Architecture Competition Melbourne Affordable Housing Challenge Honorable mention – Alex Stein

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our “Melbourne Affordable Housing Challenge” competition – Alex Stein from Australia!

Alex Stein from Australia

Alongside architectural work, I’ve worked for a furniture maker and an architectural builder on construction sites. This experience really helped to shape my understanding of different methods of construction.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved?

I’ve always preferred working on residential projects. It’s much more personalised and it allows for a deeper connection and understanding of the client's needs/desires.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is about understanding the users and facilitating the best possible space/experience. The role of architects should be to design environmentally sustainable buildings which seamlessly blend into the environment and continue having a positive impact on the users long after the architect has finished. I’m also interested in keeping up-to-date with innovative technology, as I believe it has the ability to help create socially conscious architecture.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I love how there can be a huge variety of unique designs in response to the same issue. I also love the idea of tackling a real-world issue whilst remaining free to explore conceptual ideas.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Not only is it a great opportunity to gain exposure in the field, but it’s also good practice to think deeply about a pressing issue outside of our current professional/personal life.