One of Queensland’s long-running firms is celebrating 75 years of architectural practice as it reflects on its experience in the industry.
From the early days as Prangley and Crofts, TVS Architects has maintained a reputable standing in the Australian architectural world as it continues to evolve to suit the current environment.
Former director Maurice Verna said of the early days of the firm, “The first 30 years in practice saw the firm with good pedigree, perceived as a good training ground for emerging young architects, many of whom have gone on to set up their own practice … It was considered, along with a few of the older firms in Brisbane, as the firm to work for”.
The firm has made quite an impact on the industry, particularly across south-east Queensland, with the firm taking out its first award since rebranding as TVS in 1989 for their Henry Street Offices project.
The practice has proved resilient against the challenges within the industry throughout the past 75 years as it continues to create unique and inspiring projects.
One of the toughest challenges was the Global Financial Crisis that had a profound impact on the industry, which was felt for many years, and more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the rise of a digital workforce, the architecture community finds itself adapting to an unexpected review of the traditional business environment.
Current director Brett Harbourne said, “The business’s resilience to the changes thrust upon the industry by the emergence of a global pandemic were a testament to the diversity and adaptability of the firm and its leaders.
“Technologically, TVS have long been equipped to ‘work from home’, which helped to alleviate some of the pressures necessitated by the imposition of lockdowns.
“By virtue of its private developer clients, the firm continued to flourish as the multi-residential market boomed.”
TVS Architects continues with an enthusiastic passion for architecture and design that is fuelled by its close-knit team and embedded in their office culture.
Having done away with the traditional top-down management approach, its supportive work environment ensures everyone feels valued and included in the creative design process and business goals.
Managing director Michael Kisluk said, “The success of our business is built on our people working together side by side, supporting each other to achieve the best we can.
“We support each person as an individual but nurture our joint relationships as a team.
“Our common goal is to grow our success … for ourselves individually, for us as a business and for our clients—as a team.”
Now settled into their new amenity-rich studio in South Brisbane, the firm facilitates a strong work-life balance and regularly engages in team social activities such as their lunchtime running group, evening social activities and weekends away, which form strong working relationships.
This ultimately creates a better, more cohesive team and, in turn, delivers better outcomes on their projects.
Architecturally, an expansive portfolio of experience across a range of sectors is supported by the diversity of the team to insulate the business from fluctuating market conditions.
TVS is working to boost the growth of its interiors department to provide value to their clients through an inclusive design service.
With a strong pipeline of commercial and multi-residential architecture, the firm is looking forward to the completion of a number of projects, including Archer Residences (pictured, top), an ultra-luxury apartment building on the banks of the Brisbane River, and an upcoming medical research centre within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
When asked about the future of the industry, Kisluk said, “The importance of creating spaces and places designed for people, and in harmony with nature, will be of key importance.
“Project success will increasingly rely on design being inspiring and user-friendly. Building structures need to be considered within an ESG [environmental, social, and governance] framework to create healthy environments that bring pleasure and value to the way people live, work and play.
“Projects can’t be considered in isolation but as a part of larger community and society aspirations.”
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