Graham Legerton is the principal of Hayball's Brisbane Studio. He spoke to SCHWARTZWILLIAMS about the trend towards vertical schools, and about his belief that the craft of drawing remains a vital part of developing projects with clients.

How did you first become interested in a career in architecture?

I became interested in architecture through a strong interest in people, conversation, culture and travel. Ever since my school years, I have always loved drawing, creating and making. And the more I travelled and observed different cultures, the more I became fascinated by architecture and the criticality of context. I also was keen to pursue a career where I could make a positive social difference. 

You are principal in education at Hayball Brisbane, and you specialise in master-planning and design for schools and higher education campuses. What are some of the main trends we are seeing in education architecture?

An increase in vertical schools due to inner city growth, a refreshing focus on master planning, libraries flexing and adapting to change and a heightened focus on the experience. Advancements in technology, pedagogy, co-creation, socially conscious design and equality are further positive changes. 

Can you tell us about a recent education project you’ve worked on? 

My first challenge at Hayball has been a key role in the design and development of our Victorian Pride Centre design competition entry. We were delighted to have been shortlisted and I enjoyed the process of helping to resolve a complex brief with a fabulous team and simple yet innovative design solution.  Our entry included alternative co-creation techniques and encouraged the community to fold a physical model of their new home out of the competition entry sheets.  

I understand you have a strong belief in the value of sketching and drawing, even though new technologies provide so many alternatives. Why is drawing still an important component of architecture? 

I personally find sketching and model making to be highly consultative mediums. Sketches are great because they encourage co-creation and can be created live with clients. There is nothing better than sitting down with a client and co-creating - it’s a vital part of the journey. What’s more, sketching enables me to capture the soul and character of a project and to explore ideas in a manner that is creative, of deep meaning and truly consultative.

What advice would you give to an architect who is just starting out?

Listen, observe, be a team player, travel and sketch. Develop and write down the design narrative as the design evolves – this focusses the mind and helps to achieve design clarity and simplicity.  

Avoid working with headphones on for prolonged periods, listening to daily studio interactions is a great way to learn. If you shut yourself away, you will miss out.

Is architecture a good profession for work / life balance and equal opportunity?

Architecture certainly has peak periods, but these busy times can also be immensely enjoyable and great for learning. Hayball certainly encourages people to have work-life balance and allows working parents to have flexible hours to allow for family time. I have my love of sketching and running which allows me to switch off!  What’s more, the practice promotes equal opportunity and has a team-centric attitude, which was epitomised recently by the design and engagement processes employed during our Victorian Pride Centre shortlisting.

If you could change one thing about the architecture industry, what would it be?

I would like to see less fragmented project commissions with more teams engaged from inception to completion, including strategic initiation and Post Occupancy Evaluation stages. 

Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live in any house, anywhere in the world?

Holland Park, Brisbane. We have been through the joys of renovation and we are enjoying the family benefits. If I could live anywhere I would choose Tasmania - John’s Wardle’s Shearers Quarters would be perfect as you’re so close to Barnbougle and Lost Farm, which is my favoured retreat with friends!

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