Operating in their home town of Brisbane, Adrian Spence and Ingrid Richards co-founded Richards & Spence in 2008 with the aim of choreographing vibrant public spaces from private commissions. A small architectural practice of 7 people, Richards & Spence projects are broad in type, ranging from bespoke furniture commissions, houses and restaurants to larger scale retail, commercial, multi residential and mixed use developments, with a focus on urban infill retail projects.

The studio has authored a number of significant retail developments throughout the city, including the recent Brisbane International Airport Retail refurbishment, the development of Burnett Lane in the CBD and the proposed regeneration of the Historic Boggo Road Gaol site. The practice has been critical in the ongoing development of the James Street Precinct, including the 19 James Street Development and most recently, the West Elm retail development at 19 Wandoo Street. The ideas relating to architectural form and planning, which have been key to the success of the precinct, are developed further in the new 178 room James Street Hotel, retail and lifestyle development, scheduled to commence construction this year.

Richards & Spence were featured as an emerging practice at the 2011 National Architecture Conference and were invited speakers at the Australia & New Zealand Student Architecture Congress, Newcastle, 2013. In 2015 they were invited as delegates to the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Portugal, Lisbon, contributing to the retail discussion panel.

Yes, these guys are dead-set legends, and it’s a real pleasure to celebrate their many achievements today. Let’s make some noise for Adrian & Ingrid!

Milne Street Residence by Richards & Spence. Photography by Alicia Taylor.

+ Hi guys, welcome to Yellowtrace and thank you for taking the time to e-chat. Could you please give us a quick introduction on yourself? And when did you decide it was time to start your business?

19 James Sreet by Richards & Spence. Photography by Alicia Taylor + Toby Scott.

+ What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there something that is fundamental to your practice – your philosophy and your process?

Wandoo Street, West Elm by Richards & Spence. Photography by Toby Scott.

+ How is your studio structured? i.e. How many of you work in the studio, what types of skills do you have in-house, is there anything you are outsourcing, and how many projects do you handle at any one time?

Blonde Venus retail store in Brisbane by Richards & Spence. Photography by Toby Scott.

+ How do you organise and manage the competing demands of modern business and life? Do you have any tip or tricks you could share with us that help you in your day to day (i.e. software, online tools, shortcuts, task management, cheat sheets, advisors, anything!)

Brickworks Design Studio by Richards & Spence. Photography by Toby Scott.

+ What do you feel is the most challenging part of being an architect today? And if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

+ What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive? And your top source of inspiration and reference are drawn to regularly – i.e. books, magazines, websites/ blogs etc?

Donna Bionda by Richards & Spence. Photography by Toby Scott.

+ Who or what are some of your influences? What other architects, peers and creatives in general do you admire?

+ What advice would you give to emerging architects who want to follow your path? What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your practice?

The Survey Co by Richards & Spence. Photography by Alicia Taylor.

+ What would be your dream creative project or a collaboration?

+ What’s next – can you share with us your vision?

The Standard Market Co by Richards & Spence. Photography by Toby Scott.

+ What’s the best mistake you have ever made?

+ What rules do you live by?

Riparian Daybed & Desk by Richards & Spence

+ Your most treasured belonging?

+ What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

+ It’s not very cool, but I really like…

Team Richards & Spence. What a top shot!

[Images courtesy of Richards & Spence. Photography credits noted.]