墨尔本建筑师 Kerstin Thompson | 建筑与社区的深度连接

We’ve featured the work of Kerstin Thompson Architects a number of times here on Yellowtrace – first when we celebrated our love for Beautiful Brickwork, followed by the Tour of Aesop Stores Around The World, and most recently in our Story about Window Seats. As big admirers of this Melbourne-based practice established in 1994, we thought it was about time we had a chat with its formidable founder Kerstin Thompson.

As a practicing architect and a Professor of Design in Architecture at Victoria University in Wellington, and Adjunct Professor of Architecture at RMIT and Monash, it’s fair to say that Kerstin knows a thing or two about architecture. Her approach is focused on architecture as a civic endeavour using integrated and multi-disciplinary design, and architecture that makes meaningful connections with surroundings and the community.

In addition to architecture, Kerstin’s eponymous practice also encompasses interiors, landscape and urban design, with work extremely varied and ranging in scale and program – from Art and Design Schools for Universities, to multi-residential developments, museums, police stations, primary schools and commercial fit-outs.

Read on for a more intimate look at Kerstin’s work and her fascinating approach in our interview below.

Big Hill House. Photography by Trevor Mein.

+ Hello Kerstin, welcome to Yellowtrace and thank you for taking the time to e-chat. Could you please give us a quick introduction on yourself? When did you first decide you wanted to become an architect? And when did you decide it was time to start your own business?

Aesop Collins Street Melbourne. Photo Trevor Mein.

Aesop Emporium Melbourne. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

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

Carrum Downs Police Station. Photo by Peter Bennetts.

Carrum Downs Police Station. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Marysville Police Station. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

+ 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?

Country Villa. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

+ 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!)

Deakin University. Photo by Kevin Hui.

Deakin University. Photo by Sharyn Cairns.

+ 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?

Fitzroy Sheetmetal Factory. Photography by John Gollings.

+ What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive? And your top 3 main sources of inspiration and references you are drawn to regularly – i.e. books, magazines, websites/ blogs etc?

Flinders Lane Apartment. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

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

House at Hanging Rock. Photography by Sharyn Cairns.

House at Hanging Rock. Photo by Trevor Mein.

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

MUMA (Monash University Museum of Art). Photo by Bryan Chung.

MUMA. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

MUMA. Photo by Trevor Mein.

MUMA. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

+ What has been your favourite project/ commission so far?

Wertheim Factory by Kerstin Thompson Architects. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

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

+ In ten years I’d like to be…

+ Your most treasured belonging?

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

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

Portrait of Kerstin Thompson.

[Images courtesy of Kerstin Thompson Architects. Photography credits noted.]