Architecture is so many things rolled into one. It’s a combination of art and engineering, technical prowess, communication and client contact.        

     – Marc Bernstein, Melbourne Design Studios

These different elements working together make the profession really exciting. Architecture is a truly challenging endeavour, and is often like working ten careers at the same time. I get bored easily so it actually turned out to be the best profession for me.

I studied both German and English languages and also literature in Germany. I could have become a writer or a teacher, but I decided I wanted to become an architect instead. I began studying architecture in Germany, and graduated in 2000, so I have been working in the industry for 14 years now. The first few years of my career were challenging as it was hard to break into the trade, but it proved that I was willing to work hard to do the thing that I had come to love. It’s been a personal evolution over time. After a while I really started understanding what architecture was and how I could immerse myself in the exploration of functionality and creativity at the same time.

The change between countries can be quite stark, with the role of the architect varying greatly.

The differences between German, Irish and Middle Eastern architecture have been interesting and challenging to witness, and working within those constraints have posed their own unique challenges. In Australia, there is a stronger focus on design. This is in contrast to Germany where the architect is more of an all-rounder, and is required to complete work that would be otherwise left to other professionals and to the builder in Australia.

I have worked for different design companies during my time in Australia, but I now have my own business – Melbourne Design Studios. On Australia Day last year I became an official Australian, so now Melbourne Design Studios is actually fully Australian owned. We have our own set of professional goals, but always ensure that we grow as the practice of architecture evolves over time.

Although our practice has only been in business for three years, we have cultivated fantastic and loyal client relationships. Half of our business is dealing with residential projects. There is often an intimate relationship with our clients. We have to know so much about their lives in order to design specifically for them – even down individually-styled bathrooms and how certain sounds will affect the residents’ enjoyment of the space. We love being able to interact on that personal level. As we grow the business, we will make sure not to lose that personal touch and those important relationships. If anything, I would like to be available to more clients in a personalised way.

I am a very positive person. If there is any blockage or barrier in my way, I will find a better way.

I always focus on turning negatives into positives. If something isn’t working, there is always another option or way of looking at the issue. For example, if there are specific town planning constraints, I think of ways around them. Everything happens for a reason – I take that challenge and work with the resources and options I have, and make sure I have the patience to move forward.

For example with our Birkenstock HQ project in Clifton Hill, we had designed the shop front to be set back from the street. Our plan was to shield visitors from the hot summer sun, and protect the window stock display, and also allow for an interactive zone in front of the physical store front. Town planners interpreted our plans the wrong way, and wouldn’t allow us to complete it as we envisioned. Some creative planning meant that instead, we created two shop fronts, which worked even better! The lesson was not to stop to look back at failures or setbacks. Always look forward! This is a lesson in architecture, and in life.

I believe that Melbourne is the architectural capital of Australia.

It is where architecture really happens, and where you can see the changes in Victorian style evolve over time. The style in Melbourne has gone in a different direction to that of Sydney. Melbourne embraced the idea of deconstructivism in the 80s to 90s, and that tradition continues and seems to have developed further into crafted sculptures with every new project that appears. Take for example Federation Square or even DCM’s Melbourne Museum – they are dynamic, interesting projects that really encapsulate the unique identity of Melbourne. They showcase the willingness of designers to challenge architectural constructs and complete them in such a way that facilitates sustainability, respect for the environment and needs of the community.

Sustainability is something I’m really passionate about.

When I came to Australia 10 years ago there was not so much of a focus on sustainability. Over the three years I’ve been working at Melbourne Design Studios, we’ve been trying to help with that in our design processes. It’s fortunate for us that clients want more sustainable projects now, which means more clients are seeking us out because of our desire to design in a way that takes into account environment and building orientation. Melbourne is at the forefront of the contemporary and sustainable design, with a focus on balancing style, functionality and sustainability.

Most heritage projects have an inbuilt need to deal with sustainability. It’s in everyone’s best interested to not waste resources and rebuild where possible. Our recent award-winning Birkenstock HQ project is a heritage-listed building. Rather than starting from scratch, we completely gutted it but worked with its beautiful features to create a newly refurbished space. It was designed as a healthy workplace and one that works highly on a sustainability level. It really has been my favourite project creatively. We were able to combine the elements as we thought best, but were lucky to have a fantastic client whose brand stands for all the things that we were trying to achieve. It was a perfect match. People see it and they are thrilled with what we were able to achieve, both functionality wise, and in a creative sense – a fellow architect even went through the hassle of looking me up and calling to congratulate me on the project, which was a very exciting first for me.

My greatest challenge in my work is not so much the building itself, but rather conveying the meaning or the intention of the client and interpreting the conceptual function of the building.

In our commercial work, often we identify what a brand stands for, or what defines them. We then translate that into architecture. My dream projects ideally involve mixed-use spaces. The ability to combine different elements that work together harmoniously is difficult but satisfying. One of my goals is to create a large scale project that combines a shopping centre, offices and museum, each benefitting the other – therefore creating a lively community. Any projects that have a multitude of things happening that need to be incorporated, are projects that I find enticing. One of the challenges of a project like this would be to entice shoppers into the museum or create an exhibition space that functions as a relaxation, or even lunch space, for office staff. There should also be a pool in there too so you can use the heat created from offices and shops to warm the pool.

My ultimate dream project, though, would actually involve a church. A church brings so many things together on a different level, and it is contemporary yet rich of history. It’s a spiritual place that invites meditation or prayer – a space that needs to be subtle and simple yet inspiring. It must be a space for the soul, and a space where sculpture can become part of the overall, yet allows for certain routines, rituals, and gatherings all with their own functional and technical implications related to catering, fire hazards and services areas.

I’m hopeful that my more ambitious professional visions will take form eventually. With the way style is moving in this country, it is becoming much closer to a reality for me and my design studio.

For more information about the work of Melbourne Design Studios: www.melbournedesignstudios.com.au/