Boutique firm Place Studio is disrupting the architecture and design industry with designs that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. Works range from boutique residential to multi use commercial projects of significant scale. Managing director James Alexander-Hatziplis attributes the firm’s success to his partnership with his wife, Marie-Claire, and their focus on nurturing a strong team.
With over 20 creative architects and designers, and over 80 projects currently running Australia wide, Place Studio strives to deliver more for less. By using the latest programs to streamline the coordination process, and methodologies they have developed over the past five years to quickly identify wastage in projects, they consistently deliver cost effective designs that stand the test of time. The Baxley Bondi, which was transformed from a former boarding house to a bright, welcoming boutique hotel with characteristics distinctly ‘Bondi’, showcases how the team designs beautiful yet economical spaces.
Co-founders James and Marie-Claire have a strong work ethic, which led the couple to open their office just across the road from their home, allowing them to blend their work and home life with their two daughters seamlessly. The short commute gives them more flexibility, and has also increased the team’s productivity. In short, they have all the benefits of working from home (almost), while maintaining a separate office space for their staff and client meetings.
Place Studio is passionate about using modern technology and processes to deliver the best, cost saving solutions for their clients. Mixed-use development Babylon, for example, holds an impressive 128 units and over 4,000 sqm of commercial land wrapped around an innovative parking solution. The pencil tower stands 30 floors tall on a footprint of only 775sqm. This design, which will stand as the new gateway tower to the Gold Coast, was carefully put together with the use of BIM technology.
However this focus on technology and efficiency does not come at the cost of good design. Clever design has become Place Studio’s signature style. Beyond this focus on design and cost saving, the couple recognises that obstacles inevitably arise during a project. Rather than shy away from challenges, James encourages the team to view them as opportunities to find thoughtful, creative solutions for clients. It is thanks to their philosophy of innovation, bespoke design and collaborative work that Place Studio is a much trusted architect for developers looking to breathe new life into their projects.
Check out Place Studio’s website or Instagram to learn more on how this young power couple are bringing a fresh approach to projects.
