Studio
studioplusthree is an award-winning architecture practice based in Sydney. We are focused on the design of bespoke residential and cultural projects, responding to three key themes.
Place
Access to light, air, views and landscape are key features of our work. We value the inherent beauty of natural materials and light. We are committed to designing in a way that is sustainable, specific to place, and built to last.
Craft
We believe in the use of skill and craftmanship to make enduring buildings. We design thoughtfully and deliberately, respecting the experience and knowledge of those we work with.
We are specific about details, the qualities of materials, and how buildings are assembled.
People
At the centre of our work is how spaces feel to people. We aim to create something special for each of our projects that reflects who it is designed for, and the place it is in. We seek to collaborate with clients that share this ambition, working closely together to create buildings and spaces that are welcoming, generous, calm and comfortable.
About Us
The studio was established in 2014 by directors and co-founders Simon Rochowski and Julin Ang, who lead a team of skilled creative designers.
Simon Rochowski - Nominated Architect NSW ARB 11521
ARB(UK), MSc.Arch, BA.Arch
Simon has extensive experience working across arts and cultural projects, with institutions such as the British Museum and the University of Sydney, as well as bespoke residential projects. Simon studied in the UK and the Netherlands, and combines an in-depth knowledge of construction and detail with a love for the creative design process. Simon was selected as a winner of the 2021 Australian Institute of Architects Dulux Study Tour Prize, for outstanding contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement
Julin Ang - Nominated Architect NSW ARB 11471
RIBA, ARB UK, AADipl, DipArch, B.Design(Arch)
Julin brings a comprehensive expertise in the design of projects from public spaces and buildings to interiors and furniture design. Julin studied at the University of Sydney, receiving the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Prize, the NSW Architects Registration Board Prize, and the Elizabeth Munro Prize. She later studied at the Architectural Association in London, and worked with Heatherwick studio before co-founding studioplusthree. She brings a talent for conceptual design thinking, building craft and project coordination to her role as director of the studio.
Our Process
Our creative design process is key to the outcome of the projects we work on. Our studio believes in the process making models, hand-sketching, research and diagrams to explore and communicate our designs.
We advocate for the creation of spaces and buildings that are designed in response to their environments and inhabitants. We are committed to values of sustainability and long-term thinking within our work, and we work closely with each of our clients to produce work that makes a positive contribution to the built environment.
Our approach is tailored to the specific conditions of the each client and site. We engage in in-depth conversations with our clients early on, to understand what the key drivers and desired outcome of a project are.
Awards
studioplusthree has been recognised in national and international awards for its work, receiving the national Houses Award for Cremorne Point Apartment, and in 2021 being nominated for the Dezeen Awards 'Emerging Architect of the Year', as well as selected for the Wallpaper* Magazine Architects' Directory in 2018 - both publications featuring their selection of the top twenty emerging practices worldwide.
The studio has received the national Australian Interior Design Award for Installation Design, a NSW Architecture Award for Small Project Architecture, and in 2023 the studio was shortlisted the NSW Architecture Awards Emerging Architect Prize. The work of the studio has been published widely in Australian and international design media. Studio directors Simon and Julin have written for a number of design media publications such as Green Magazine and the Architecture Bulletin, and have spoken about architecture and design at events such as Sydney Design Festival, Sydney Contemporary, and the SCCI Architecture Hub.
Our Approach
We seek to produce work that is authentic and calm, refined and robust, crafted and contemporary. We don’t like taking shortcuts, and don’t believe in following trends and fads. We want our spaces to feel like they’ve always been there.
As designers working in the public realm, we want to create buildings and spaces that are not only beautiful and welcoming, but durable and sustainable. Our aim is to create architecture that enhances our domestic, civic and natural environments, and to work with others that share these goals.
The studio approaches all its work in a careful and considered way, using a common set of principles, undertaking projects in a spirit of collaboration with our clients and design team.
Services
We are typically involved throughout whole design process, from initial concept design through to completion of construction. Our process typically involves the following stages:
Concept Design
Design Development
Approvals
Documentation
Construction / Contract Administration
Interviews
You can read interviews with studioplusthree, talking about our work, influences and process, at the links below:
Enki Magazine - studioplusthree
Architecture Review - Emerging Practice studioplusthree
Vault Magazine - Emerging Practice studioplusthree