Douglas Roxburgh has recently joined Shane Thompson Architects as practice director in Brisbane.

He has more than 20 years experience in the UK and Australia across educational, health and residential.

Architecture & Design spoke to him about why he joined Shane Thompson Architects, using façade technology and the challenge for architects to keep up a high quality of work.

You've only just joined Shane Thompson Architects. What are you hoping to learn and achieve at the firm?  

Learning isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Very successful sub-tropical detailing would be one thing that springs to mind. There are a few tired buildings around that are not that old. As a team we want to achieve success in everything we do – it’s pretty simple. We are fortunate to have a platform on which we can do that after the massive effort by everyone involved in these first two years of the firm’s existence.

Why did you decide to take up a position at the firm?

The team delivers consistently high quality solutions, punching well above their weight with creative and buildable outcomes. The World Architecture Festival shortlistings for the North Byron Beach Resort and 490 Consulting Suites are testament to that. We have great relationships and local knowledge, but are also working interstate and overseas.  The potential for a very fulfilling career and a chance to assist in the managed growth of the firm is what appealed to me. Not just in numbers of people though, but in a thoughtful, mature and fun way, if that’s possible!

You like to use emerging technologies. What new technology have you used recently on a project and how did you use it? 

I have used a lot of façade technology to assist clients achieve reduced building running costs without sacrificing comfort. Looking at the buildings as complete entities that include site, services, structure, architecture and interior design has also always fascinated me. This successful integration is one measure of a great building. The emphasis on environmental aspects of design is of great interest to us and can be further developed here in Australia.

You have been involved in projects in Scotland and Ireland. What is their approach to design compared to Australia?

There are some subtle differences, and I think Australian architecture is more construction-focussed, which is not a bad thing and at the end of the day we all do the same things. I find work is more influenced by the key individuals who are the decision makers, and working well with all character types is important, which is something I enjoy.

Is there something they do differently that you would like to see adopted in Australia?

I believe that the work here, not just in terms of product but also in terms of client service and buildability, can hold its head up amongst the better work from around the world. The challenge to us as architects in Australia is to maintain the high quality there in all aspects. Don’t be arrogant that we can’t learn from other parts of the world. I do find it perplexing that each region in Australia has separately registered architects. I am sure there are good historical reasons for that I will be advised about, but at face value it is unusual.

What has been your favourite project to work on and why?

Different projects are enjoyable for different reasons: the Wolfson Medical School for the achievements in glass engineering, the Beatson Research Institute for creation of the client’s aspiration for a world class facility, the Mackay Base Hospital for working with a diverse team to deliver the environment the client was aiming for, but the one that really stands out for me is a little cabin in the Spey Valley, Scotland, which was my first project after graduating.

I was dealing with a planner from the Spey Valley 15 years after working on this project discussing the viability of a modern design solution, and he said that he would rather the project looked like ‘this building’, sending me a photo. It was my cabin from 15 years earlier! That made me chuckle, though it was considered a ‘modern’ design then too.

What's the best advice someone has ever given you about life or your work?

Never be afraid to do something different just because people tell you that you are good at doing something a certain way. Most of the people that we aspire to be have track records in thinking outside the square and taking calculated risks. All the clients I have worked with actually want surprising solutions, even though they say they don’t initially!