Architecture competition "Sydney Affordable Housing Challenge" Honorable mention - Brent Winburn and Lachlan Joseph

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Sydney Affordable Housing Challenge” competition - Brent Winburn and Lachlan Joseph from Australia!

Brent Winburn and Lachlan Joseph from Australia

BW Architects was established in 2009 and is based in Brisbane, Australia. The company operates as a small collaborative studio with a flexible, design focused approach to its work.

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 company/ individuals have been involved?

BW Architects have worked across a variety of scales from small housing projects to large public space redevelopments and heritage projects. Such key projects include the Surfers Paradise Foreshore Redevelopment and Institute of Architects award winning Victoria Bridge Abutment Structure heritage refurbishment. BW Architects enjoy working on a diverse set of projects and building types.

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

BW Architects view the role of the architect within society as vital in creating built solutions which harness people’s individual needs, while at the same time, make a positive contribution to the built environment as a whole. An architect’s understanding of local context is seen as a key factor in providing these solutions. 

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

We view architecture competitions as an important tool in strengthening our own design thoughts and conceptual progression. We also find it essential as a learning tool to look at how other architects face, and resolve the same problems. 

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

We believe that entering such competitions is important in developing a more critical approach to design problems. Regardless of the results, vision competitions are a beneficial exercise in developing a strong architectural idea, and then communicating that idea as efficiently, and effectively as possible.