Melbourne based studio Jolson brings together nature, architecture and interiors, resulting in a body of work that achieves sophistication and timelessness in its clarity, simplicity and execution.

The work of Jolson is a team effort, and extends from bespoke residential architecture and interiors to larger commercial projects, such as Point Leo Estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and Arc Side, a reinvented three-level home with views over both Melbourne’s skyline and the bay.

Image: Directors, Mat Wright and Stephen Jolson.  Source: Tim O'Connor

By deliberately remaining a medium-sized practice, Jolson's team of architects, interior designers and management remains focused and continues nurturing and improving our processes.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to director Stephen Jolson about Jolson’s collaborative approach and design process.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

Architecture is a multi-disciplined profession, which stitches together arts, philosophy, history, design, psychology and business. It is a very stimulating profession which allows you to use different sides of your brain.

Not many design professions are based upon a rigorous understanding of history and theory, which forms a strong foundation for understanding design.

Image: Point Leo Estate.  Source: Lucas Allen

We love the complexity associated with problem-solving. The process of being creative is fluid and combining this with clients and business acumen is always rewarding.

As an architect, you’re always spinning many plates. I love working with passionate people. Building a great team of talented people around you is important. Learning to harness their strengths is an important part of any successful business. Jolson is a collaborative office, and I really enjoy working together to achieve considered outcomes.

Sculptural aspects, both within the landscape and interior spaces, play an important part in Jolson Architecture. How would you describe your architectural aesthetic?

We approach every project as a bespoke opportunity. Our work is contextual and considered.  We do not limit our experience to architecture alone, but rather focus on curating carefully considered spaces.  The experience of a space is not limited to the form of a building or its exterior shape.  Rather, an experience is only limited to your perception of space, where your eyes travel to within a volume, how natural light reflects off surfaces or filters into a room, and the limitation of where your eyes focus from inside to outside. Materials, finishes, texture, tone, volume and voids, together with the landscape, create a considered sense of space. 

Image: The Earth House.  Source: Scott Newett

At Jolson, we try to carefully consider all of these elements, to create simple lasting gestures. Our projects are a direct response to our clients and their aspirations for their projects. We consider ourselves as careful listeners. Our briefing process is customised to ensure that each project responds to each of the clients' needs. The projects are our clients’ projects, not ours.  Our job is to carefully articulate their aspirations with a contemporary interpretation. We use limited pallets of materials, with meticulous attention to detail.  We believe that there is a seamless relationship between architecture, interior and landscape design. Our projects celebrate their contexts.  

Image: Point Leo Estate.  Source: Lucas Allen

For example, Pt Leo Estate emerges from the established vineyard as a building that synthesizes art, food and architecture located within an extraordinary rugged Australia landscape. This project, like all of our projects, could not be picked up and placed anywhere else. The result is a highly considered complex design that celebrates our client’s aspirations, in a sculptural building that brings together our ability to carefully consider architecture and interior design, and the way the program engages with its landscape.

Image: Bridging Boyd.   Source: Lucas Allen

The Earth House is a project that was undertaken nearly 20 years ago and is a testament to our philosophy of creating simple lasting gestures.  Made from local aggregate, the Earth House celebrates its location and client brief.  Our clients, who invested considerable faith in our office that was only just beginning, came to us with aspirations resonating from their experiences with the hilltop villages in the South of France.  I remember responding to them by saying that we would not recreate that experience, but rather design a home for you that responds to the Australian landscape in the same way that those villas in France respond to their context.

Image: Arc Side Staircase.  Source: Lucas Allen

What is interesting about investing in sculptural projects or elements is the way natural light responds to the forms at different times of the day. The sculptural steel staircase of Arc Side, one of our more recently completed projects, responds to natural light which amplifies the clarity and simplicity of its form.

As an award-winning practice, what do you consider to be the highlights of the studio’s work?

One of the most interesting aspects of shifting scales between residential projects and commercial projects is the genuine feedback that we receive from the public domain.

Image: Point Leo Estate Entry.   Source: Lucas Allen

One of the most unexpected experiences in our professional career has been being invited to India last year to design a non-denominational Temple in one of the most extraordinary landscapes we have ever seen. Located within a Unesco World Heritage site, Hampi is truly extraordinary “of Gods and Kings”. Our client happened to visit Pt Leo Estate and rang us in direct response to their experience. We have been to India several times and presented a design that celebrates humanity. The design process for our office was also so collaborative and exciting. To be given an opportunity to design a building or experience, that can promote well being for many disparate cultures form very different socio-economic backgrounds is humbling. Watch this space…

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

Never underestimate the value of investing in design.

Image: Doon Street Warehouse sold by Kay & Burton.  Source. Lucas Allen

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

It is hard to consider a time in our lives without Covid-19… but before we were graced by its presence, there was a strong push to become Carbon Neutral.

The architectural community in Australia has really embraced this vision, and we were so pleased to see so many practices take responsibility and make significant steps to change their way of working and designing.

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

As a graduate, I believe that it is important to use your time to open your eyes wide to the many different facets of the profession. Like any other professions, there are so many different specialties the profession can take you in.

Image: Arc Side.  Source: Lucas Allen

When I was young, I opted to work for Denton Corker Marshall as a student and Graduate of Architecture. I was so lucky to have an opportunity to be exposed to significant-scale projects like the Melbourne Museum of Victoria and The Exhibition Centre. I was also surrounded by highly talented young architects, passionate about details and contemporary design, which was facilitated within the structure of a highly organised office environment. John, Bill and Barrie were visionaries. I look back at my time there with fond memories that provided me with a structured framework upon which to build our successful business.

Image: Whitehall Black.  Source: Jean Luc Laloux

I have also learned the value of being a good communicator, learning what can be achieved by attracting talented architects and interior designers, and nurturing their careers.

Architecture is a wonderfully rewarding career that has to be carefully navigated. I always say that you are only as good as your last project!

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

I live in Melbourne. I love our city and the opportunities it has afforded our office. We live in an urban context with direct views of greater Melbourne. We appreciated having a direct visual connection to our city. Until recently we always thought we would not want to live anywhere else…Although given the current Stage 4 lockdowns, and the longevity of our predicament, I am not so sure!!

Visit Jolson Instagram: @jolson_architecture

Related reading:

Designer Prahran warehouse home sold by Kay & Burton