Welcome to Future Talks by RTF! In this captivating conversation, we delve into the visionary world of architecture and sustainable design with Clare Steen, the co-Director of Plain Architecture alongside William Goodsir.
At Plain Architecture, simplicity isn’t just a design choice; it’s a guiding principle. Clare and her team navigate the intricate tapestry of life’s complexities while recognizing their profound implications for our planet. Their approach goes beyond aesthetics, embracing a philosophy that harmonizes with the Earth.
A graduate of the University of Tasmania, Clare’s expertise shines in residential architecture, particularly in her beloved Tasmania. Her passion lies in forging genuine connections with clients, understanding their aspirations for their dream homes, and weaving these dreams into structures that not only fulfill desires but also positively impact the land and its future inhabitants.
But Clare’s vision extends beyond bricks and mortar. Her dedication spills into the realm of gardens, where she envisions spaces that resonate with simplicity and exude joy. Join us as we uncover Clare’s insights, inspirations, and aspirations as she reshapes our understanding of architecture’s role in shaping a sustainable, harmonious future.
RTF: Hi Clare, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. What is the design language of Plain Architecture?
Clare: Plain Architecture is simple, honest, and unfussy. We make sure the voices of the site, the materials, and the client are present.
RTF: Where did the inclination towards Permaculture come from? How did it impact your work?
Clare: I grew up with permaculture. It is foundational to my approach to the world. My awareness was strengthened during my studies at the University of Tasmania – where permaculture was born – and through studies at Milkwood.
I like to design according to permaculture’s twelve principles, with particular attention to
catching and storing energy, using and valuing renewable resources, obtaining a yield, and integrating rather than segregating. I find thinking about architecture through permaculture leads to holistic designs that are forever becoming.
RTF: What do you think of building a social media presence for architects? How important is it and what does it demand from the architects who choose to do it all on their own?
Clare: In the contemporary world, being online is necessary. It is especially important given our regional context. But social media can’t lead the work.
It’s essential that our social media presence is authentic. No inflation, just the facts that bring the right clients to us.
RTF: What are your views on working collaboratively with contractors and consultants? How exciting and challenging is it at the same time?
Clare: Working collaboratively with contractors and consultants is absolutely critical. We’ve been able to find people we respect and can trust, and consolidate good working relationships. It makes work enjoyable!
An architect is inevitably part of a team. We’ve found that when you approach projects in that way – starting conversations early, using other people’s knowledge, being responsive to opportunities and contingencies – you have a better understanding of what is possible and are better able to keep things on track.
RTF: How do you approach getting your projects featured in publications? Do you manage the communications and PR in-house or have this outsourced to a PR and communications agency? Which approach do you think is better and why?
Clare: We’ve been lucky that the attention we’ve received has essentially come to us. We are grateful to Anjie Blair and Tatjana Plitt, and to other publishers who’ve seen our work and wanted to include it in their publications. And to all those people who’ve passed us on through word of mouth.
RTF: Can you share any challenges you’ve encountered in the process of getting your work published and how you overcame them? Are there any lessons you’ve learned over the years that have significantly improved your success in this area?
Clare: No lessons yet: definitely still learning!
RTF: What is the process of establishing a common ground when dealing with a client’s demands and your own ideas? How important do you consider ‘The Art of Persuasion’ for architects?
Clare: The client’s idea has to be the foundation of the architecture. I’d hate to con a client into accepting something driven by my ego or desires.
We put a lot of focus on working with the client to discover the project brief. We can’t proceed with a collection of glossy images; we need to flesh out how the client lives – in the finest of detail – and what the site offers. Then we can understand what the client and site really need, and design something appropriate to those specifics and resilient and flexible enough to accommodate subsequent inhabitants.
RTF: What kind of attention do you give to the ‘community’ in conceptualising a project?
Clare: We think architecture has the ability to reduce complex cultural factors. We respond to anything the project raises, anything that comes from client or consultant or material supplier, but avoid overloading projects with additional, extrinsic matters.
RTF: What are your views on sustainability in urban design and architecture?
Clare: Architecture is inherently unsustainable. We’ve made some advances towards sustainability, but there is still a long way to go. Energy rating software can be beneficial if used early on as a design tool, but too often assessment is a tick-box certificate.
I hope we can reach the stage in which people are making the best choices for the right reasons; and that architecture can have a positive effect on our world.
RTF: What has been your inspiration during your architectural journey?
Clare: Life.
