John Wardle Architects

Our practice has evolved from its roots as a smaller studio into a larger collaborative environment where every project has a range of creative, technical and strategic contributions from a diversity of architects and interior designers within JWA. Within the office, each of our roles has several dimensions, encouraging diversity and versatility, which means that we all contribute creatively. Beyond the office, our engagement with others is similarly inclusive, always curious to understand another's point of view. Our passion for the story of a project as told through the conversations with our client, the many interactions of a team, leads to a diversity of outcomes. We are a practice of many ideas. The consistency of our values as a practice is the common thread that weaves its way through. At times we describe our projects as explanatory as we endeavour to make these different influences evident. There are building qualities that we value constantly guiding our thinking. We are interested in the particular qualities and experience of a place - intimate or grand, civic or solitary, protected or exposed, transparent or immersive - and how to frame spaces to create an experience of place that is right for a project. Many projects by JWA have been highly awarded. This includes twice being recognised with the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award for best public building in Australia in 2002 and 2006 by the Australian Institute of Architects. JWA has also won the Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award for best residential project on three occasions and has twice been the recipient of the Victorian Architecture Medal.