Australian Home of the Year 2021:
North Curl Curl House
30.7.21
We were humbled by incredible news tonight.
Our North Curl Curl House won the highest Australian housing award for 2021: HIA Australian Home of the Year.
Our magnum opus won the coveted HIA Australian Home of the Year and the HIA Australian Custom Built Home (across all budget ranges) in the 2021 Annual Awards.
Congratulations to master builder Mallinger Constructions, client and builder for our masterpiece and team ADAD including Scotty, Brendan and Marty over the years, who with Andrew meticulously designed and documented every aspect of this house – as with all ADAD projects.
Go Team!
New Project:
Galston Gorge Clifftop
27.7.21
We are very excited to kick off our latest project atop Galston Gorge today!
This sprawling paradise along Galston Gorge will capitalise on our ADAD expertise in the creative transformation of complex urban and natural environments in service of site, the greater public interface and of course gifting our clients a totally unique, bespoke forever home.
Watch this space for project updates.
Earthworks in Paradise:
Whitsundays House
27.7.21
Earthworks began today in paradise on our Whitsundays Project!
This incredible project sits on challenging terrain in the Whitsundays paradise in Queensland adjacent national park – we are keeping this project under wraps at the moment – but stay tuned!
Construction will continue well into 2022 and we will add this project to website soon – watch this space!
Dear Young Architects…
Andrew’s Notes Launch
28.6.21
Dear students, architects thinking of taking the plunge, or those who have just launched…
Founder Andrew Donaldson launched a passion project he has had in the works for a long time today.
Andrew’s Notes is Andrew Donaldson’s no-holds-barred notes for architects, graduates and students on taking the plunge, setting up your studio, realising your dream.
Live from an architect who has done it, loves it and practices it.
Join the tribe – Sign up for free!
Move In Day:
Bondi Stage 2 Completion
11.6.21
After 7 exhilarating months, our client family finally moved back into their spectacularly transformed home today.
This project is very special to us here at ADAD.
A second stage for a growing family at their much loved original ADAD forever home, this project is a contemporary modernist twist on our original theme that flexes for sun views thresholds and connection as the family grows.
This project bridged the Covid 2021 Lockdown, and its successful, on time and on budget delivery is testament to a fantastic team of client, builder, architect and consultants.
We will photograph this project to add to our website as soon as the Sydney lockdown ends to add to our website – watch this space!
DA Approval:
Castlecrag House
4.6.21
We are over the moon with the news that the Willoughby Council has granted DA Approval to our exciting Castlecrag Project today!
Documentation will begin immediately on this ecologically driven escarpment house within a bushfire zone, with Construction slated for late 2021.
Watch this space!
Andrew Donaldson:
Visiting Architects and Experts Program
15.5.21
Andrew Donaldson was invited to appear under the Visiting Architects and Experts program at the University of Newcastle today.
Andrew’s no-hold-barred notes on the realities of practice outside of the University Studio are a yearly crowd pleaser for the Master Students, on the brink of graduation, a segue from the philosophy of architectural practice to the reality – and today was no exception.
Symposium:
ADAD at PERI
1.5.21
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present his creative practice research at the UoN Practice Ecology Research Intensive at the University of Newcastle today.
PERI spans the cutting edge of architecture, landscape, urban and digital creative practice research – and the opportunity to have ADAD design process and methodology critiqued and sharpened by the sharpest minds in Architectural Academia is extremely valuable, it remains an honour for ADAD to be invited.
Breaking Ground:
Collaroy Canopy
14.4.21
Demolition began today on site at our Public / Private Collaroy Canopy Project!
Under wraps for the moment – this incredible project alters a very Australian Northern Beaches institution in a very generous way…
Construction is slated to wrap late 2021. We will add this project to website soon – watch this space!
ADAD Logo:
Logo Bible Entry
30.3.21
We were humbled to see our incredible ADAD Logo designed by friends and superstars M35 feature in the revised international logo bible “Logo” by Michael Evamy today.
The 1st edition of Logo featured the 1000 logo designs throughout history essential the design disciples development, and we are absolutely stoked to see our ADAD logo chosen as one of the handful of global contemporary logos essential to the updated edition.
Logo is available in all good bookstores.
New Project:
Valley Permaculture
26.3.21
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Matcham today!
This vast family property will be strengthened, finessed, and extended to deliver our wonderfully talented clients dual brief for a family forever home that can switch between fashion launches and events for their booming label.
Our 1st local project to be run from the ADAD Central Coast Warehouse, we cannot wait to see this one develop along with the team.
#RiseoftheRegions
ADAD Team:
Welcome Amber
1.3.21
We welcome graduate Amber as the latest member of the ADAD team today.
Amber is a super-talented graduate obsessed with sustainability, permaculture, pattern making and alternative construction.
She will head up the New Regional ADAD Central Coast Warehouse and assist Jemima, Marty, Andrew and the team across all projects as she heads towards registration in the coming years.
Welcome Amber!
New Project:
Queenscliff Waterfront
28.2.21
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Queenscliff today!
This steep, absolute beachfront house will capitalise on our ADAD expertise in the creative transformation of complex urban and natural environments in service of site, the greater public interface and of course gifting our clients a totally unique, bespoke forever home.
Watch this space for project updates.
DA Approval:
Colloroy Canopy
28.1.21
We are over the moon with the news that the Northern Beaches Council Council has granted DA Approval to our delicious and secretive Collaroy Canopy Project today!
Documentation will begin immediately with Construction slated for early 2021.
Watch this space!
ADAD Studio 2:
Rise of the Regions
26.1.21
In Super exciting news personal news– ADAD is opening a second Warehouse Collaborative Studio on the NSW Central Coast, where founder Andrew spent his teenage years.
Stay Tuned.
2021: #RiseoftheRegions
Top Form:
Australian House & Garden
19.1.21
Our North Curl Curl House has a generous 10-page feature: Top Form in Australian House & Garden Magazine out today!
In Stephen Crafti’s own words on our magnum opus: “Thanks to the brave owners and a forward-thinking architect, an incredible Sydney site now has the striking home that it deserves.”
Our North Curl Curl House was featured on Grand Designs Australia on Australian Television and won the HIA trifecta of NSW Custom Built Home $2 million – $4 million budget range, NSW Custom Built Home across all budget ranges, and the coveted 2020 HIA NSW Home of the Year.
As with all of our projects: Architecture and Interiors by the ADAD dream team.
Urban Theatre:
Belle Magazine
14.1.21
We are honoured to learn that our Potts Point Apartment is featured: “Urban Theatre” in Belle Magazine’s Optimistic Welcome 2021 Issue!
In our clients describe thier completed interior in their own words: “Multifaceted, transformative and beautiful”.
The Project recently won the Small Architecture Awards at the Australian Institute of Architects Awards NSW Chapter 2020 .
Belle Magazine available now in all good bookstores.
DA Approval:
Whitsundays House
11.12.20
We are over the moon with the news that the Whitsundays Regional Council has granted DA Approval for our northernmost Australian ADAD project: our Whitsundays House today!
Documentation will begin immediately with Construction slated for early 2021.
Watch this space!
ADAD Team:
Welcome Matt
10.12.20
We welcome student architect Matt as the latest member of the ADAD team today.
Matt is a super-talented and already accomplished industrial / product / graphic designer and will be spearheading interiors, bespoke objects and fitting design alongside Jemima, Marty, Andrew and the Team.
Welcome Matt!
Breaking Ground:
Bondi Stage 2
9.12.20
Demolition began today on site at our Stage 2 of our Bondi Project!
A second stage for a growing family at their ADAD forever home, this project is a contemporary modernist twist on our original theme that flexes for sun, views, thresholds and connection as the family grows.
Construction is slated for completion early 2021. We will add this project to website soon – watch this space!
Check out the original Bondi House in more detail here: Bondi House.
Reunion:
Dulux Study Tour Alumni
3.12.20
Andrew Donaldson attended the Australian Institute of Architects 13th year Dulux Study Tour Alumni Reunion in Sydney tonight.
A highlight of each year, the tour is awarded to the top 5 emerging architects in Australia each year, now an epic 65 strong incredibly talented Australian alumni.
Andrew was the inaugural winner of this award in 2008.
Builder Appointed:
Bondi Stage 2
22.11.20
Very excited to appoint Bespoke Home Building as Head Contractor for our Stage 2 Bondi House project today
A second stage for a growing family at their ADAD forever home, this project is a contemporary modernist twist on our original theme that flexes for sun, views, thresholds and connection as the family grows.
Check out the original Bondi House in more detail here: Bondi House and watch this space.
Cliffhanger:
ADAD Best in State
21.11.20
Our North Curl Curl House featured on the front cover of the HOME Magazine lift-out of the Saturday Daily Telegraph today.
“A Cliffhanging Win” is a very kindly written article by Catherine Nikas-Boulous, documenting the amazing winning-streak of our North Curl Curl House today.
In her own words: “The 2020 House of the Year is an incredible build inside and out of four connected pods on a steep site at the Northern Beaches”.
Congratulations Team ADAD on the design and to Mallinger Constructions for the immaculate execution.
Triple Win:
2020 Home of the Year
20.11.20
We received incredible news today – our North Curl Curl House has picked up the Housing Industry Association NSW Chapter trifecta of Awards.
Our magnum opus project won: NSW Custom Built Home within the $2million – $4million construction budget range, NSW Custom Built Home across all budget ranges, and the coveted 2020 HIA NSW Home of the Year.
Congratulations team ADAD!
DA Submission:
Locals Only
11.11.20
We are very happy to lodge our delicious Collaroy Public / Private / Commercial / Local Project Development Application with the Northern Beaches Council today.
This incredible project alters a Northern Beaches institution, Australian in every way.
We are keeping this project under wraps at the moment – but stay tuned!
DA Submission:
Surfers Paradise
21.10.20
We are very happy to lodge our Whitsundays House Development Application with the Whitsundays Regional Council today.
This incredible project sits on challenging terrain in the Whitsundays paradise adjacent national park.
We are keeping this project under wraps at the moment – but stay tuned!
Lean In:
ADAD Design Secrets
9.10.20
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present ADAD’s unique Design Process methodology to NSW Members of the Australian Institute of Architects today.
This was a great honour to present amongst mentors on behalf of the next generation of young architects.
Our Potts Point Apartment is 1 of 5 national finalists in Interior Architecture design projects in Australia’s premiere architectural awards programme: The Australian Institute of Architects National Awards 2020.
Watch out for the AIA Youtube Live Awards Ceremony November 5th at 7pm AEDT!
National Shortlist:
Covid-19 Anthem
30.9.20
We were totally thrilled today to be informed that our Potts Point Apartment has progressed to shortlisting for consideration in the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards for Interior Architecture 2020!
We are over the moon to be shortlisted amongst Australia’s 5 absolute best interiors, amongst our idols, mentors and peers and wish every entrant the best of luck.
DA Submission:
Castecrag House
2.9.20
We are very happy to lodge our Castlecrag House Development Application with the Willoughby Council today.
This incredible project sits on challenging terrain within the northern Castlecrag escarpment, overlooking the ravine, local waterfall and Sugarloaf Creek towards Sydney’s Middle Harbour.
Watch this space – we will be adding our Castlecrag House to our website in the New Year, to be constructed in 2021.
Ask an Expert:
Andrew Donaldson
1.9.20
Andrew Donaldson was invited as an expert panellists to assist UoN students in preparing their Design A Marker Public Space Design Competition.
Andrew continues his bookend his involvement teaching design and visual communication to 1st year undergraduates and design and architectural practice to 5th year masters students.
Good luck all!
Dezeen Awards:
ADAD Worldwide
13.8.20
We were absolutely stoked today to be informed that our North Curl Curl House has been longlisted for consideration in the Dezeen International Awards for House Interiors 2020.
The company is incredible, including international superstars Foster & Partners and Australian master John Wardle Architects.
Good luck all!
Castle in the Sky:
Grand Designs Magazine
15.7.20
We were honoured to learn that our North Curl Curl House, which recently premiered on Grand Designs Australia on Australian Television, has a 9-page feature in the current Grand Design Australia Magazine.
In the words of Louise Smithers in her Castle In The Sky feature: “the house ensures your jaw never leaves the floor.” We aim to inspire!
Grand Designs Australia Magazine Issue 9.2 is available now in all good bookstores.
ADAD Team:
Welcome Jemima
6.7.20
We welcome project architect Jemima as the latest member of the ADAD team today.
Jemima’s extensive experience will be harnessed leading both our public projects and our larger more complicated bespoke new house projects alongside Andrew.
Welcome Jemima!
AIA NSW Architecture Awards:
Potts Point Apartment Win
3.7.20
Our Potts Point Apartment won a prestigious Small Project Architecture Awards at the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Awards tonight!
The competition was very strong and we are humbled by the honour. Our Potts Point Apartment now progresses to the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards in November – stay tuned!
Check out the project in more detail here: Potts Point Apartment
New Project:
Bondi House / The Sequel
2.6.20
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Bondi today!
We are undertaking stage 2 for our original Bondi House clients, whose “Hollywood on Holiday” Palm Springs inspired forever home needs expanding as their family grows and evolves.
We are humbled to continue the journey for our clients, an honour to reconnect with our 1st ADAD house.
Checkout the original Bondi House in more detail here: Bondi House and watch this space.
New Project:
Surry Hills House
21.5.20
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Surry Hills today!
The historic Surry Hills terrace will be transomed to open to the north and connect to the public park and light rail recently completed by the City of Sydney that has itself transformed Surry Hills.
Our client is a friend of the ADAD family – we look after our collaborators!
Watch this space.
PhD Retreat:
Creative Practice Research
20.6.20
Andrew, Drew Heath and Derren Lowe were invited to undertake Creative Practice PhD’s at the University of Newcastle – with the aim of capturing their separate and combined tacit knowledge through diverse drawings methodology – always in the aid of realising exceptionally detailed architecture in the world.
The trio catches up regularly to refine thinking, drawings and philosophy in parallel to practicing and teaching architecture – this retreat-taking place at one of Drew’s Construction Sites on the Far South Coast of NSW.
Andrew received his Confirmation of Candidature in 2018, and continues to teach Design, Architectural Practice, and Digital Communications in parallel to practice at the University of Newcastle.
ADAD Exhibition:
Unfinished Business
10.6.20
Our friends at The Architects Bookshop have invited our Whitsundays House concept model to be exhibited as part of the Unfinished Business Exhibition in their Surry Hills space later this month.
Our Whitsundays House is a knife-edge soaring plane on a spectacular site in Queensland’s Whitsundays heading towards Development Application submission, and the model expresses and distils this idea.
Check out the exhibition at The Architects Bookshop 499 Crown Street Surry Hills from June 15th-19th 2020.
Australia’s Best:
Vogue Living Australia
13.5.20
Our Potts Point Apartment featured as no.1 project in Vogue Living Australia’s 25 of Australia’s Best Small Houses, Apartment and Units today.
We are humbled to have this very special, small and precise jewellery box interior transformation of Emil Soderstens’ iconic Franconia Apartments featured amongst Australia’s most considered small spaces – especially as we continue our current COVID19 isolated lives.
Check out the more details on our Potts Point Apartment here.
Premiere:
Framing the View
12.5.20
Richard Leplastrier is Australian Architecture royalty – and Anna Cater’s 15-year n the making documentary ‘Framing the View’ Premiers on ABC Television at 9:30pm tonight.
Andrew was very fortunate to be taught by Richard almost 20 years ago, and has been teaching alongside him for the last 5 years at the University of Newcastle continuing the tradition for the next generation of Australian Architects.
Don’t miss it!
NSW Shortlist:
AIA Small Project Architecture
21.4.20
We were totally thrilled today to be informed that our Potts Point Apartment has also been shortlisted for consideration in the Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales Award for Small Project Architecture 2020!
We are over the moon to be shortlisted amongst our idols, mentors and peers and wish every entrant the best of luck.
With current COVID19 restrictions, face to face Juries will take place over Zoom in May, we will keep you updated.
ADAD Worldwide:
Grand Designs UK
2.4.20
Following the wonderful Australian premiere in July, our North Curl Curl House had its international premier on Grand Designs Australia tonight in London!
The incredible journey for us here at ADAD, our clients, builder, and massive, far-reaching team has been captured on film brilliantly by the GDA crew.
ADAD North Curl Curl on Grand Designs Australia is viewable on the Lifestyle Channel, Foxtel, on Australian TV – and will be screened in the future on ABC Fre To Air TV.
We will keep you updated.
ADAD Presentation:
Australian Institute of Architects
27.3.20
Andrew Donaldson presented our Potts Point Apartment at the New South Wales Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter amidst some stellar competition today for the AIA Architecture Awards – Small Project Architecture 2020.
Presentation via dispersed conference call was unique in response to our collective COVID19 isolated lives – a challenge in itself.
Good luck to all the entrants and stay tuned for updates as the awards season progresses.
National Shortlist:
Dulux Colour Awards
20.3.20
We were absolutely thrilled today to be informed that our Potts Point Apartment has been shortlisted for consideration in the Dulux Colour Awards Residential Interior Category!
Stay tuned for updates as judging progresses. Best of luck to all the entries!
Finance:
Architectural Practice
16.3.20
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present ADAD’s unique Architectural Practice Fee Proposal methodology to Architecture Masters students at the University of Newcastle today.
Andrew continues his bookend his involvement teaching design and visual communication to 1st year undergraduates and design and architectural practice to 5th year masters students.
National Shortlist:
2020 Houses Awards
10.4.20
We were absolutely thrilled today to be informed that our Potts Point Apartment has been shortlisted for consideration in the Houses Awards 2020 in the Apartment or Unit category!
Australian bespoke residential architecture is widely recognised as amongst the world’s finest – and the Houses Awards are the pinnacle of residential design within Australia.
We are over the moon to be shortlisted amongst our idols, mentors and peers and wish every entrant the best of luck.
International Invitation:
OBEL Prize
4.3.20
Andrew Donaldson was flattered to be invited as one of a handful of international practitioners to identify seminal global projects for consideration for the 2020 OBEL Award international prize for architecture.
The aim of the OBEL Award is to honour outstanding architectural contributions to human development all over the world. These contributions should offer seminal solutions to urgent problems.
The theme for 2020 is Creative Climate-Positive Mending, and the prize will be awarded in Copenhagen late 2020.
New Project:
Grays Point House
11.2.20
We are very excited to kick off our latest project at Grays Point today!
This harbourside new house will capitalise on ADAD expertise in the creative transformation of the complex natural environment and delivery of a bespoke, uniquely individual residential forever home for this warm and tight-knit family.
Watch this space for project updates…
ADAD Front Cover:
The Best of Grand Designs Australia
19.11.19
The highlight of our year was an unexpected surprise from the producers of Grand Designs Australia: our North Curl Curl House which aired in July this year on Australian Television features on the front cover of The Best of Grand Designs Australia Volume 2 book!
This is a great honour. The projects featured across the last few seasons include architects that we look up to creatively, and we are very grateful to our client / builder / collaborator Stephen Mallinger from Mallinger Constructions, the crew at Grand Designs Australia and of course our ADAD dream team.
The Best of Grand Designs Australia Volume 2 is available now in all good bookstores.
PS: We have some very exciting announcements off the back of this success coming in 2020 – stay tuned!
ADAD Website:
Potts Point Online
15.11.19
We have uploaded Tom Fergusons’s excellent photography of our recently completed Potts Point Apartment to our website.
Our 8 meter jewel-box, multi-function, multi-direction, multi-room American Oak interior composition enables and conceals a myriad of domestic performances within Emil Sodersten’s elegant modernist Franconia Apartments in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
Check out the shoot here: Potts Point Apartment
ADAD Website:
North Curl Curl Online
8.11.19
We uploaded Barton Taylor’s incredible photography of our recently completed North Curl Curl House to our website today!
Our North Curl Curl House works with not against the many levels, sandstone cliff, cave and wall features of its spectacular site, drawing these elements deep within the architecture rather than opposing them.
ADAD North Curl Curl screened on Grand Designs Australia on Australian TV in July, and you can check out our shoot here: North Curl Curl House
ADAD Website:
Yarranabbe Gardens Online
3.11.19
We have uploaded Barton Taylor’s excellent photography of our recently completed Yarranabbe Gardens Apartments to our website.
Yarranabbe Gardens is a contemporary transformation of the public space, streetscape and resident entry experience at Hugo Stossel’s modernist icon on Sydney Harbour at Darling Point.
Check out the shoot here: Yarranabbe Gardens
Reunion:
Dulux Study Tour Alumni
29.10.19
Andrew Donaldson attended the Australian Institute of Architects 12th year Dulux Study Tour Alumni Reunion in Canberra over the weekend.
A highlight of each year, the tour is awarded to the top 5 emerging architects in Australia each year, now an epic 60 strong incredibly talented Australian alumni.
Andrew was the inaugural winner of this award in 2008.
New Project:
Whitsundays House
17.10.19
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in the Whitsundays today!
Wider exposure of our demonstrated ADAD expertise of the creative synthesis of contemporary architecture within difficulty natural landscapes through our Grand Designs Australia North Curl Curl House Episode earlier this year has led to our first interstate house.
Andrew Donaldson is a registered architect in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Watch this space for project updates!
Symposium:
ADAD at PERI
10.10.19
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present his creative practice research at the UoN Practice Ecology Research Intensive in NewSpace Newcastle today.
PERI spans the cutting edge of architecture, landscape, urban and digital creative practice research, culminating in thesis presentations across in our own Watt Space Gallery, originally conceived as the eventual gateway to Newcastle’s revitalised CBD – now a reality.
Photoshoot:
Potts Point Apartment
20.8.19
Perfect Sydney winter light this morning shooting our Potts Point Apartment interior with photographer Tom Ferguson, joiner extraordinaire Seb from Husk & Co., stylist Robert Wirth and our wonderful clients Jerome and Rosalie.
We can’t wait to se the results – stay tuned!
ADAD Premiere:
Grand Designs Australia
31.7.19
After 3 years of filming, our North Curl Curl House finally premiers on Grand Designs Australia tonight!
The incredible journey for us here at ADAD, our clients, builder, and massive, far-reaching team has been captured brilliantly by the GDA crew.
ADAD North Curl Curl screens 8:30pm tonight on Grand Designs Australia, the Lifestyle Channel, Foxtel, on Australian TV.
Complete:
Potts Point Apartment
30.7.19
We handed the keys back to our elated clients at our Potts Point Apartment project today!
Our 8 meter multi-function, multi-direction, multi-room American Oak interior composition enables and conceals a myriad of domestic performances within Emil Soderstens incredible modernist Franconia Apartments in Kings Cross.
Expertly crafted by long-time ADAD collaborator Husk & Co, the spatial intervention is thoroughly contemporary yet respectful of the modernist base building – an ADAD design specialty. We will have the project shot and up on our website soon – stay tuned!
Good Company:
2019 Houses Awards
26.7.19
We were super proud to have our North Curl Curl House shortlisted amongst Australia’s very best residential architecture at the 2019 Houses Awards in Melbourne tonight.
It was an honour to be selected amongst many of ADADs national mentors at this pinnacle of Australian residential design, congratulations to all the winners.
Grand Tour:
Sketching Le Corbusier
5.7.19
Andrew Donaldson recharged with long-time architectural comrade Drew Heath and University of Newcastle students this month, touring and sketching Le Corbusier’s original modernist masterworks throughout France.
Highlights included the Villa La Roche, Villa Savoye, Foundation Le Corbusier, Notre Dame du Haut, Convent La Tourette, Saint-Pierre Firminy and Le Cabanon. The work will be exhibited soon.
Breaking Ground:
Middle Dural Earthworks
17.6.19
Footings, contour reshaping, pool and earthworks have been unveiled at our Middle Dural project today.
A sprawling, sensitive rural sequence of buildings for a growing family, it was lovely to see levels struck and floor surfaces integrating into the ancient landscape.
Stay tuned!
National Shortlist:
2019 Houses Award
12.4.19
We were absolutely thrilled today to be informed that our North Curl Curl House has been shortlisted for consideration in the Houses Awards 2019 in the New House over 200sqm category!
Australian bespoke residential architecture is widely recognised as amongst the world’s finest – and the Houses Awards are the pinnacle of residential design within Australia.
We are over the moon to be shortlisted amongst our idols, mentors and peers and wish every entrant the best of luck.
ADAD Presentation:
Australian Institute of Architects
12.4.19
Andrew Donaldson presented our Yarranabbe Gardens project at the New South Wales Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter today amidst some incredible competition today for the AIA Architecture Awards – Small Project Architecture 2019.
Good luck to all the entrants and stay tuned for updates as the awards season progresses.
Practice Ecology:
Inaugural PERI Symposium
9.4.19
Andrew Donaldson has been invited to be first speaker at the inaugural UoN Practice Ecology Research Intensive, in NewSpace in Newcastle later this month.
PERI spans the cutting edge of architecture, landscape, urban and digital creative practice research, and to present in Newcastle’s completed landmark city campus building opposite our own Watt Space Gallery (originally envisioned as this eventual gateway to Newcastle’s revitalised CBD) – is a thrill.
ADAD Presentation:
Australian Institute of Architects
8.4.19
Andrew Donaldson presented our North Curl Curl House at the New South Wales Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter amidst some stellar competition today for the AIA Architecture Awards – New Houses 2019.
Good luck to all the entrants and stay tuned for updates as the awards season progresses.
International Invitation:
Inaugural OBEL Prize
19.3.19
Andrew Donaldson was flattered to be invited as one of a handful of international practitioners to identify seminal global projects for consideration for the inaugural OBEL Award international prize for architecture.
The aim of the OBEL Award is to honour outstanding architectural contributions to human development all over the world. These contributions should offer seminal solutions to urgent problems.
The inaugural theme for 2019 is Welfare through Architecture, and the prize will be awarded in Copenhagen late 2019.
ADAD Exhibition:
Australian Institute of Architects
4.3.19
Two ADAD projects will be featured in the 2019 New South Wales Architecture Awards Exhibition at the Australian Institute of Architecture at Tusculum in Potts Point.
The exhibition features the most accomplished architecture of 2019 within New South Wales, and we are excited to have both our North Curl Curl House and Yarranabbe Gardens projects exhibited alongside some stellar Australian Architecture.
The exhibition will run from April to October 2019.
Photoshoot:
Yarranabbe Gardens
1.3.19
We continue our collaboration with photographer Barton Taylor this week with the very exciting photo shoot of our Yarranabbe Gardens project in Darling Point today.
Our reimagined entry experience for the residents of the 77 Sydney harbour-front apartments in Hugo Stossel’s 1958 Modernist masterpiece paradoxically increased the functional public space by 200% while reducing the existing 1990’s entry footprint by 65% through its ADAD transformation.
We unlocked existing structure, and articulated the new experience in the highest quality, resilient, finely detailed materials in the smallest possible quantities. It was a pleasure to watch Barton capture the changing light from day though dusk and its effects on our plate-steel, white off-form concrete, recycled tallowwood joinery and hanging gardens.
We will add the completed gallery to our website soon!
Photoshoot:
North Curl Curl House
27.2.19
Photographer Barton Taylor came to site to complete his photo shoot for our North Curl Curl House today.
It was a pleasure to have our wonderful client family feature in the shoot, in their completed home that they love, with the incredible details, materials, cantilevers and geological elements as a backdrop to their daily lives.
The preliminary shots look incredible, and we cannot wait to share the final images with you all on our ADAD website in the coming weeks.
Grand Designs Australia have completed editing our episode of the multi-year odyssey, from inhospitable landscape to dream-home, with screening set to air on Foxtel July 2019.
We will keep you posted!
New Project:
Regional Urban Renewal
10.1.19
Happy New Year!
We were very excited to kick off 2019 by visiting the site of our newest project with some very young, passionate and motivated clients today.
We cant disclose too much at this point, but this regional city urban cultural intervention, beyond the usual complex existing building fabric that we are known for delicately transforming, has a social programmme at its heart that is also very close to our own.
Stay tuned.
Desert Song:
Home Beautiful Australia
1.12.18
Our Bondi House is featured in the latest Summer Issue of Home Beautiful Australia.
We are humbled to have our first completed ADAD house have such a prominent 10 page spread in the premiere issue for inspirational summer homes. The focus on our wonderful clients, our children’s friendship and shared Palm Springs Modernism obsession that initially led to the project is a lovely story to have documented.
Home Beautiful Australia Summer Issue is available in Australia throughout December 2018 and January 2019.
Happy Summer!
PhD Confirmation:
Drawing Thought
22.11.18
Andrew Donaldson received his official confirmation for his PhD in Architecture today.
Andrew was invited to undertake a creative practice based PhD with fellow detail driven practitioners and friends Drew Heath and Derren Lowe by recent mentor professor Sue Anne Ware and long time mentor professor Michael Chapman at the University of Newcastle, where Andrew continues to teach Design, Visual Communication and Professional Practice.
Reunion:
Dulux Study Tour Alumni
12.11.18
Andrew Donaldson was presented with the Dulux Study Tour 2008-2018 monograph cataloguing the first 10 years of the Australian Institute of Architects Dulux Study Tour at the 11th anniversary dinner at MONA in Hobart this evening.
The tour is awarded to the top 5 emerging architects Australia wide each year, of which Andrew was the 1st out of the now 55 strong incredibly talented Australian alumni.
Mid Century Project:
Watt Space Gallery
20.10.18
Tim Ross and Kit Warhurst performed their multi-disciplinary Mid Century Project Newcastle within our Watt Space Gallery this evening.
Our adaptive reuse of the heritage listed Northumberland House into the current Watt Space Gallery uncovered lost, forgotten and hidden structures and spaces, pushing art into the street to engage with the wider community.
We were awarded the prestigious Australian Institute of Architects Blacket Prize for this transformation and gateway to future Newcastle city.
ADAD TV:
Grand Designs Reveal
4.10.18
After an incredible 3 years of filming, ADAD’s magnum opus: our North Curl Curl House had its Grand Designs Australia big reveal party and filming tonight!
It was an emotionally charged evening for our clients, builders, contractors and collaborators, a testament to creative achievement and sustained hard work by an incredible team.
Grand Designs Australia host Peter Maddison and the entire team were a pleasure to deal with throughout the process. Thank you to Foxtel for the invitation.
The Headland House episode is set to air on Foxtel 2019, followed by ABC TV. Watch this space!
This Is Not Art:
Watt Space Gallery
30.9.18
TiNA (This Is Not Art) festival hosted its opening rave within our Watt Space Gallery this evening. TiNA is one of Australia’s leading emerging arts festivals, supporting risk taking, experimentation and boundary pushing of artistic practice.
TiNA celebrate Newcastle as a leading creative city, and we are flattered that our Watt Space Gallery is living up to its vision as a hub for extending artistic possibilities into the wider community.
New Project:
Freshwater House
28.9.18
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Freshwater today!
This beachside new house will capitalise on ADAD expertise in the creative transformation of the complex urban environment and delivery of a bespoke, uniquely individual residential forever home for this ambitious young family.
Watch this space for project updates.
Iconic:
MCA Australia
26.9.18
We are very excited to receive our MCA Australia pins from Porridge Design today. Porridge Design is obsessed with graphically illustrating Sydney Architectural icons, including the Sirius and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Andrew Donaldson was design architect for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia while at Architect Marshall form 2006 to 2012 immediately prior to establishing ADAD.
It is flattering to have another designer obsess over the façade composition as much as he did!
New Project:
Middle Dural House
25.9.18
We are very excited to kick off our latest project in Middle Dural today!
This rural new house will capitalise on ADAD expertise in the creative augmentation of the complex natural environment and delivery of a bespoke, uniquely individual forever home for this young family.
Watch this space for project updates.
National 1st Place:
Bespoke Joinery Award
22.9.18
The joinery at our North Curl Curl House received the FIAA National Award for best built-in furniture in Australia this evening!
Congratulations to joiner Husk & Co for crafting and installing our vision immaculately, to Belgian collaborator furniture designer Filip Janssens, and builder Mallinger Constructions.
Grand Designs Australia has been documenting the construction process set to air on Australian Television early 2019.
PhD Confirmation:
Home Ground Advantage
15.9.18
Andrew Donaldson had his PhD in Architecture confirmed today.
The presentation of Andrews unique design approach was within our Watt Space Gallery project in Newcastle, with panellists including architect Tim Greer, professor Sue Anne Ware and professor Michael Chapman.
Moving In:
North Curl Curl House Completion
13.9.18
After 3 exhilarating years, our client family finally moved into their spectacular new home today.
This project is very special to us here at ADAD.
The North Curl Curl House is our magnum opus, and seeing the smiling faces of elated clients, proud contractor and excellent architectural execution makes for very happy owners and very happy architects.
The journey has been filmed in its entirety by Grand Designs Australia and is set to air in 2019.
ADAD Exhibition:
Peripheries
8.9.18
Two ADAD projects are currently featured in the Peripheries exhibition within our Watt Space Gallery in Newcastle.
The exhibition showcases the diversity of architectural creative practice research currently undertaken at the University of Newcastle and it is a privilege to have our North Curl Curl House and Unnamed House exhibited amongst Andrews mentors, peers and students all within ADAD’s 1st completed Gallery.
The exhibition runs until September 23.
ADAD TV:
Grand Designs Australia
23.8.18
The crew from Grand Designs Australia again filmed our ADAD studio today as part of the rapidly concluding North Curl Curl House project and upcoming episode of the series.
Progress on this incredible project has been filmed since 2015, with the Big Reveal scheduled in October this year, for airing on Foxtel and ABC TV in 2019.
Stay tuned!
Opportunity:
Architectural Practice
7.8.18
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present ADAD’s unique Architectural Practice methodology to Architecture Masters students at the University of Newcastle today.
Andrew continues his bookend his involvement teaching design and visual communication to 1st year undergraduates and design and architectural practice to 5th year masters students.
Hall of Fame:
ADAD Logo
27.7.18
We were humbled to see our excellent ADAD logo designed by friends M35 to feature on their new website alongside their stellar clientele.
The ADAD trademark sits with international giants Nike and Google and Australian institutions McGrath Estate Agents, Bondi Icebergs, and AFTRS.
Construction:
Potts Point Apartment
4.7.18
Demolition began today on site at our Potts Point Apartment Project!
Our transformation of Emil Sodersten’s Franconia Apartments in Kings Cross highlights our ADAD niche expertise in designing for complex interiors while working sensitively in a thoroughly contemporary way to integrate and transform historic buildings respectfully.
Construction is slated for completion late 2018. We will add this project to website soon – watch this space!
Photoshoot:
North Curl Curl House
22.6.18
Talented photographer Barton Taylor came to site for a preliminary photoshoot at our North Curl Curl House today.
The Architecture, Joinery and Interiors are complete, with only the finishing touches to the Landscaping, Furniture and Artwork delivery to come.
Grand Designs Australia will complete their filming of our 5-year journey in the coming months to air on Australian TV in 2019.
Stay tuned!
Builder Appointed:
Potts Point Apartment
21.6.18
We are excited to announce a super-talented joiner has been appointed for our Potts Point Apartment Project.
ADAD are undertaking a contemporary apartment transformation at Emil Sodersten’s early modern icon, Franconia, fronting Fitzroy Gardens at Kings Cross.
Demolition will begin in the coming weeks – watch this space.
Completion:
Yarranabbe Gardens
31.5.18
After 8 exhilarating months on site, the residents of the 77 Apartments at Yarranabbe Gardens had their New Entry Experience handed over today.
This project is very special to us here at ADAD.
The successful delivery of our contemporary transformation of the streetscape, entry, foyer, public spaces and interiors of Hugo Stossel’s iconic 1951 Yarranabbe Gardens apartment building on Sydney Harbour in Darling Point highlights our ADAD expertise in designing for complex sites, spectacular landscapes, and working sensitively in a thoroughly contemporary way to integrate and transform historic buildings respectfully.
We will be shooting the project shortly to reveal on our website – stay tuned!
DA Approval:
Pyrmont House
1.5.18
We were very happy to learn that our Pyrmont House project received Development Approval from the City of Sydney today!
This exciting project is a super-sharp alteration of the harbourside heritage fabric in a constrained city site for our wonderful clients, who have fought the casino and multiple developers to honour and champion Pyrmont’s industrial Sydney Harbour origins for decades.
Watch this space – we will be adding our Pyrmont House to our website soon with construction set to kick off late 2018.
Augmentation:
Digital Drawing
30.4.18
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present his unique Visual Communication in Design Practices in a 2 part lecture series to Architecture, Industrial Design and Education students at the University of Newcastle beginning today.
Andrew was schooled at the intersection point of Analogue and Digital design technology and the integration and augmentation of both modes of practice is core to the ADAD design process.
ADAD Website:
Yarranabbe Gardens
26.2.18
We are very excited to finally have our Yarranabbe Gardens Project live on our website!
For insight into our clients challenges, our ADAD conceptual philosophy to delivering unique spatial solutions and imagery of the architecture, please check out the project here: Yarranabbe Gardens.
Yarranabbe Gardens is currently under construction with completion projected for mid 2018.
Bondi Photoshoot:
Home Beautiful Magazine
14.2.18
Our lovely clients were interviewed by Home Beautiful in our recently completed Bondi House today.
The interview and project photoshoot will be feature in the upcoming issue of Home Beautiful Magazine.
Stay tuned!
DA Submission:
Castlecrag House
28.12.17
We are very happy to lodge our Castlecrag House Development Application with the Willoughby Council today.
This incredible project sits on challenging terrain within the northern Castlecrag escarpment, overlooking the ravine, local waterfall and Sugarloaf Creek towards Sydney’s Middle Harbour.
Watch this space – we will be adding our Castlecrag House to our website in the New Year, to be constructed in 2018.
DA Submission:
Pyrmont House
28.12.17
We are very happy to lodge our Pyrmont House Development Application with the City of Sydney at Town Hall today.
This exciting project is a super-sharp alteration of the harbourside heritage fabric in a constrained city site for our wonderful clients, who have fought the casino and multiple developers to honour and champion Pyrmont’s industrial Sydney Harbour origins for decades.
Watch this space – we will be adding our Pyrmont House to our website in the New Year, to be constructed in 2018.
10-Year Reunion:
Dulux Study Tour Alumni
24.11.17
Andrew recounted the ADAD origin story with Tim Ross this evening at the Australian Institute of Architects Dulux Study Tour 10-year anniversary dinner at Federation Square in Melbourne.
The tour is awarded to the top 5 emerging architects Australia wide each year, of which Andrew was the 1st out of the now 50 strong all-star alumni.
World Top 1000:
MCA Australia
10.11.17
We are very excited to learn that the MCA Australia features in Phaidon’s Destination Architecture: ‘Featuring 1,000 of today’s most compelling buildings by the world’s finest architects’.
Andrew Donaldson cut his teeth as design architect for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia while at Architect Marshall form 2006 to 2012.
ADAD was established following successfully delivery of the Museum.
ADA Awards Night:
Awarded 1st Place
9.11.17
Andrew Donaldson received 1st prize on behalf of ADAD at the ADA 2017 awards dinner in Melbourne tonight.
We were awarded the National 1st place in the Realflame Architectural Design Awards for the fireplace design at our North Curl Curl House.
We would like to thank the judging panel and Realflame for showing such incredible support to our emerging practice through this prize and congratulate the strong national shortlist of fellow established architects and interior designers.
Construction:
Darling Point Apartments
23.10.17
Demolition began today on site at our Darling Point Apartments Project.
Our transformation of Yarranabbe Gardens on Sydney Harbour in Darling Point highlights our ADAD expertise in designing for complex sites, spectacular landscapes, and working sensitively in a thoroughly contemporary way to integrate and transform historic buildings respectfully.
We will add this project to website soon – watch this space.
Builder Appointed:
Darling Point Apartments
27.9.17
ADAD are excited to announce that contracts are signed and a builder appointed for our Darling Point Apartments Project.
ADAD are undertaking a contemporary transformation of the public space, streetscape and resident entry experience at Hugo Stossel’s modernist icon, Yarranabbe Gardens on Sydney Harbour at Darling Point.
5 Today:
ADAD Anniversary
21.9.17
ADAD is 5 today!
Founded with a vision and a laptop in a Sydney city attic, we could not be prouder of our achievements over the last 5 years.
This is in no small part due to our superstar ADAD design team past and present: Brendan, Marty, Scotty, Dave, Martine, Emma and Elke.
Congratulations guys, and here’s to the next 5 years!
On Tour:
ADAD in LA + NYC
16.9.17
Andrew Donaldson recharged travelling with his family this month, touring and sketching architectural masterworks throughout Los Angeles and New York that have been inspirations to ADAD’s practice.
Highlights included revisiting Andrews favourite house – John Lautner’s magnum opus, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Beverly Hills, and his continued Art Gallery research: Diller Scofidio Renfro’s Broad Contemporary, Steven Holl’s Storefront for Art and Architecture, SANAA’s New New Museum and Renzo Piano’s Whitney Museum of American Art.
National 1st Place:
Architectural Design Award
8.9.17
ADAD have been awarded National 1st Place in the Reaflame Architectural Design Awards 2017 for the fireplace design at our North Curl Curl House!
The cantilevered, minimalist fireplace design is both the conceptual distillation of the big-picture architectural creative vision of the house, and the metaphorical heart of the family house, innovative for its unique customisation and our close collaborative design process between client, architect contractor and manufacturer.
New ADAD Studio:
Surry Hills Rooftop
28.8.17
After 4 excellent years at Wis(c)h in Darlinghurst, we have embarked on our next stage of ADAD studio growth and relocated to our exciting new space.
We have many fond memories of Wisch. ADAD in collaboration with Lochbuild won the City of Sydney EOI in 2013 and started a fledgling creative space with a small group of creative friends (check out this project history here).
But it is time to move on and grow.
Welcome to ADAD Kippax Street Rooftop in Surry Hills!
Prime Time:
Bondi House TV
6.8.17
Our Bondi House featured as a Palm Springs backdrop to a Mad Men era dental commercial on Australian Primetime TV today.
Our clients ‘Hollywood on Holiday’ brief was to fuse the elegance of Palm Springs Modernism with the outdoor family lifestyle of their Bondi Locale.
Judging by this commercial the advertising world confirms that we delivered our clients vision!
Tender Time:
Darling Point Apartments
11.7.17
We are very excited to put our Darling Point Project out to tender today.
The contemporary transformation and upgrade of the streetscape, entry, foyer, public spaces and interiors of Hugo Stossel’s iconic 1951 Yarranabbe Gardens apartment building on Sydney Harbour in Darling Point highlights our ADAD expertise in designing for complex sites, spectacular landscapes, and working sensitively in a thoroughly contemporary way to integrate and transform historic buildings respectfully.
Construction will begin soon, and we will add this project to the website in the interim – watch this space.
Vale Penny:
Celebrating Penny Finnigan
3.7.17
Today we remember the life of one of our dearest clients, Watt Space Gallery Director Penny Finnigan.
Penny was an ideal client, driven, perfectionist, and was as intent on supporting us as a young and upcoming architecture practice as she was with her student artist entrepreneurs that Watt Space Gallery exists solely to launch into the world of the professional artist.
It was very touching to hear friends and family quote that one of her proudest life achievements was that our Watt Space Gallery has been such a success, winning the Australian Institute of Architects Blacket Prize, Public Architecture Award and 2 Small Project Architecture Awards in 2016.
We will miss you Penny.
Zero Points:
RMIT Presentation
3.6.17
Andrew Donaldson was invited to present his creative practice PhD today at RMIT in Melbourne.
The RMIT Practice Research Symposium spans the cutting edge of Australian Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape, Spatial Information, Fashion and Textile thinkers and creative practitioners pushing boundaries in a public forum.
ADAD Team:
Brendan Double Win
30.5.17
ADAD superstar Brendan received both the University of Newcastle Graduate of the Year and was runner up for the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Design Medal for his exceptional Masters Project ReBirth at Catherine Hill Bay.
Congratulations Brendan!
ADAD TV:
Grand Designs Australia
17.5.17
Andrew Donaldson was interview today on the construction site of our North Curl Curl House for one of the final times as the episode that Grand Designs Australia has been filming since 2015 heads towards completion.
Our project looks incredible in these final stages and the episode is set to air in early 2018.
ADAD Presentation:
Australian Institute of Architects
18.3.17
Andrew Donaldson presented our Bondi House at the New South Wales Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter amidst some incredible competition today for the AIA Architecture Awards – Houses 2017.
Good luck to all the entrants and stay tuned for updates on the awards.
ADAD Publication:
Architecture Australia AA 106
15.3.17
ADAD is featured in the current issue of Architecture Australia (AA106) with a review of our ‘Research Through Design’ exhibition by Rachel Hurst.
The review features our Bondi House, North Curl Curl House and Watt Space Gallery, which Rachel quotes demonstrate a “remarkable degree of architectural sophistication and depth.”
Experimental Drawing:
Cross-Disciplinary Workshop
21.3.17
Andrew Donaldson ran his 2nd successful Experimental Drawing workshop with contemporary artist Brett McMahon in the bush outside Newcastle today.
Andrew is a product of Newcastle Universities historical close ties to drawing, phenomenology and landscape and is very excited to take the reigns for current architecture undergrads and expand this drawing base into new uncharted territory with Brett.
Keynote:
Orientation Day
23.2.17
Andrew Donaldson was invited to provide the keynote presentation to 500-orientation day 1st year student across architecture, design, engineering, construction, computer science and entrepreneurship today at the University of Newcastle.
The future of creativity looks bright!
Jury Duty:
AIA Newcastle Awards
11.2.17
Andrew Donaldson has spent the last 2 days visiting the finalists in the Australian Institute or Architects Newcastle Chapter Awards across all architectural categories.
Andrew was invited to this role off the back of ADAD’s run-away success a at the 2016 Architecture Awards with our Watt Space Gallery winning the Blacket Prize, Public Architecture Award and 2 Small Project Architecture Awards.
S96 Approval:
North Curl Curl House
23.1.17
We were very happy to learn that our North Curl Curl House project received S96 (Modification to a Development Application) Approval today.
This incredible house on its challenging and spectacular site is currently being filmed by Grand Designs Australia set to air on Australian TV early 2018 and this approval opens the gates for the final stages of construction.
Bondi Online:
Musca Residence Photography
2.1.17
Happy New Year!
We have kicked of 2017 with uploading Brett Boardman’s incredible photography of our recently completed Bondi House to our website.
Brett surprised us here with an amazing silver gelatine print starring our client that recreates Julius Shulman’s famous photograph of Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House in Palm Springs.
This homage features on our homepage.
DA Approval:
Darling Point Apartments
19.12.16
We were very happy to learn that our Yarranabbe Gardens Darling Point project received Development Approval today.
This is a very exciting project for us as it is a scale between our single 1-off homes and smaller public gallery projects that includes both the design challenges of working with a complex existing mid-century building and a spectacular landscape on Sydney Harbour.
Watch this space – we will be adding this project to our website in the New Year.
ADAD Team:
Welcome Brendan
19.12.16
We welcome graduate architect Brendan as the latest member of the ADAD team today.
Brendan is obsessed with fractured landscapes, industrial artefacts, public space and the sublime, personified through his standout 2016 UoN Masters project: ReBirth at Catherine Hill Bay.
Bondi Modern:
Habitus Issue #34
15.12.16
Our Bondi House is featured in the latest issue of Habitus #34.
We are humbled to have our first completed ADAD house have such a prominent 13 page spread in this prestigious design magazine and thankful for Nicky Lobo for her story, Brett Boardman for the excellent photography and Vampt Vintage Design for the furniture and styling.
Most of all we are very thankful to our visionary clients, who are the stars of the story and the reason this project exists.
Ambitions:
Architecture Bulletin
15.12.16
Andrew Donaldson is featured in the current Spring / Summer issue of Architecture Bulletin.
This special edition titled ‘Architects of Ambition’ features an inspiring collection of diverse, emerging and ambitious Australian architecture practices working across a wide range of architectural scales and challenges.
Winner:
Regional Leadership Award
21.10.16
Andrew Donaldson won the Regional Leadership Award at the University of Newcastle Alumni Awards 2016 tonight!
The award recognises leadership and entrepreneurship initiatives significant within a regional context beyond Newcastle, with the jury citation focusing on the runaway success of our Watt Space Gallery and Andrews dedication to mentoring architecture students beyond University.
Guest Speaker:
The Architecture Foundation
20.10.16
Andrew Donaldson was invited as guest speaker for The Architecture Foundation Annual Awards Dinner in Newcastle tonight.
Andrew was the inaugural Eric Parker Travelling scholar in 2001 and was delighted to introduce the returning 2015 scholar (and latest ADAD team member), Emma.
The awards night was held in our multi-award winning ADAD designed Watt Space Gallery.
Antecedence:
Australian Institute of Architects
17.10.16
Andrew Donaldson was invited to speak at the Australian Institute of Architects on formal teacher / student lineage this evening.
It was a great pleasure to publicly evangelise the intellectual, creative and personal influence of the reclusive Professor Michael Chapman at the University of Newcastle and his pivotal role at many of life’s junctures for Andrew in front of a wider Sydney architectural audience.
ADAD Exhibition:
Research Through Design
9.10.16
Three ADAD projects are currently featured in the Research through Design Exhibition at the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery which officially opened today.
The exhibition showcases architectural projects at the creative threshold between research and practice, including our Bondi House, North Curl Curl House and Watt Space Gallery.
The exhibition runs until November 6.
ADAD TV:
Grand Deigns Australia
6.10.16
Andrew Donaldson was interviewed today in the Studio as part of the filming of our North Curl Curl House for Grand Designs Australia.
Progress has been filmed by the crew over the last 7 months and will be airing in 2017.
ADAD Team:
Welcome Emma
12.9.16
We welcome student architect Emma as the latest member of the ADAD team today.
Emma is obsessed with drawing, travel and food, personified through her recent Parker Fellowship travelling scholarship research. She is the most recent 2015 recipient of this scholarship of which principal Andrew Donaldson was the first back in 2001.
Finalist:
Regional Leadership Award
5.9.16
Andrew Donaldson has been selected as 1 of 3 finalists for the Regional Leadership Award at the upcoming University of Newcastle Alumni Awards 2016.
The award recognises leadership and entrepreneurship initiatives significant within a regional context beyond Newcastle and will be announced at the Gala Dinner on the 21st October 2016.
ADAD Radio:
2SER Think Digital Futures Interview
28.8.16
2SER Radio Sydney interviewed Andrew Donaldson on how computers are changing architectural design last week.
Tune in to 107.3FM Sydney at 10:30am today to learn about our unique design process here at ADAD, or download the podast here.
ADAD Interview:
Habitus Magazine
28.7.16
Andrew Donaldson was interviewed alongside our happy clients by Habitus editor Nicky Lobo in our recently completed Bondi House today.
We are very happy to announce that the project will be featured in Habitus #34: January – March 2017!
ADAD Invitation:
Research through Design
8.7.16
Andrew Donaldson has been invited to exhibit the ADAD projects: Bondi House, North Curl Curl House and Watt Space Gallery for the upcoming Research through Design Exhibition at the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery.
The exhibition showcases architectural projects at the creative threshold between research and practice, opening October 9th 2016.
ADAD Website
Watt Space Online
6.7.16
Still buzzing from our Blacket Prize and Small Project Architecture wins at the Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales Architecture Awards for our Watt Space Gallery on Friday, we have now uploaded Brett Boardman’s beautiful photography of the gallery to our website.
Check out the project in more detail here: Watt Space Gallery
AIA NSW Architecture Awards:
Watt Space Gallery Double Win
1.7.16
Our Watt Space Gallery won both the prestigious Blacket Prize and Small Project Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Awards tonight!
The Blacket Prize is the premiere award for regional New South Wales recognising design excellence in a single project outside of Sydney. Previous winners include 2 of Andrew’s mentors, Peter Stutchbury and James Stockwell.
Watt Space Gallery now progresses to the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards in November – stay tuned!
Check out the project in more detail here: Watt Space Gallery
ADAD Presentation:
Architecture on Show
30.6.16
Andrew Donaldson presented our design process and the backstory behind our multiple award-winning Watt Space Gallery this evening.
The Australian Institute of Architects Architecture on Show evening showcased the finest regional NSW Architecture and we were very proud to have the event hosted within Watt Space Gallery itself.
An audience of skaters, footballers, artists, architects, academics and the general public made for a quintessentially Newcastle experience – we would not have it any other way!
Check out the project in more detail here: Watt Space Gallery
Academic Appointment:
University of Newcastle
29.6.16
Andrew Donaldson was fractionally appointed at the University of Newcastle today.
Andrew has tutored into the design studios at Newcastle every year since his own graduation in 2005, and to be among the fractional Professors Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury, Lindsay Clare, Kerry Clare and Lawrence Nield – all Andrews’s own mentors – is a great honour.
AIA Newcastle Awards:
Watt Space Gallery Double Win
17.3.16
Our Watt Space Gallery won both the prestigious Public Architecture Award and Small Project Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Architects Newcastle Chapter Awards tonight!
This was a very special win for us.
Watt Space Gallery is our 1st completed ADAD project in the city where Andrew both studied architecture and has continued to teach into the Masters Studio ever since graduation.
Check out the project in more detail here: Watt Space Gallery
ADAD Feature:
Australian Design Review
2.3.16
ADAD was featured at Australian Design Review as an Emerging Architecture Practice to watch!
The article captures our personalities, back story, design ethos and architectural aspirations. It showcases our twin specialties – spectacular residential designs on challenging natural landscapes and contemporary gallery transformations.
Check out the full article here: ADAD Australian Design Review Feature
ADAD Online:
Website Goes Live
25.1.16
After 6 months of work our ADAD website is now live!
As a cross-disciplinary architectural practice, we have loved every moment of collaboration with our super talented extended Darlinghurst team: Graphic Designer Jamie Mitchell / M35 and Web Designer Sonke Roth / Liquid Protocol.
We will be fleshing out the Design Process content for each project over time and look forward to adding our very latest projects.
Get in touch with any feedback of any kind, it is a work in progress and ultimately for you – collaborators, clients, students and community.
Grand Opening:
Northumberland House
9.12.15
Heritage listed Northumberland House officially reopens this evening.
Our Watt Space Gallery transformation of the ground floor is the centrepiece of this adaptive reuse project, complimenting the NeW Space Business and Law School by Lyons under construction within the broader major Newcastle CBD redevelopment undertaken by the University of Newcastle.
Moving In:
Bondi House Completion
1.12.15
After 9 exciting months, our client family moved back in to their transformed home today.
This project is very special to us here at ADAD. The Bondi House is our 1st completed major house project, and seeing the smiling faces of elated clients, proud contractor and excellent architectural execution makes for happy architects.
ADA Awards Night:
Awarded 1st Place
17.11.15
Andrew Donaldson received 1st prize on behalf of ADAD at the ADA 2015 awards dinner in Melbourne.
We were awarded National 1st Place in the Realflame Architectural Design Awards for the fireplace design at our Bondi House.
We would like to thank the judging panel and Realflame for showing such incredible support to our emerging practice through this prize and congratulate the strong shortlist of fellow established and emerging architects and interior designers.
Gallery Opening:
Watt Space Gallery
5.11.15
Our latest Contemporary Art Gallery transformation, Watt Space Gallery Newcastle officially opens tonight.
This project is very special to us as our 1st public ADAD building and Andrew’s 1st post-MCA Australia art gallery.
We uncover lost structure, forgotten courtyards and hidden lane ways to amplify the site reaction potentials and imaginations go the emerging artists Watt Space serves.
National 1st Place:
Architectural Design Awards
10.9.15
ADAD have been awarded National 1st Place in the National Realflame Architectural Design Awards 2015 for the fireplace design at our Bondi House.
The 3-way cantilevered fireplace is the functional and metaphorical heart of the project, innovative for its customisation and our close collaborative design process between client, architect, contractor and manufacturer.
ADAD Feature:
Architectural Review AR141
19.8.15
ADAD is featured in the current Architectural Review Asia Pacific (AR141) as an Emerging Practice to watch.
The article captures our personalities, design ethos and architectural aspirations. To be featured with one of our architectural idols, Sean Godsell is a bonus.
The article features our twin specialties – spectacular residential designs on challenging natural landscapes and contemporary gallery transformations within heritage buildings.
ADAD TV:
Grand Designs Australia
20.7.15
Andrew Donaldson was interviewed today on the construction site of our North Curl Curl House about his design process and rationale for the project.
Grand Designs Australia had approached us here at ADAD with the offer to film the current construction of the project as a television episode set to air 2017.