There’s a question comprising just three letters that we regularly use as architects: “why?” This small but mighty word is used to interrogate briefs and inform solutions, ensuring design work serves and exceeds the initial goals of each project. In a day-to-day context, the answers to this question are generally quite pragmatic. But it is also true that when time is taken to meditate on the overarching purpose of an endeavour, it guides action in a more meaningful way.
In this spirit, we invited architects across Gray Puksand’s national studios to share what drew them to this profession and the impact they want to make on both the industry and the community. In the first blog of this series, we speak to the winner of Gray Puksand’s 2022 Visualisation Competition, Aaron Chen, about pursuing a career that would harness his creativity.
Gray Puksand: Let’s start at the beginning. Is there a particular moment in your life that made you want to become an architect?
Aaron Chen: Growing up, I was always drawn to design, art, creativity, spaces, and how spaces make you feel. Naturally, I gravitated towards architecture.
It also helped that my parents said, “Aaron, that’s what an architect does“.
GP: Your parents sound like intelligent people. They’re restaurateurs? (Aaron nods) did growing up in the hospitality sector have any further influence on your career path?
AC: Growing up, I have always been fascinated with spaces and how they make people feel. Drawing from my experience in hospitality, as a server, I always focused on making sure that the guests were as comfortable as possible.
Based on that, it seems like architecture was destined. We are creating spaces for people. At Gray Puksand, we’re human-centric, meaning we always think about the end user.
GP: Do you have a favourite architect?
AC: Oh my goodness (Aaron laughs), I don’t think you can have a favourite architect. It’s always changing based on how you feel, your age, and what project you’re working on.
Right now, I have great appreciation for the work of Gabriel and Elizabeth Poole.
They are local architects who build with the materials available to them; creating understated yet impactful designs that are true to the local vernacular.
I particularly love their project, Lake Weyba, as it exemplifies their approach to the local area, blending indoor and outdoor spaces, and using light in a way that is authentic to the Sunshine Coast.
GP: Can you tell us a project that you were involved in that you are most proud of?
AC: One project that stands out to me; is not an actual space or built/constructed project. It was an interior project I worked on with Dale O’Brien, creating a new concept for Medibank Wellness.
We did a series of conceptual spaces that weren’t part of a tangible building. We designed these spaces using many different wellness principles that we have used in the past, particularly at 101 Collins.
Creating a space that was purely for wellness, a space for retreat and safety, was such a privilege.
I have always been obsessed with how light makes you feel. In that project, I got to play with lighting; it was almost theatrical. Using natural light can enhance a person’s emotions, which is such an important part of architecture.
GP: Finally, what is the best part about being an architect?
AC: I enjoy working alongside creatives who are like-minded. Architecture brings together people who care about creating spaces that are for people.
At Gray Puksand, we have a diverse dissection of the population. We celebrate the differences in people’s thoughts and backgrounds.
Not everyone is complimentary, but it is through the chaos and compromise that we are able to come up with solutions. It’s good friction. It is so intriguing working with different people and seeing what solutions they come up with, and their designs.
Also, at Gray Puksand we’re working hard to create a culture where people can share their ideas and are on equal footing. The general ease of sharing your thoughts and being authentically yourself should be rewarded.
