KTA

Light played a central role in shaping the architecture of MHM. Linked to illumination and knowledge, light was used as a motif to create welcoming and functional spaces, especially for education, research, and events, aligning with the museum’s purpose. By using windows, skylights, and mirrors, the design ingeniously reflects the sky, clouds, rooftops, and the local context into the building.

Thanks to the jury for selecting the MHM as one of the 22 finalists.

Link to awards

Charlie Emery has been promoted to the role of Associate Principal – Engagement. Joining KTA in 2019, Charlie has successfully directed KTA’s communications, submissions, and branding efforts. Her strategic approach to business development and communication has changed the way we operate and engage with our peers and clients. Charlie has been an active and valued participant in senior leadership discussions for the last two years, and this promotion validates the work she has already been doing.

Andy Ferguson and John Hajko have been promoted to the role of Associate, having demonstrated unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and exemplary leadership – reinforcing and extending KTA’s capacity to make meaningful and thoughtful architecture.

Andy joined KTA in 2021, and his dynamic energy and leadership on our Social Housing and Tertiary education projects has been influential in their success. His infectious energy, positivity, wit, and skill allows him to deliver exceptional project outcomes, building highly effective relationships with our clients, collaborators and teams. He has co-lead KTA’s practice studio in the master of Architecture program at RMIT for the last two years, and has been a key contributor to the development of our endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan.

John also joined KTA in 2021, initially working with the residential team on a complex residential project in Sydney. He is an architect deeply committed to his craft, and in his time at KTA has demonstrated his expertise across multiple typologies. John possesses a natural ability to support, mentor, and champion design, as evidenced by his contributions as design coordinator for KTA’s component of the Queen Victoria Market Southern Development Site project, shepherding the design intent for tower and heritage components from project inception.

We recognise the significance of Andy and John’s promotions to the future of KTA and eagerly anticipate their continued leadership and contributions within the leadership team.

In addition to these advancements, our Associate Michael Archibald, is taking on role dedicated to the management of our Quality Assurance and project delivery systems. His focus will be on the continual improvement of our documentation and delivery systems, standards and quality assurance processes, and providing support across projects with milestone reviews, technical advice, and delivery strategy.

Finally, Lynn Chew will be shifting her focus to a new role of Associate Principal – People and Culture. Lynn’s wealth of project experience combined with her first-hand knowledge of KTA’s founding culture will allow her to guide our studio, with direct responsibility for the wellbeing of our team, with a focus on ongoing professional development, mentoring and wellbeing.

From top left: Andy Ferguson, John Hajko, Charlie Emery, Viet Truong, Michael Archibald, Lynn Chew

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum was honored with a highly commended recognition in the Cultural – Completed Buildings category.
WAF consists of a series of events over the 3 days, with the awards being one of the highlights, around 140 judges from 68 countries are represented.

Thanks to all involved, including our team, collaborating partners and client.

Link to awards page

Excerpt
Australian practice Kerstin Thompson Architects designed additional facilities for the Bundanon Art Museum in New South Wales, including a flood bridge containing residences and educational spaces. The cluster of buildings is built to withstand the landscape’s conditions, pushing the museum underground and raising the education centre on a flood bridge.

The judges commented:
‘A series of sensitive and elegant additions to the landscape, this project responds to flood and fire risks in a way that promotes ecological awareness and creates generous spaces for living and learning.’

Thanks to the jury for recognising Bundanon and gratitude to our project team and collaborators.

Link to awards page

The jury cited
“The output of Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) configures architecture as an inherently civic endeavor; to do so, each design has strong multidisciplinary foundations. Indeed, the team has forged strong relationships with engineers, emerging technology specialists and landscape and heritage consultants, and their expertise informs the approach to each project, injecting innovation and environmental sensitivity to the specificities of a given project whilst evolving the firm’s design approach for future commissions. The result is an oeuvre of sensitive, site-responsive architecture that synergize form and function with landscape, resulting in highly meaningful and resilient places.”

Link to full list

The jury cited:
“A holocaust museum’s content is sensitive, and the building’s design must be approached in the right way. Here, the method is one of absolute consistency, from the strong cohesive urban form to the exhibition spaces and their connecting circulation areas.
The street facade is made from glass and clay bricks woven together, expressing the functions within and culminating in a large lantern. The new building is cast snugly over the existing heritage facade, and the two elements work beautifully together. Their combination yields a building that has gravitas and humanity, and it represents an innovative approach to the integration of heritage fabric.”

Our gratitude to Jayne Josem and the team at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum for their support over the many years. The project has been a journey starting with a design competition in 2014, and lengthy design and approvals processes before construction commencing in 2020.

And thank you to our project and extended consultant team, for their unwavering commitment.

Link to full citation

There were 4800 entries from across the globe and 85 projects were shortlisted with 6 projects selected in the cultural category.
We are so pleased to be one of seven Australian projects nominated.
Winners will be announced in November.

Link to “shortlist“https://www.dezeen.com/2023/10/09/dezeen-awards-2023-architecture-shortlist/

Excerpt from magazine
What’s Behind the Facade?
“Facades have always had many roles to play. They give buildings a face, protect them from the elements, and convey meaning. As art historian Wolfgang Kemp describes, facades serve as ‘places of public self-reflection in architecture.’”

“Each of these buildings blends old and new in ways that only become apparent on closer inspection. To reveal their hidden nuances, we elaborate on their design concepts and delve into the intricacies of their facade construction.”

Link to issue

“The winning entry, Solstice, is deep, dark and moody. George and Wise designed the tapestry to reflect the need for interconnectedness and ecology, particularly emphasized in the wake of the pandemic. A bright gold thread illuminates the edge of a circular landform and resembles a lunar eclipse, while an azure thread charts a river, pool, bath and bay, each linked together by a metallic thread.”

“The competition, presented by Australian Tapestry Workshop, invited architects from around the globe to design a tapestry for a hypothetical site. This year’s site was the Bundanon Art Museum by Kerstin Thompson Architects.”

The jury panel included Jefa Greenaway (jury chair), Kerstin Thompson, Justin Hill , Christina Na-Heon Cho, Adrian Iredale, Camila Block, and José da Silva.

Samples of the finalist’s designs are currently exhibited at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, in Melbourne until September 28th.

Link to ArchitectureAU Article

We believe the Voice is a simple, sensible, and positive step in the process of righting the wrongs of the past and building a more equitable Australia.

We shape spaces and places on Country across Australia. As a design community, we have begun a process of better connecting with Country – through close engagement and participatory processes led by First Nations communities. We have witnessed the positive impacts of engaging directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose wisdom, generosity, and world-view enrich our work and the built environment.

We respect the principle of self-determination. We’re committed to working towards greater equity and prosperity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We call on other industries, businesses and organisations to join us – to stand up, speak up, and support an incredibly important moment in Australia’s history.

We urge all Australians to learn more about the Uluru Statement and make an informed decision in the Referendum.
Find out more by visiting ulurustatement.org and yes23.com.au

Signatories: AJC Architects, Bates Smart, BKK Architects, BRAND Architects, Breathe, Carter Williamson Architects, ck architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Clarke Hopkins Clarke, COX, Denton Corker Marshall, DesignInc, Edition Office, Fender Katsalidis, Fitzpatrick + Partners, Gresley Abas, Jackson Clements Burrows, Kerstin Thompson Architects, Kosloff Architecture, Lovell Chen, March Studio, McBride Charles Ryan, Meld Studios, MGS Architects, Nguluway DesignInc, NH Architecture, Oculus, Peddle Thorp, Philips/Pilkington Architects, Sam Crawford Architects, Schored Projects, Six Degrees Architects, Tract, TRCB, Walter & Walter, Warren and Mahoney.

We designed a space reflecting our commitment to responsible design and our core principles – a supportive, positive work environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and well-being. Aligned with our sustainable approach; furniture was reused, joinery and lighting repurposed, and existing features were celebrated.

Edward Linacre Studio was engaged by us to rework, recycle and revamp luminaries; from existing industrial fixtures onsite, their creative solutions are also shortlisted.

DIA
_ Place category
Edward Linacre Studio_ Object

IDEA
_ Workplace under 1000sqm
_ Sustainability
Edward Linacre Studio_ Object Professional
Edward Linacre Studio_ Sustainability

For the past two years, Lloyd has led our Education + Health projects including Stage 2 of Northcote High School, a new wing at Preston South Primary School designed to Passive Haus standards and the recently completed Statewide Child and Family Centre for the Department of Health and Human Services.

With excellence demonstrated across a broad range of projects in civic, education, adaptive reuse, health and multi-res, Lloyd’s capacity to lead with empathy and consistently deliver great projects with our clients is well established. We are looking forward to adding Lloyd’s acumen and experience to our Senior Leadership team as KTA consolidates a productive period of growth.

The Statement calls for three actions of Voice, Treaty and Truth addressed as follows in the Statement:

• Voice: We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.
• Treaty and Truth: We seek a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreements between governments and First Nations, and truth telling about our history.

The vote for yes campaign aligns with our advocacy in reconciliation and inclusive approach to processes that impact First Nations people.

Read more about the Uluru Statement

Australia had more than 30 projects shortlisted and is among the top 10 countries with the most projects nominated, we are excited MHM has been selected.

“We are delighted with both the quantity and quality of this year’s entries,” said WAF program director Paul Finch. “They are a reminder in a world experiencing numerous crises that architects continue to address both everyday and unusual challenges with skill and imagination.”

Winners will be announced at the festival held in Singapore 29 November – 1 December

“In this episode, Kerstin – explores how architecture can respond with great care to local conditions and expands on what she describes as her deep commitment to an architecture that contributes to our ‘living heritage’.”

Presented by Heritage Council Victoria in partnership with Open House Melbourne.

Link to interview

“As Melbourne expands to reach a projected population of 8 million by 2050, this year’s theme Collective City encourages a citywide discussion and asks the question, How will we reinvent, re-purpose and adapt our city to live better together? The 2023 OHM Weekend program explores perspectives and projects that speak to the power of collective, adaptive and responsive design approaches focused on creating a more equitable, accessible and inclusive city.”

Tours, seminars and events are on Saturday 29 + Sunday 30 July

Tickets for the MHM tour on July 30
Open House Melbourne program

The event was completely sold out, organisers said, “the atmosphere was the kind of atmosphere we hope for at every AnA event: inspiring, entertaining, warm and intimate. We loved it! What an honor to have had these speakers along with such a list of interesting and diverse colleagues in the auditorium.”

Image by: Tim Dornaus

Link to more

We’re collaborating with lead architects NH Architecture and design partners Searle x Waldron Architecture, Openwork, McGregor Coxall, Lovell Chen and Urbis.

We extend our congratulations to our valued clients and the extended project team who have been instrumental in bringing these projects to life.

Thank you to the jurors for their insight.
Multi-Residential
- Karen Alcock FRAIA, Jury Chair
- James Loder RAIA, Juror
- Kate Fitzpatrick RAIA, Juror
- Thomas Essex-Plath RAIA Grad, Graduate Juror
Public
- Veryan Curnow RAIA, Jury Chair
- Scott Balmforth RAIA, Juror
- Jeremy McLeod FRAIA, Juror
- Monica Percudani RAIA Grad, Graduate Juror

Link to AIA Awards – Kerr Street Residences and Melbourne Holocaust Museum

Presenters included:
András Szántó, Editor and Author; Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at GMP and Curator Lena Kiessler, Publisher Hatje Cantz Verlag along with other contributors to the book which comprises 21 case studies including Bundanon. Link to book in bio.

‘UMBAU (conversion) means the continuous transformation of existing structures. Considering today’s climate goals, UMBAU must move from being the exception to becoming the rule. The exhibition by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) presents recent case studies of conversion practices from the 21st century dealing with the architectural heritage of the Moderne movement.’

Excerpt
“The building is large, stepping and shifting to press at the edges of the buildable envelope – not a millimetre is spared. And yet it feels generous, with wide hallways and outdoor terraces on multiple levels. As I am visiting, two school buses of students are emptied into the building. I’m bracing for havoc, but serenity prevails.”

Link to article

Extract from Katelin Butler, Editorial Director, Architecture Australia
“Kerstin’s architectural work demonstrates a depth of thought that is not only visible in the drawings and built outcomes, but also astutely articulated in words by Kerstin herself – not always such a natural skill for an architect. Her ability to communicate her approach, ideas and considerations makes her an incredibly valuable mentor, teacher and advocate for architecture. The many anecdotes collected here consistently refer to her generous and collaborative approach, and Justine Clark’s opening essay (page 78) reflects on Kerstin’s engagement beyond the office, noting that “this is also imbricated with the world of the practice … These activities help make space for the development of ideas that then reverberate between these various worlds.”
Link to purchase magazine

In her own words, Kerstin reflects;
I think of this milestone as an acknowledgment of past achievements but also a future challenge – to continue the purpose of the practice I founded – Kerstin Thompson Architects – with the design of buildings that meaningfully connect people with place and the fostering of a stimulating and supportive workplace culture. And parallel to KTA, to continue with the reward and responsibility of education through studios and talks, and beyond the academy, advocating for architecture whether through design panels, public engagement or in the research around and doing of exemplars.

The bestowing of the Gold Medal, so far overwhelmingly on individuals, gives pause to contemplate one’s role relative to that of others within a 30 year practice. As founder I have provided the thread of thought continuity along which many have gathered and have inflected.

To all who have contributed in various ways to KTA, thank you

Link to AIA website

“The awards recognise achievements in Australian buildings, interiors, and communities, that demonstrate the principles and benefits of biophilic design. National winners will automatically be entered into the International Living Future Institute’s Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award in 2023.”

“The Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award is administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). It acknowledges Kellert’s legacy as a pioneer in articulating and applying biophilic design principles to the built environment. His advocacy has encouraged the widespread adoption of the practice of design for human-nature connection.”

Congratulations to all the finalists

Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Public Architecture
Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Heritage Architecture
Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Melbourne Prize
Kerr Street Residences – Residential Multiple Housing
VSBA New Schools 2022 Bundle B in association with McBride Charles Ryan – Educational Architecture

Winners will be announced Friday 16 June 2023
Congratulations to all shortlisted projects and teams
Link to all shortlisted projects

The places, buildings and objects displayed in Civic Architecture are a record of our times: they reflect the cultural identities of their locations and the types of services required to support the people residing there.”

24 March – 20 August,10am–5pm daily (free entry)
Level 3, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square
Link to event

Rossi proposes permanence’s present two aspects: “they can be considered as propelling elements or as pathological ones: artefacts that enable us to understand our city in its totality, or artefacts that appear as a series of isolated elements that we can link only tenuously to an urban system.”

Join us for a discussion that focuses on our built heritage and how it can be interlinked with urban design imperatives and opportunities. Our panelists include Christine Phillips, Dan Hill & Felicity Watson — in conversation with compere extraordinaire Stuart Harrison.

6 April 5.30pm—6.30pm (free event)
Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne
Link to event

“Many of the concepts that hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are using to steer into the future have been on the horizon for some time: more individualization, more experiential, more storytelling, and more Instagramable settings. Next-generation hotels are increasingly highlighting their location and its history, immersing guests in other worlds, sending them on a journey through space and time.”
Seven projects were selected and we are so delighted Bundanon was chosen for the cover.

Link to purchase issue

Excerpt from article, Frame’s Take
“Buildings that can absorb the shock of earthquakes and homes built on stilts to prevent flood damage are just some of the ways architects have had to consider environmental characteristics when designing spaces. However, the climate crisis has forced design and architecture to proactively reckon with the ever-increasing occurrences of disasters like massive wildfires, extreme storms, winds and flooding.”
Link to magazine

The article includes a series of images taken by Sharyn Cairns and an interview with Kerstin, except below,
“We have done a house for a photographer that eludes the photo, but I keep telling her to stop trying to photograph it and just be in it,” which is tantamount to telling Picasso to down his paintbrushes on holiday. Beauty bids the constant witness.’

The discussion titled ‘Architects on the Future of the Museum’ will include András Szántó with contributors; Elizabeth Diller (Diller Scofidio + Renfro, United States), Paula Zasnicoff Cardoso (Arquitetos Associados, Brazil) and Kerstin Thompson (KTA, Australia).

KTA is one of the 21 architects included in Szántó’s new book published by Hatje Cantz. It is a companion to his previous book, ‘The Future of the Museum: 28 Dialogues’ (2020).

Link to event

Photo: courtesy of the author