About Ironbark Architecture

Growing up in Sydney’s South, Chris spent his childhood camping, exploring and building things outdoors. Whether it was tents or treehouses, he enjoyed exploring the world with curiosity and imagination. He was an avid drawer and lego builder, and over time this developed into an interest in woodworking and technical drawing in school. He also spent early post school experience in the furniture industry.

Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise that this desire to imagine and make things led him ultimately to architecture.

After discovering an interest in the famously unfinished Spanish Basilica, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, he enrolled first in an architectural drafting course in the evenings at TAFE, followed by a Bachelor of Architectural Design and subsequently a Master of Architecture at the University of New South Wales.

His masters thesis looked at the overlap between natural ecosystems and sustainable built environments and explored sustainable practices that were integrated into the design process, rather than those that relied on their perception of ‘being green’.

First at university and then later as part of his continued education Chris found mentors in Glenn Murcutt, arguably Australia’s most influential and internationally-acclaimed architect, and later Richard Leplastrier, former apprentice to the architect of the Sydney Opera House, Jørn Utzon, known for his deeply thoughtful, place-responsive residential architecture, particularly in bushland settings around Sydney.

After university he took a sabbatical year travelling through South-East Asia, Europe, the UK, Russia and India, observing the diversity of culture, architecture and lifestyle and how these overlapped and engaged with each other.

Chris’ experiences and interests continue to inform his work today as well as Ironbark’s approach to architectural design. Central to every project he undertakes is an observation of and appreciation for climate, landscape and sustainability, leading to designs that are beautiful in their simplicity and meticulous in their detailing.

At the heart of Chris’ work with his clients is listening. He has an innate ability to connect with others, and takes time to understand how his clients want to live, what they truly need and how their home should feel. The result is contemporary Australian homes that are climate-responsive and deeply personal.

Alongside his practice, Chris has tutored design studio for first year architecture students at UNSW, and spoken at numerous industry events continuing his engagement with architecture both in practice, teaching and advocacy within the industry.

He continues to spend time in nature with his own young family on hiking, camping and climbing trips enjoying our beautiful country and abroad.

• Certificate IV in Architectural Technology – TAFE NSW

• Bachelor of Architectural Design – University of New South Wales

• Master of Architecture – University of New South Wales (UNSW)

• Registered Architect – NSW Architects Registration Board

• Member – Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)

• Tutor, Design Studio – University of New South Wales