requirements and pragmatic project requirements into account brings the best out of a project.
RTF: Which project of yours has been the most rewarding for you in terms of learning? Which is your favourite project and why?
Marie-Claire: It is hard to select a favorite. The project I learnt the most on was a multi-residential tower in Brisbane that provides a mix of student accommodation, a wellness center and apartments. Considering the mixed requirements for these uses and the aesthetic requirements provided a challenge to achieve the best design outcome.
RTF: What is your process of developing the initial thoughts about a project? How do you start?
Marie-Claire: We always start with contextual analysis to make sure the proposed design is in keeping with the surrounding context and desired future context of the area. This is always critical and is the springboard for all our designs.
RTF: Who has been your inspiration throughout your architectural journey?
Marie-Claire: I have always been inspired by designers that think outside the box. I love the interior designs by Kelly Wearstler and how all her spaces have a paired back maximalism. Joseph Dirand also has an amazing eye for creating minimalist spaces with detailed layering that transform an atmosphere. I always consider the interior spaces and their layouts as part of the design process so am regularly inspired by interior designers.
RTF: Where do you find global architecture a decade from now?
Marie-Claire: A decade from now architectural technologies will likely have a greater impact into how we design and generate a space. This will be critical and will change our whole industry. Please will still need a place to live in, but the design process to get there will be altered by the iterative capabilities of technology.
RTF: Where does one find you when you’re not working?
Marie-Claire: If I am not working, I am normally with my two young girls. My daughters are 1 and 4. So you will often find me at the park or a kids play date.
