Harry Poulos Architects is responsible for many of Brisbane’s best business interiors as well as a number of exclusive residential designs, extensions and renovations in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

Founder and company namesake, Harry Poulos is the creative director and visionary behind Harry Poulos Architects. He has built a dynamic and skilled team around him, and the results of this collective are the much sought-after designs we see across properties in Australia.

Harry spoke with WILLIAMS MEDIA about developing client relationships, pushing design boundaries, and his more unusual clients briefs.

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What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I thrive on the connection we make with all of our clients! We really take the time to get to know our people, to deeply understand what makes them ‘tick’, deciphering what they actually need and how we through design can enhance and have a positive impact on their life. We always joke (in the office) that doing a project is like a good marriage – there will be the love, the working together and the shared goals. The look on the client’s face when they move in and they are completely content is proof to us that we have done our duty. The benefit of owning your own practice is not just about cultivating the relationships with clients, but we also have a pro-dog policy and they are always welcome in our office.  We encourage our clients to bring their pooches to our meetings which in a silly way boosts moral and emphasises the positive culture I have with my team. 

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You founded Harry Poulos Architects in 1994. With a range of projects including glossy glass tower corporate fitouts to a city Police Station, the heritage LifeFlight headquarters, and luxury residential homes across Brisbane, how would you describe your architectural aesthetic? 

We are client focused and we aim to deliver unique design solutions to all of our projects. Every project is a chance for us to challenge the brief, push the boundaries of design and perception and aim to exceed the client’s expectations.  Clients come to us for expert advice which we provide in collaboration with the client - so that they too are invested and take ownership of their space. Our aesthetic is more about quality and achieving a functional and timeless outcome for our clients.

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What advice would you give to anyone wishing to build or renovate?

We can’t stress enough how important it is to engage with an Architect and to be guided by their professional expertise in providing continuity from brief to build. Just like we aim to connect with our clients, it is paramount too that clients connect with their Architect. The key to any good outcome is the team – you invest in the team, you will invest in the reward.

With today’s focus on sustainability what trends do you see emerging in both architecture and interiors?

We don’t feel that sustainability is a trend, but rather a mindset in which we as an office take. We view sustainable design as something more than an environmental focus.  We aim to provide quality outcomes to underpin social sustainability.  In creating more ‘timeless’ designs, we feel that we are reducing the need to demolish or to ‘re-do’ projects – thus having a positive sustainable impact.  In our specifications, we endeavour to support local businesses and products which we know have environmental principals.   

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What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?

We have been lucky enough to be involved in so many wonderful projects - with colourful characters and briefs! RACQ Lifeflight was interesting in that we investigated hanging a retired helicopter from the ceiling their new office; at the Queensland Police Brisbane City Station we designed the ‘Strong Room’ which is the storeroom for ‘Police Issue Guns’, tasers, bullet proof vests and alike; and at the new Data#3 Office our brief was to ‘get techy’ and so we explored the idea of a fully curved digital display. On a residential side, we are currently mid-way through construction on a restoring a character home.  The dwelling is predominately a pre-1946 building and, in some parts pre-1911.  We have ‘loved’ this building back to its former glory – restoring and reinstating quintessential Queensland character elements such as sweeping veranda’s, detailed gable facades and timber fretwork. 

We have also been working with an incredibly charismatic client who’s firsts requests for the renovation are to include a full size Bowling Alley, Light Up Dance Floor, Custom Cinema oh - and ‘Bat Cave’ access for the jet skis when coming off the canal.  WOW!  

Did you take on the project?

Yes – we never turn down an opportunity to challenge and explore new design avenues.

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

Architecture is more than just a job – it is a lifestyle.  We pride ourselves on investing our minds, hearts and soul into crafting bespoke buildings, create spaces and generate experiences for the wider community.  If there is one thing I know for sure, is that even after having my own practice, you are always learning! 

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

I was born and have grown up in Brisbane and currently live on the city fringe with my family (gorgeous wife, two darling daughters, and my favourite son – Winston the Groodle!). If I was to live anywhere else in the world… I would have to say in Kythera – a small Greek island. Coming from a Greek background, you could say I hold a soft-spot for the Mediterranean life.

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