Prior to branching out his own, Nick worked at an award-winning Brisbane practice, where they focused primarily on highly detailed residential and mixed-use projects. Since 2014, he has been flying solo – working on projects across three main typologies – residential, multi-residential and hospitality, with the bulk of work being renovations and new houses. From his childhood dream of being a pirate to becoming an architect, Nick Tyson shares with us how it feels to run a solo gig, his favourite architectural style, and his best strategy for those dreaded uninspired moments. Let’s hear what he has to say..
George Takes Twelve
1. When I was growing up, I wanted to be…
When I was little I wanted to be a pirate! I think there was something about being on the ocean all day, every day that must have subconsciously appealed to me. Upon reflection – laying on the beach, drinking rum and looking for treasure all day are also things I could easily partake in…
2. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your company?
I love working with people. I love getting to know how they live and operate – what makes them tick and what makes them happy. I feel the combination of these idiosyncrasies with a response to one’s context or environment are vastly more important to the success of a project than the number of bedrooms or bathrooms.
3. How is your studio structured?
My practice is based in West End, where I share a space with two other architecture practices, a team of arts journalists, and two office dogs. It’s great working alongside other architecture practices and creatives to bounce off ideas and to keep the stoke going.
Running a solo gig ensures I am dealing directly with my clients, which creates a positive relationship and leads to a strong level of trust from my clients.
4. What exciting projects (present or past) are you proud as punch about?
I’m really proud of the Golden Beach House, which was the first new house I designed since starting my practice. Responding to the client’s lifestyle and their coastal site was a real treat to work on.
Designing the refurbishment of the Port Office Hotel has been another huge highlight. This heritage listed Hotel is a well-known establishment in Brisbane and coincidentally – one of the first places I “went out” to when I turned 18, so to work on it some 15 years later was really quite special. The project was also shortlisted in the Best Bar Design category of the “2018 Eat Drink Design Awards”.
5. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
Not an item or belonging at all, but my pregnant wife Morgan and our dog Archie are what I treasure most. Oh and maybe my 9’4” custom shaped log by Maren Surfboards…
6. What’s the most impressive party trick you can muster?
Rapping ‘Juicy’ by Biggie has been known to get a few people gravitating towards the dance floor.
7. Are there any architectural trends you are excited about?
For me, trend is a naughty word in the world of Architecture. It speaks of the moment, of something that looks naff in 10 years. I am more excited about architecture that pares back trends and focuses on creating a visceral response to place.
8. Tell us about a project that excites you but you never finished.
As with a lot of architects, there is a solid back catalogue of unbuilt works… There have been a few renovation projects that I would’ve loved to have seen built. But the one that sticks out is a beach shack in Yamba that was designed to sit like a tree house, nestled in the canopies of Banksias, Tukeroos, Pine Trees and Pandanus.
9. What’s your go-to routine to shake off a busy week?
A Friday beer or two at ‘The End’ in West End. Then an early morning surf before the crowds roll in. Or if there’s no swell, then a walk and a coffee with my wife and our pooch.
10. You’ve got a week off, where are you going?
To our 50’s fibro shack at Caloundra. There, it’s all about unplugging and slowing things down.
11. Tell us about your best strategy for those dreaded uninspired moments. What gets you out of slumpville and back climbing the creative pinnacle?
Surf is definitely my “cure-all” – so a morning mission to South Straddie will always help. Otherwise, if that is out of the question, then some good hip hop beats are my go-to.
12. Favourite architectural style from a bygone era?
Modernism, in particular – Australian Modernism has been a big influence on me in regard to space, form, materiality, and response to the site. However, working on renovations to old Queenslander houses have developed a strong passion for the simplicity of timber and tin.
Meet the Architect Radio
“My Magical Musical Lolly Bag ” Playlist
“Just like that warm wash of sun over your face as you sip a coffee on fresh Autumn morning – this mix is all about putting a cheeky smile on you dial or to lift you up from any creative slump.” – Nick
Where to find him
Name: Nick Tyson
Business Name: Nick Tyson Architecture
Job Title: Architect / Director
Website: http://nicktysonarchitecture.com.au/
Instagram: @nick_tyson_architecture
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicktysonarchitecture/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com.au/nicktysonarchitecture/
Photography Credits:
Golden Beach House & Arthur Additions: Photography by Andy MacPherson
Co-working Office: Photography by Adam Scott
Portrait Photography: Chris Proud
What a perfect Q& A! We’d like to show our appreciation for the post. One point that hit us at the core was architecture “focuses on creating a visceral response to place.” It is, indeed, true. Good architecture is not about trends but how people connect to a space.