Andrew Parr on longevity in architectural design
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Jul 31, 2020
Andrew Parr on longevity in architectural design
"Every project, every client is a new beginning and new experience." Andrew Parr SJB
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SJB InteriorsSJB Interiors Founding Director Andrew Parr. -
SJB InteriorsEstablishment Hotel Sydney.
Andrew Parr is one of Australia’s leading designers, founding multi-disciplinary design practice SJB Interiors in 1994 along with founding directors Alan Synman, Charles Justin and Michael Bialek, for whom the business is named. For more than 25 years SJB has set the standard for high-end residential and hospitality design.
In 2019 Andrew was awarded the Gold Medal at Inside magazine’s IDEA party, recognising his significant contributions to the practice and culture of Australian interior design, including high end projects like Crown Casino in Melbourne and Sydney’s Establishment Hotel.
The Art Series Hotel in Brisbane Wharves, Adina Hotels in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Nuremberg, Germany, Arco Residence in Toorak, and the Villa D’Arte in Melbourne are among Andrew’s recent work and each showcases his ability to reshape, reinvent and craft beautiful, inviting and enduring spaces.
Andrew’s unique interpretations of contemporary, minimalist style are particularly suited to clients who value ideas as much as they value longevity.
“I want to look back over my work and know my projects have stood the test of time,” Andrew says.
WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Andrew Parr about his career highlights, timeless design, and his advice for young designers.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Every project, every client is a new beginning and new experience. I love the process; from the creation of an idea through to the delivered project; seeing the concept turn into the vision in the final stages.
With the current focus on sustainability what trends do you see emerging in design?
Being mindful of the production process - in the materials and furniture we select, and ensuring that they are up to the standard we expect.
Re-use and re-purposing of existing buildings, furniture items, artwork, materials – it’s not always about everything being new. I often use vintage items and re-upholster existing items, giving them a new life.
Image: Arco Residence blended European and Mediterranean styles within an old Tudor style period home in Toorak. Source: SJB Interiors
With over 30 years in the industry, what ‘trend' in your opinion, has stood the test of time, and remains permanently popular?
Classical Materiality
Timber flooring has lasted the test of time; colours, sizes, shapes have changed but using timber as flooring will always stand the test of time.
Similarly, stone will forever be used. Carrara and Travertine come in and out but the use of stone is always on trend.
Bronze and other metals too – shapes or styles may differ.
These materials are all classical, they change in shape and application but they will stand the test of time.
Modernism
Modernism still prevails – no matter the period. Clear & clean contemporary lines will never age.
The re-use of modern Bauhaus furniture – in new colours, but the style and shape are everlasting.
Image: Establishment Hotel Sydney. Source: SJB Interiors
What would be your advice to a new client?
Residentially, the response to the design must look part of the client’s brief, they need to feel comfortable in the space.
It is likely they are using it every day, it needs to reflect them and/ or excite them.
Commercially, it is important to meet the brief, however it doesn’t have to last forever, it can be out there. They don’t have to feel comfortable but it needs to reflect the market at the time and respond to the client’s brief.
Image: Establishment Hotel Sydney. Source: SJB Interiors
With an extensive portfolio of projects in residential, commercial, hospitality and retail across NSW and Victoria including Crown Casino in Melbourne and Sydney’s Establishment Hotel, do you have a favourite?
MG Garage in Sydney – it’s not there anymore but it was one of my favourites – my first hospitality project in Sydney, it was significant on the dining scene and created a new wave of experience dining.
Image: Sydney restaurant MG Garage, opened in 1999. Source: SJB Interiors
What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?
Residential - Create a panic room
Commercial - Create the room to feel like a brothel
Did you take on the project?
Yes, definitely!
Image: Royce Hotel on Melbourne’s St Kilda Road. Source: SJB Interiors
What advice would you give a newly qualified designer or someone looking at becoming a designer?
It’s not about the designer, it’s about the client.
The best thing you can do is design for the client and not for yourself, it will be much more successful.
Image: Royce Hotel Melbourne. Source: SJB Interiors
Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
St Kilda, and at the moment I’m happy here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world right now.
Image: ‘Palais’ penthouse Toorak, interiors designed by Andrew Parr. Source: Kay & Burton
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Contact details:
Andrew Parr
SJB Interiors
+613 8695 6680
Email
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Andrew Parr
