21
Can you describe your specific design role beyond
project selection, permits and regulations on
O’Grady St?
Essentially there are two major parts to this project
that required my specific design work. There’s
the original brick shell we could re-use and that
required among other things, new window frames
and glazing. We utilized Viridian’s services to ensure
historic accuracy with the replacement framing
that was largely rusted out. The new frames and
windows feature performance glass. Behind this is a
new secondary structure, or envelope, that includes
stackable and sliding doors and windows that open
into the various courtyards and rooftop terraces. That
integrity and flexibility of the building envelope is
really a large part of the architect’s role, but after that
it’s pretty much up to the contestants.
Many viewers would be unaware of your guiding
architectural hand. Your role is a relatively quiet one.
It isn’t highlighted because it’s not meant to be about
me, or the architecture. The show’s success grows
out of the competition between contestants. It’s their
job to create the best spaces and finishes and my
job is to ensure a property that is robust and flexible.
Architecture’s role is the value insurance once the
properties are put up for sale. The series has to work
at such lightning speed that planning permits have to
be sorted months in advance before anything begins
on site. We work six months out on each show.
It’s an interesting reminder that beneath the
surface there is some very hard paddling to bring
such a series to our screens.
That’s true and if there’s a problem you just have to get
there without falling over, or going over the cliff edge.
Is there a biggest single lesson from the whole
experience?
Left and above
Stackable doors create easy
flow-through to courtyard and
restored fanlight windows.
Yes, that the notion of architecture as a solo pursuit
is a myth. It’s much more about teamwork. There
isn’t one stand-out person who makes these projects
succeed, but teams of good and talented people who
share similar goals and a drive to get projects off the
ground.