What’s the one thing to know about renovating or building your family home?

Well, this architect has a lot to share with us, and it includes what he has learnt from his own project (and home), H.I.V.E. X FIVE. Let me introduce Chris Megowan.

Now, I’ve got a slightly longer episode for you this week, as I wanted to bring these interviews together, because I believe both these architects share a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and what you’ll learn will really benefit you in your renovation or new build project.

My first guest on this episode, is Christopher Megowan, of Megowan Architectural, a Melbourne-based firm. And my second guest is Suzie Hunt, of Suzanne Hunt Architect, a business based in Perth and working all through Western Australia (you can learn more about Suzie by heading here).

So, let me tell you about Chris.

I was first introduced to Chris via my guest last week – Anthony Laney of Laney LA – as the two attended college together in the States. So,

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

For over a decade, Christopher Megowan, director of M – A, has passionately dedicated himself to the study, teaching and practice of Architecture, design and development. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Architecture (5 Year professional degree) from the University of Southern California in 2008 where he received numerous honours, scholarships, grants and awards.

Acting as owner, designer, and developer, he completed his first built work prior to graduating University. Since then, he has been involved in projects ranging from bar & cafe fitouts to single family homes & 50 unit mixed use developments.

Prior to starting M – A, Christopher cut his teeth working for award winning Architecture practices in Los Angeles, London, and Melbourne.

Christopher has taught multiple design and construction studios at the University of Melbourne and Monash University at both undergraduate and graduate levels as well as served as a guest critic in Architecture for several different courses.

Megowan Architectural was established in 2009 and is a talented team of Architects that are united by a desire for excellence. M – A is less about a singular style, instead they are committed to the specifics of each project and to creating timeless spaces.
Each project brings its own complexities and parameters which they carefully respond to by understanding their clients and how they want to interact with their spaces, and in turn how their spaces will interact with them.
M – A brings to the table expertise in Architecture, planning, interior design and development. Whether the goals of a project are practical, emotional, financial or all three – they will work with you to create a well-balanced outcome which maximises your resources.

I ASKED CHRIS MEGOWAN, MEGOWAN ARCHITECTURAL, THESE QUESTIONS …

• Tell me about Megowan Architectural … why did you begin your practice? What do you most enjoy about it?
• There’s some commonalities or themes I see in your work, which I’d love to talk about. One is that you play with volume. Is volume an important design device for you and what would you encourage homeowners to think about in this regard?
• And another is that your window design seems to be often about shaping the view and connection with outdoors – really creating a framed experience of what’s beyond the interior of the home. How do you think about window design?
• Tell me about your project H.I.V.E. X FIVE – I understand it’s a development that you did yourself, and includes your home and office?
• What do you wish all homeowners knew about home design, building and renovating?

Chris shares very candidly what doing his own project has taught him in creating great projects, working with clients, and helping everyone on the project team have a good experience. And his design strategies are great lessons for anyone working on their family home.

Listen to the episode now. And be sure to get in touch with Chris to let him know you heard him on Undercover Architect, and to thank him for all he shares!!

In the full interview, Chris also shares information on …

• how he incorporates flexibility as an approach in his projects
• the design strategy that makes his own project (and home) a great example of what’s possible when desiging ‘in section’
• his learnings from his own project, and what he recommends you consider in your own
• what makes a family home functional and flexible over the long-term

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

H.I.V.E. X FIVE / Megowan Architectural – https://www.archdaily.com

Christopher Megowan’s Convertible Courtyards House – https://inhabitat.com

Find Megowan Architectural on the web – http://m-a.com.au/

Follow them on Instagram >>> Megowan Architectural’s Instagram

And Facebook is here >>> Megowan Architectural’s Facebook

VIDEO FOR H.I.V.E. X FIVE