南澳建筑工作坊 Studio Gram

I must admit that, up until just a few weeks ago I wasn’t even aware of studio -gram’s existence. I genuinely have no idea how it took me so long to clock onto these boys, since I make it my business to know everything – as Husband will attest to. Regardless of this, we are here today to correct that wrong.

Founded by Graham Charbonneau and Dave Bickmore, Adelaide-based architectural workshop studio -gram focuses on creating experiences as familiar as they are surprising. “Our projects are collaboratively crafted and artfully considered. Inspired by faces and places, we endeavour to take the users on journeys outside their imagination”, explains the talented duo.

For those of you who have travelled to Bali (and most likely stayed somewhere in – or within close proximity to Seminyak) would probably be highly familiar with the famous Motel Mexicola. Well, these boys are the designers behind the joint. It’s interior, I mean. Although I am yet to meet the pair in real life, their energy, cheekiness and larger-than-life spirit comes across in all of their work and that killer portrait. In other words, I find it impossible to look at their projects and not smile, making me feel extra excited about shining a little spotlight on this clever Australian design practice.

Ok, that should do it from me. Let’s hear it from the boys!

Abbots & Kinney in Adelaide, South Australia (2015). Photography by David Sievers.

+ Hello Graham & Dave, welcome to Yellowtrace and thank you for taking the time to e-chat. Could you please give us a quick introduction on yourselves? When did you first decide you wanted to become designers? And how did you two meet?

Osteria Oggi in Adelaide, South Australia (2015). Photography by David Sievers.

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

Civilian Bar & Kitchen in Adelaide, South Australia (2014). Photography by Ben Mcgee.

+ How important is the ability to balance the design and business in today’s market? How much time do you spend on each side of your practice?

Motel Mexicola in Seminyak, Bali (2013).

+ How do you go about promoting your work and initiating projects?

+ What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive?

Hotel Harry in Adelaide, South Australia (2014). Photography by Ben Mcgee.

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

Gallery in Adelaide, South Australia (2013). Photography by David Sievers.

+ What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to follow your path?

+ What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your practices?

+ And what do you feel is the most challenging part of being a designer today?

Kutchi Deli Parwana in Adelaide, South Australia (2014). Photography by David Sievers.

+ What’s next – can you share wit us your vision, some of your goals and some of your current projects?

Africolo in Adelaide, Australia (2014). Photography by Ben Mcgee.

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

+ Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

+ What is your most treasured belonging?

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

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

studio -gram in Adelaide, South Australia (2015). Photography by Ben Mcgee.

The Dudes. Photography by Ben Mcgee.

[Images courtesy of Studio Gram.]