Award-winning Brisbane-based practice REFRESH* STUDIO FOR ARCHITECTURE was established by Erhard Rathmayr over a decade ago with partner Monika Obrist. 

The pair have experience as architects and developers in both Europe and Australia and find inspiration in how architecture can shape a better society by enhancing the human experience. 

REFRESH* has been consistently recognised since its inception in a variety of architectural awards and has a diverse portfolio including residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Erhard has also served on the Awards Jury for the Australian Institute of Architects.

LUXURY LIST WEEKEND spoke to Erhard Rathmayr about his career in architecture.

Why Architecture?

Having grown up in a Europe emerging from a post-war recovery, much of my childhood was spent in buildings that were designed and constructed without sufficiently qualified architects, engineers, and builders, and often were sub-optimal in functionality and use of energy.

At the same time, Austria retained many historical buildings that stood the test of centuries. This inspired a sense that great buildings endure and adapt to new uses, while ordinary buildings come and disappear very quickly, which is highly unsustainable.

This instigated a fascination for buildings early in my life and the desire to be part of creating contemporary architecture that is highly functional, adaptable, and sustainable at the same time.

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How would you describe your architectural aesthetic?

REFRESH* does not necessarily have a particular aesthetic or style we pursure, neither do we have a preference for a particular material, shape or form. Our projects try to be respectful to context, the environment and to the brief, and while all our projects share a common DNA, each of them has been derived out of a particular combination of factors.

It is very important to us that spaces are highly functional, provide thermal comfort and enhance the wellbeing of their inhabitants. If there was one common goal to achieve, it would be the intent for a timeless elegance which results in buildings that don’t date – ideally over time they will turn into classics.

How has living, studying and working in Austria, Mexico and Australia influenced your designs?

Monika and I started studying in Austria at the height of the ‘Grazer School’ with most of its progressive thinkers and doers teaching at the university in Graz.  Their style of teaching nurtured freedom and experimentation, which is critical to nurture curiosity and creativity. This ultimately resulted in an urban design research project in Mexico City on the self-organising forces of slum structures and their inherent qualities. 

After practising in Austria for several years we migrated to Australia which obviously has a very different environment, climate, and culture. However, with urban spaces gentrifying at a rapid pace, R* was well positioned to apply experience gained overseas by working on compact spaces in dense urban environments.

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Who has been your greatest inspiration/influence? Why?

I suppose that’s a difficult question to answer, but in many ways it is nature itself, in its natural state and as well nature that has been altered by humans. Visiting archaeological sites while studying influenced an understanding of how structures sustain over centuries, how they deteriorate, and how nature claims them back again. It shaped an early understanding how a design can either work with the forces of nature or against them.

REFRESH* projects have been recognised with awards at both national and international level. Which has meant the most to you?

The majority of all awards granted are based on drawings and photos submitted to a jury. By doing so great photography can significantly enhance the presentation of a project.

However, R* feel particularly honoured having been awarded several times by the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects with regional and state awards. Their jury teams visit all projects in person which ensures the actual project rather than a photographer’s perception of a project is being judged. As such I believe that these are actually true architectural awards.

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Having served on the Awards Jury for the Australian Institute of Architects, in your opinion what makes an award-winning design?

An award-winning project is in one way or another inventive and demonstrates a result that goes far beyond the expected. This can and should not be limited to a particular aspect. It may in some cases be particularly artistic, or in others particularly functional, or exceptionally cost effective, etc. The list could go on.

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

One of the latest projects we have been commissioned for is a house in the middle of a nature reserve, which should basically resemble the experience of camping. It should be more a shelter and modesty and appropriateness are core to the brief. It will require a great deal of restraint, understanding of the place, and respect towards nature to deliver a successful project.

Did you take on the project?

Yes we did.

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How do you feel the events of the last two years will influence architecture and design?

The last two years have been a rollercoaster for most of us. They have reshaped what people expect from a house and similar. As society has split in a way, so did briefs for houses.

For the wealthier, this often means more space and more comfort. The restrictions of the last two years have triggered more private offices, gyms, additional living spaces, etc. so as to not feel so caged if lockdowns return. As a result, houses have gotten bigger, which does not seem sustainable to me.

On the other hand, rising inflation has led to commissions of more compact houses, which have multi-useable spaces and sustainable features to make minimal impact on the environment.

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

Follow your heart and make it matter.

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

We currently live in Brisbane for most of the year and have a place in Austria too where we go yearly. Generally we like it that way, however, having a place closer to the ocean would certainly be a dream to follow.

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