Founded in 1997, Sydney-based Smart Design Studio (SDS) is a multi-discipline design practice of over 40 staff offering professional services in architecture and interior architecture and design. 

The studio’s philosophy can be distilled into three key principles: excellence, innovation and collaboration: World class design and construction based on new ideas and embracing new technology between the whole project team including client, builder, specialist consultants and approval authority.

Image: Crown exterior   Source: Ross Honeysett

With experience in the design and construction of a number of iconic projects such as the Sydney Rail Operations Centre, Indigo Slam, White Rabbit Art Gallery, and the SDS Studio, Smart Design Studio’s portfolio includes master-planning for urban centres, multi-unit residential developments, private dwellings, retail and commercial developments and fitouts, as well as product design.

Image: Connor exterior   Source: Mark Sykes

SDS Founder and Creative Director William Smart is directly involved in every project, contributing at all stages from design to final delivery. His buildings have received critical acclaim, many prestigious awards and have been widely published in architectural and other publications.

William’s enthusiasm and passionate attention to detail is fundamental to the Studio’s success, motivating a highly dedicated team of architects and interior designers to realise projects of high quality and innovation producing work that is both detailed and resolved.

Image: Sketchbook detail for White Rabbit Gallery   Source: Smart Design Studio

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke with William about his experience and design aesthetic.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I enjoy so many facets of my profession, in fact, I don’t really see it as work. I love the problem solving, creativity and the people – my clients, colleagues, and all the skilled tradespeople that I work with. Collaboration is fundamental to our work at Smart Design Studio. 

Image: White Rabbit Gallery staircase  Source: Sharrin Rees   

With Bill Busfield as a lecturer at Curtin University and working in London for Norman Fraser after graduating, who has been your greatest inspiration/influencer? Why?

Bill Busfield saw potential in me when I was almost failing at design in university: that changed my whole university experience and ignited a passion for architecture that I didn’t know existed.

Watching Norman Foster and the team at Foster resolving problems and polishing them was inspiring and great training for a young graduate.

And in Australia, I’ve admired the gentle but strong determination of Ken Maher. I’m inspired by masters of their trade: brick layers, steel fabricators, artists and architects. Those who are specialized and pursue excellence.

Image: Roc  Source: Ross Honeysett

Smart Design Studio, inspired by pure Modernism and attention to detail believes that rather than ‘form following function’ form has a function. How would you describe your architectural aesthetic?

I believe in functional modernism and vigour. However, I know that emotive connection to architecture is real, so our work considers light, volume, harmony and delight. In our priorities, we put this above say structural expression. 

Image: Indigo Slam "...our work considers light, volume, harmony and delight."    Source: Sharrin Rees

Established 23 years ago, Smart Design Studio has consistently been recognised nationally and internationally since 2003 for both interior and exterior design in commercial, heritage and residential houses and apartments.

With multiple awards from the Australian Institute of Architecture, International Architecture Competition, INDE and MIPIM Awards to name just a few, which has meant the most to you? Why?

The Robin Boyd Award is the pinnacle of Australian residential architecture. That was a career highlight for me. 

Image: Indigo Slam - Robin Boyd Award   Source: David Roche

You have said that “the greatest experience is when you have creative freedom and that freedom, along with opportunity, delivers a great result” and it was “thrilling” watching it all happen when a client requested ‘the best house in the world’: Indigo Slam, a liveable sculpture.

What advice would you give to new client wishing to build or renovate?

Select your architect carefully. Like selecting a new car, you’ll need to get yourself in the right showroom where the stable of work appeals to taste, values and budget. Then collaborate together: great results come from a process of listening, learning, challenging and encouraging each other.

Image:"Great results come from a process of listening, learning, challenging and encouraging."   Source: Smart Design Studio

What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client? Did you take on the project?

Recently it was the Science Gallery Melbourne which is now almost complete.

This project is a youth focused gallery exhibiting work at the intersection of art and science. The ambition to be sustainable, open, and engaging and accessible to all. It will become a source of inspiration to millions.

Image: Sketchbook Science Gallery Melbourne   Source: Smart Design Studio

How do you feel the events of 2020 will influence architecture and design? 

Beyond the devastating effect on many people’s lives, this will create more flexibility in where we work and influence how healthy our buildings are. It will also reignite the desire to be sustainable as I see this pandemic as a reminder of how fragile our ecosystem really is. 

Image: 27 Regent Street Paddington, terrace redesign by Smart Design Studio, for sale via Ben Collier of The Agency. Source: Tom Ferguson

You have said that a newly graduated architect should work out what they are good at and focus on that, be it design, construction, communication or any of the myriad specialties available in the field. 

What additional advice would you give to a newly graduated Architect or someone thinking about Architecture as a career?

Just as you have stated above, however, most architects should endeavour to try most parts of their profession prior to specialization. For example, concept design, documentation, co-ordination, and construction: those stages all impact on each other and help to develop well-rounded appreciative architects so understanding construction actually helps you to create a strong concept design.. 

Image: William and 'design assistant', Dougal   Source: Veronique Jenkins   

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

I live in Alexandria and I love it here. Australia provides so much opportunity and being able to access these opportunities gives me great fulfillment and optimism. Our climate, city, and natural landscape balance this architectural obsession to create a happy life. 

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