Mary Street by Edition Office | Photography by Rory Gardiner
Mary Street by Edition Office | Photography by Rory Gardiner
Edition Office directors Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland
Kim Bridgland: We met while completing our Master’s degrees at RMIT University. During those two years, and in the three or four years following when we both worked for another firm, a friendship and understanding grew between us that we hadn’t yet experienced with any other architect. It became clear that we shared many of the same concerns and values around architecture and, more specifically, architecture in the Australian context – so the idea of starting our practice came into being.
Studiofour co-directors Annabelle Berryman and Sarah Henry
Albany Road Residence by studiofour | Photography by Shannon McGrath
Annabelle Berryman: Sarah and I met while both working at Carr Design. I was a director at the time and Sarah joined as a project architect. We worked closely on resort, hospitality and residential projects, both in Melbourne and interstate. After several years, Sarah moved to O’Connor and Houle to focus on residential projects, while I started a private practice.
Collaborating on a few small projects together during this time, it became apparent that we both held a shared vision for a practice that blended the disciplines of art, architecture, landscape and interiors. In 2010 we formalised our partnership to create studiofour.
Albany Road Residence by studiofour | Photography by Shannon McGrath
Stefanie Brechbuehler: Ryan and I met at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) orientation in 2003. I also ran into Robert at a party there in the winter of 2006. Both meetings felt as though they were part of a larger plan.
The practice started in 2009; before that, I had been working for Michael Graves, which was a hugely formative experience. I came out wanting to emulate the structure of his studio – he had split it into architecture, interiors and product design. I pitched the idea to Ryan and Robert as I knew we all shared the same philosophies when it came to design. At RISD, we all gravitated toward two professors who advocated a poetic and conceptual approach to design. It is our shared intuition, I think, that forms the basis of our practice.
Workstead directors Robert Highsmith, Stefanie Brechbuehler and Ryan Mahoney | Photography by Matthew Williams
Twin Bridges by Workstead | Photography by Matthew Williams
Twin Bridges by Workstead | Photography by Matthew Williams
Jade Nottage: We met at UNSW studying a Bachelor of Interior Architecture. After we graduated, Cushla moved to New York City and worked at an Interior Design and Architecture firm, whilst I worked at a firm in Sydney. I was seeking a new challenge and with Cushla’s arrival back in Australia imminent, we decided to throw caution to the wind and embark upon the journey of opening our own practice. In hindsight it was a huge risk, given it was during the GFC, but we were blissfully naïve and full of passion, and it paid off.
Tom Mark Henry directors Jade Nottage and Cushla McFadden
Mosman Residence by Tom Mark Henry | Photography by Damian Bennett
Mosman Residence by Tom Mark Henry | Photography by Damian Bennett
Joseph Dangaran: We first met in 2001 during our freshman year at the University of Southern California School of Architecture. The idea to start our own firm came about in 2010, around the time of the Great Recession, while catching up over a few beers and a barbecue. Brett had just moved back to LA after being at Duke with his fiance.
Woods + Dangaran founders Brett Woods and Joseph Dangaran
Desert Palisades by Woods + Dangaran | Photography by Joe Fletcher
Desert Palisades by Woods + Dangaran | Photography by Joe Fletcher
