Talking Careers with 77 Architecture
About 77 Architecture
Established in 2013 under the leadership of practice director John Stubbs, 77 Architecture provides clients with the expertise, skills, and technology of larger practices while delivering personalised service. 77 Architecture is committed to building lasting relationships with their clients to ensure a depth of understanding of their needs. The team is backed by 20 years of commercial experience and provide an extensive skillset across a range of project types.
Your role at 77 Architecture and how long have you been with the practice?
I am the Director (and Founder) of 77 Architecture, which started with just me, working in our spare bedroom. Last year, we celebrated our tenth birthday with a big party in Brisbane, attended by our team, and many of our fabulous clients, consultants, and suppliers. It was a fantastic evening, and I am grateful for the wonderful support I have received over those ten years.
Why did you choose architecture as a career?
I have always liked to draw—cars, in particular, when I was younger—but I wanted to be an architect for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it was because my mother used to talk about her great grandfather, FDG Stanley (1839—1897), what seemed like all the time! FDG Stanley was the Queensland Colonial Architect and many of his designs are now heritage-listed buildings, including Brisbane’s General Post Office in Queen Street.
Where was your first architecture position?
My first job was with Archscan Architects on the Gold Coast. Bill Giles and I worked together for four years, and for many of those years, I drove down to the Gold Coast from Brisbane and back every day. Bill had advertised for an architectural graduate on a University of Queensland noticeboard, and I applied as I had not been successful in securing work for my “year out” in Brisbane. Despite having no practical experience, I was offered a role, and it was where I “cut my teeth”. I am truly grateful to Bill for giving me those grounding opportunities.
What is a significant project you have worked on in your career?
All of the projects I have worked on are memorable and significant in some way. Some have shaped how I approach others. The ones that stand out though are those where I have worked closely with clients, such as a family home or a childcare centre that is owned and run by my clients. The journey is a rich one and highly rewarding. Most of all, as a team, we enjoy working on complex projects that test our process to design and draws on all our experience to produce buildings that people can enjoy.
Why do you love working in the architecture and design industry?
I enjoy problem solving and helping clients achieve their goals. Even after all these years, I still get a kick out of seeing a building I have worked on. Unlike some other professions, in architecture, we have a tangible outcome of our collective efforts, and something that can be used and enjoyed for many, many years.
What is the best piece of advice you could give to job seekers who are currently looking / applying for roles?
Be hungry, show some persistence, and stand out from the crowd. Once we had an application with a little introductory video. We were very impressed with their ingenuity, as we got to know a little about the applicant ahead of interviewing them. Sometimes standing out from the crowd also means simply following the instructions in the ad on how to apply.
What is the biggest mistake you see applicants make with their job applications?
We have received over 150 applications as part of our recent recruitment campaign. It will benefit you if your application is easy-to-read and makes clear how you meet the required criteria. This includes a portfolio PDF attachment, rather than the Issuu platform. And saying you have “excellent attention to detail” is a waste of time if your application is riddled with errors.
If you would like to learn more about 77 Architecture, you can check out their CO-architecture company profile which features projects like Tugun Market Co.
This article is part of our Talking Careers series, a CO-architecture series focused on highlighting various professionals, sharing insights and discussing industry experiences, whilst offering advice relevant to architecture and design jobs.