What is the right way to work with an architect? Who should you use, how should they help you, and make sure you stay on budget?

If you want to learn the right way to work with an architect, there’s key things to know. Suzie Hunt, of Suzanne Hunt Architect tells us.

Suzanne Hunt is an award-winning architect based in West Australia, and she founded her own practice, Suzanne Hunt Architect, in 2004.

Suzanne Hunt Architect is a boutique architectural and interior design practice specialising in residential, heritage, hospitality and mixed use projects in Perth and country Western Australia.

Known for her down-to-earth approach and wide-ranging professional and life experiences, architect Suzie Hunt has a warm and engaging manner that manifests in the buildings and spaces she designs. Her practice – founded in 2004 – specialises in architecture and interior design across a range of sectors, and provides strategic advice on design and heritage issues.

My podcast interview actually is a longer one, and brings to you two guests – both fantastic architects with brilliant advice to share with you.

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

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

Suzie employs a small in-house team of architects and interior designers, and works with trusted external consultants and professional builders, all of whom are selected for their expertise and suitability for each project. She prides herself on maintaining a highly personalised service for her clients, from site selection, initial briefing and concept design through to construction, administration and project completion.

Her work is strongly influenced by Western Australia’s stunning landscapes, resulting in timeless buildings and spaces that are fit-for-purpose and beautifully detailed. Suzie brings a wealth of knowledge to the business of architecture; as well as running her own practice she has worked at state and local government levels, and currently sits on several executive boards.

As such, Suzanne Hunt Architects delivers projects that are financially viable, environmentally sustainable and aesthetically innovative.

One of Suzie’s most important roles as an architect is to help her clients enjoy their creative journey; she listens carefully so she can nurture and shape their dreams. “Great architecture enriches our lives physically, psychologically, spiritually and emotionally, and leaves a legacy for generations to come,” she says. “It’s important that we get it right, together.”

Suzie wants the architecture she designs to express harmony, warmth and a calm simplicity.

Suzie is also the current President of the West Australian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, a Board member of Curtin University Architecture Advisory Board, a Board Member of Rottnest Island Authority, and a Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gender Equity Committee. AND, she’s a host of the television show, Australia by Design.

Suzie also writes a blog on architects, design, interiors, living, building in Western Australia, gender equity in architecture, and a raft of other subjects – and she writes for media as well.

I ASKED SUZIE HUNT, SUZANNE HUNT ARCHITECT, THESE QUESTIONS …

• You’ve had your practice for over 14 years now. Can you tell us a bit about what that’s been like, how you’ve managed to sustain it over that time, and the range of projects you’ve worked on?
• Amongst some homeowners I speak to who haven’t worked with an architect before, feedback and concern I hear is that architects only design expensive houses, they’re not for everyone, they can’t design to a budget, they’ll control the design outcome too much … do you find you’re overcoming similar objections? What’s your thoughts on this?
• A question I regularly receive is “I’m doing a renovation or new home … who should I use … an architect, building designer or draftsperson? … and should I just go straight to the builder and use whoever they suggest so I have half a chance of it being on budget?” I can imagine you receive this question too – how do you respond?
• One of the benefits of many years in your own practice would be seeing how your homes have served their owners over the long term. What do you think makes a family home work when it’s a ‘forever’ or ‘long term’ home?

With a 14 year business, and a long career overall, Suzie has some incredible advice to share about how you can make the most of your home, and your relationship with your designer … whilst staying on budget and creating the perfect family home for you.

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

In the full interview, Suzie has some great tips for …

• how she assesses each project to be sure it’s tracking on budget,
• how homeowners have changed what they’re wanting in their homes over the past 14 years of her business,
• her thoughts on whether every project deserves an architect, and
• construction and planning in Western Australia (if you’re building or renovating in WA, this is awesome info!)

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Find Suzanne Hunt on the web >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Website
Follow them on Instagram >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Instagram
Follow them on Pinterest >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Pinterest
Check her on Houzz >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s on Houzz
Her Linkedin profile >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Linkedin
And Facebook is here >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Facebook