Over the past year, evolution and optimism have propelled Carr. The elevation of Stephen McGarry, David Brooks, and Richard Beel to the positions of Directors at Carr is one of the high points of this mindset. Today, they reflect on some of the key observations of 2024 and look ahead to what’s to come.
Resolution through collaboration
This year was transformational, dynamic, spontaneous and expansive. For David, who joined Carr in 2014, the word is ‘seminal’, highlighting the progressive chapter the studio has embraced.
“There is an ever-increasing number of stakeholders now on complex architectural projects, concerning regulatory and financial factors, subjective preferences, general familiarity and, of course, time constraints,” says David about the profession. “Essentially, it’s a lot more people saying it can’t be done. I have learnt the importance of tenacity and compromise – specifically in that order. As an architect, you must be the optimist in the room, to believe in a resolution that is both possible and worthwhile.”
For Stephen, who also celebrated 10 years at the studio, it’s this same sense of positivity that he believes encapsulates the next 12 months. Rather than focusing on the unpredictability of what the future may bring, Stephen is excited about the range of great projects currently underway with longstanding and new clients, while also continuing to celebrate the unique projects completed across our residential, commercial and hospitality portfolio, as we continue to build and strengthen our exceptionally talented team of designers.
“Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of creating successful built environments,” he shares. “Internally, effective collaboration fosters the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and knowledge-sharing, which results in better design solutions. Working closely with our clients during the creative process ensures a highly thoughtful aesthetic, functional and feasible outcome that meets the needs of all stakeholders.” It’s this fusion of perspectives and expertise that will lead to design outcomes simply not achievable in isolation.
The purpose of placemaking
Along with our work in Victoria and New South Wales, Carr has solidified itself as an active figure within the Queensland design industry. With the launch of our new office in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Carr already has a series of dual-discipline endeavours happening in the region. Richard observes the surge in population and construction growth to Queensland’s expanding capacity for housing and infrastructure, particularly ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. It’s crucial to find an equilibrium between responding to these external forces while also always designing to context.
Richard explains, “One of Carr’s design pillars is creating a sense of place, the relationship between the built form and its surrounding context and landscape. From the master planning to internal spaces, we focus on how our design can elevate the occupant’s connection to the landscape.”
“The nature of Queensland’s climate allows for greater outdoor living with a greater need for passive ventilation and breezeways. The tropical conditions also mean rapid growth of the landscape.”
Actioning aspirations
Within the urgency to produce more homes amid the Australian housing crisis, the necessity to build for longevity remains a core pillar at Carr. “We are designing considered environments where people can afford but also want to live in,” says David. “The Victorian government has indicated some significant planning changes that present project opportunities, but excitingly, have a significant and positive impact on the urban realm.”
To thrive in an evolving design world, Stephen cites innovation as key to the successful growth of the team and projects, ultimately creating meaningful spaces that better serve the end-user. “Pushing creative boundaries while ensuring the project’s functionality and feasibility is a continual goal at Carr. We have always fostered a team culture where risk-taking is encouraged and new ideas are celebrated,” he explains.
While embracing AI within the practice and pioneering the application of sustainable design interventions, the studio seeks to craft and realise climate-responsive designs that are adaptive and improve user well-being.
As we pause and rest before the bustle of 2025, it’s important to reflect on what will bring the greatest benefit to our clients, teams, and communities. Even after more than five decades of practice, we remain driven by the desire to create exceptional spaces, collaborate with inspiring individuals, and tackle innovative design challenges.
Lead image by James Braund.
