Matthew Gribben is the founder of Matthew Gribben Architecture, an award-winning, concept-driven studio specialising in residential, urban design and masterplanning projects.

Gribben has completed projects both within and out of Australia, including the Five Courts House in the inner-west suburbs of Sydney. He tells us about his architecture journey, what his day looks like, and the biggest challenge of the job.

Tell us more about yourself, including your education, training and current role.

I grew up and studied architecture in Auckland, New Zealand. Upon graduation from the University of Auckland I got a job in an award winning practice in Wellington, Architecture Workshop, and the following year I moved to Melbourne to work with Metier3 Architects. I worked on a broad range of design focused projects in Melbourne, and throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, and became a registered architect.

Needing inspiration after several years of hard work, I embarked on a one-way back-packing adventure in Europe. I was able to visit many of the magnificent buildings that had inspired me in images in my studies and professional career, and discovered new worlds that were previously closed to me. I carpet bombed the leading European architecture studios with my CV, and after a series of hapless foreign language job interviews in Barcelona and Paris was thrilled to get a job with Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, Switzerland.

I worked for H&deM for 4 years, firstly in Switzerland and then the Napa Valley and San Francisco in California. The studio transformed dramatically during that time, from under 50 people to over 250 spread across the world by the time I finished. Incredible clients and projects with a relentless dedication to innovation were the constants working with Herzog & de Meuron.

Needing some stability after many years of moving around the world, I moved to Sydney in 2002 and established Matthew Gribben Architecture. Since 2011 I have been working in the design unit of City Projects at the City of Sydney, where all the lessons learnt are now put to use delivering a broad range of public projects for the people of Sydney.

Five Courts House by Matthew Gribben Architecture

Why architecture?

I had always wanted to be an architect from a very early age. Sensitivity to surrounds and my physical environment, as well as the part played by some key role models, meant that there never really was any other choice.

What does your standard day involve?

My working day can involve the full range of architectural tasks, from assessment of site potential and feasibility studies, through concept design, design development and detailed engineering coordination, to construction sites and users of completed buildings. The constant is a focus on design excellence and encouragement of project team to embrace and commit to the key project outcomes at every step of the way.

The stimulating thing about architecture is an ever-changing daily roster of tasks that cover people and places, as well as structures and spaces.

What tools and software did you use for the Five Courts House?

A lot of hand sketching, as well as physical model making at a range of scales. We used a variety of 3D and 2D CAD software, mainly ArchiCAD and SketchUp with Maxwell for Renderings. There is no substitute for physical models for communicating ideas with clients and really exploring spatial character.

Did you face any design challenges with Five Courts? If so, how were they overcome?

The Five Courts House is located in Sydney’s inner-west, with a pretty difficult Council when it comes to approval of building designs that deviate from standard templates and that are not identical to neighbours.

Fortunately, the house sits on a particularly unorthodox site, a real exception in its urban context. This, coupled with a strong focus on sustainable principles, allowed a good dialogue with Council based on merit.

What is the favourite part of your job?

I enjoy the range of activities that architecture encompasses, from first design thinking to on-site execution, but for me the most exciting part of any project is when the first clear concept in early design emerges strongly. It is also very rewarding to see completed projects being enjoyed by clients and users.

What is the biggest challenge you face every day?

Challenges vary according to the particularities of each project, but a consistent focus is to ensure that key concepts and design quality are preserved and indeed enriched through the detailed design, consultation, engineering and construction processes – not diluted through these stages.

Which project of yours are you most proud of?

Always the current one!

Any advice for emerging architects or architecture students?

Passion, imagination and patience are critical traits to fuel you for the long term. Architecture is a marathon, not a sprint, and you need considerable internal reserves to flourish and contribute positively to the built environment. But, keep in mind that designing and delivering great buildings is a lot of fun and very rewarding.

Five Courts House by Matthew Gribben Architecture