If you’re looking for a list of the best architects in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place. These are some of the top professionals in the field who are known for their talent, experience, and expertise in the industry. From architectural firms like Cox Architecture, Spence & Partners, and Hassell Studio, to architectural boutiques, such as Harry Seidler Architects and Andrew Burges Architects, this list has it all.
Hassell Studio
In 2010 Hassell was ranked 25th in the World Architecture survey of the world’s 100 largest architecture practices. The firm’s projects include world class stadiums, airport terminals and health specialist facilities.
They also work on workplace and commercial design. Hassell’s integrated design teams ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.
In addition to working in Australia, the firm has offices in Singapore, China, United Kingdom, and the United States. It has received many awards for its work including a Good Design award.
As well as delivering world class projects, HASSELL has a commitment to fostering a healthy, collaborative and creative culture. This is reflected in the studio’s design, which is character filled workspaces that allow designers to display their work.
As a leading international architectural firm, Hassell’s success is judged by how people interact with their buildings and spaces. For example, HASSELL designed the Qantas Domestic Terminal, which enables the airline to meet the increasing demands of the industry while embracing changes in technology.
HASSELL is also known for its involvement in the landmark Adelaide Festival Centre complex. Originally established in Adelaide, South Australia, the practice has expanded into other cities in Asia and the United Kingdom.
Harbourside is a redevelopment project that will deliver a new public square, a widened waterfront promenade and a retail and entertainment centre in the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour district. Along with the new building, the project will create a public domain of more than 10,000 square metres.
Andrew Burges Architects
Andrew Burges Architects is a multi-disciplined design studio based in Sydney. The firm specializes in single, multi-residential and masterplanning projects. They focus on designing buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Andrew Burges is a graduate of the University of Sydney, having earned a degree in architecture in 1992. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. His award winning designs have earned him a spot on the cover of the prestigious Architectural Review Magazine.
When asked to name his favorite project, he readily mentions his work on the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre as the most rewarding. It is the largest pool complex in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics. With a design that is both sustainable and user-friendly, this is a great example of what Andrew Burges Architects is all about.
On the more practical front, Andrew Burges Architects was also able to turn a Federation-era home into a contemporary masterpiece. One of the most interesting aspects of this project was that the designers worked closely with the owners. Their goals included a home that could function as a vacation rental, a secondary residence and an extended family dwelling. While the design was not particularly complicated, the architects were able to achieve the homeowner’s wishes by utilizing innovative materials and construction techniques.
Among other things, the designers were able to incorporate a floating pool and pathway that connected a private residence with the neighborhood park. The resulting achievement is a feat in its own right.
Cox Architecture
Cox Architecture is a firm that is involved in a wide range of projects. They are responsible for a number of landmark buildings throughout Australia and South East Asia.
The practice is run by Philip Cox and ten partners. Their offices are in many cities around the country. It is a multidisciplinary firm that works within a collegiate framework. Having more than 500 people, they focus on master planning and design for all projects.
The firm also focuses on sustainability in all of its projects. For example, their Pitt Street OSD is a 39-story office building that spans the entire city block. In addition, they have also designed the Western Sydney International Airport, a new greenfield airport that will serve as a major catalyst for the western Parkland City region.
The architects at Cox Architecture are also well-versed in residential projects. One of their most recent projects was a custom-built home for a couple. This architectural firm uses unexpected angles and forms to create unique homes.
Another project that they have worked on is the National Maritime Museum in Binhai New Area, China. This museum is now open to the public. With this project, they were able to make use of the natural environment and the surrounding landscape.
They have also won a number of awards for their work. A recent award was the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal.
Fox Johnston
Fox Johnston is an award-winning Sydney-based architecture firm whose work spans commercial, public and residential buildings. Director Conrad Johnston and co-director Emili Fox specialise in high-end contemporary residential design, often incorporating landscape and architecture into the mix. The firm is renowned for its innovative design solutions and curious approaches to the built environment.
Fox Johnston Architects has recently opened a new studio in the inner city suburb of Surry Hills. The 155 square meter studio occupies the top floor of a 1940s warehouse building. As the name suggests, the studio’s focus is on architecture and interiors, with a particular interest in small footprint design.
Studio Johnston is also working on a novel mixed tenure residential project for Frasers at Midtown. In a move reminiscent of the practice’s ethos, the team is keen on the collaborative design process, ensuring its staff’s health and wellbeing in the process. Keeping a tight lid on costs is another priority, as is the design of bespoke furniture and fittings that can be reconfigured as the practice expands.
One of the company’s best projects is the Wellington on the Park, Waterloo, a multi-residential development featuring an abundance of light and a host of other impressive design features. With a bold sculptural form at its heart, the structure features large windows and private balconies overlooking the park and city skyline.
A zig-zag arrangement of concrete columns and large floor-to-glass windows creates a sense of dynamism. In a nod to the local environment, the house has been designed to respect the existing trees on its site.
Spence & Partners
Sydney is home to many architectural firms, each of which is known for their unique forms and bold approach to design. Some of these firms are newer and more emerging, while others are old-school and have been around for years. Regardless of which architecture firm you choose, you’re sure to find a firm that meets your needs.
One of the oldest Australian architecture firms is Peddle Thorp & Walker. It has offices in Australia, Asia, China, and Hong Kong. The firm has built a reputation for its commitment to sustainable design and building. Their projects are in residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Another firm that’s known for its sustainable approach is Andrew Burges Architects. While they work on both commercial and residential projects, their focus is on civic and public buildings. They have a long history of working on heritage sites.
Another interdisciplinary firm is CplusC. As the first architect-builder to be certified as a B Corporation, they are committed to both purpose and profit. This combination of purpose and profitability has led them to design hundreds of sustainable projects.
A new firm in Sydney, Fox Johnston, is focused on the community. Their projects are inspired by the landscape, natural resources, and the local context. They’ve tackled numerous houses, public projects, and even a hotel.
A third Sydney architecture firm is Smart Architecture Studio. With a team of over 45 professionals, they work on a variety of projects. Recent projects include four new residential buildings with restored horse stables.
Harry Seidler
Harry Seidler is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest modernist architects. In his career spanning six decades, he designed over 180 buildings. He is represented in every major city in the country.
The first commission for him was to design a house for his parents in Sydney. They lived on a beautiful harbour. Using the natural light, Seidler transformed a drab box into a Modernist home.
The house was inspired by the Bauhaus movement. It was the first of many commissions to follow.
Seidler also forged long-term collaborations with renowned names in architecture. Notable collaborators included Frank Stella, Norman Carlberg, and Lin Utzon.
When he celebrated his 50th year of practice in Australia, he noted that building technology had changed. However, he noted that despite the changes, he still felt the need to keep the same approach to design.
One of the most popular and influential of his designs was the Rose Seidler House in Sydney. Originally built as a home for his mother, it triggered a series of new commissions.
Another famous Seidler building is the MLC Centre office tower. This building was completed in 1973, and features Nervi-designed T beams.
Seidler’s work on Australia Square is a great example of his ability to combine art and architecture. He worked with famed Italian engineer Pierre Luigi Nervi to create a high-rise building. Despite its controversial design, it was the tallest concrete structure in the world when it opened.
