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We commissioned Durack Architects to do a Feasibility study on adding a roof extension to our Bondi apartment building. They went above and beyond to get it done quickly and we were very pleased with the high standard of work and attention to detail that they gave the project. Luke recommended many things we hadn’t thought of to help increase the value of our investment. Overall it was a very easy and pleasurable experience dealing with the team.
Andrew Simpson – Apartment building renovations.
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I found Luke Durack Architects thorough, professional and client-centred in their approach. They helped walk me through the at times byzantine process for obtaining a Complying Development Certificate for some internal alterations. They were always responsive, knowledgeable and courteous, and helped to smoothly facilitate a successful outcome. I would highly recommend them.
Ben T. – Coogee apartment renovation.
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Luke was patient, clear, precise, direct and timely with respect to our many queries, concerns and wishes with respect to our project which involved a house demolition and construction of a duplex building. Further, Luke was very professional, knowledgeable, realistic and creative, in advising on alternatives, both in design and materials, to what we initially had in mind and was focused on our obtaining the best possible result out of the budget we had available.
James Momsen – Dover Heights duplex.
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The apartment is an absolute symphony. So soft, calm, elegant, interesting and beautiful. I am beyond thrilled. How lucky I was to find you. You are so clever, an absolute treasure. Luke, thank you so very much.
Noelle Irvine – Elizabeth Bay apartment.
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Luke designed and managed the renovation of an old cottage I bought which was in need of gutting and redesign. He was extremely professional, listening and understanding what I was looking for then providing a very clear description of the options with some clever elements I hadn’t thought of. Luke was extremely competent at turning the design into action. It was the first time I had used an architect and Luke educated and guided me through the whole process, tendering for a builder and other professionals, all the council paperwork, managing some unexpected curve balls and getting the renovation completed on time. Luke also advised on some tough decisions to ensure I met my budget. I am very grateful for my beautiful, light filled and transformed home. It is very easy to live in which was a key element. I highly recommend him.
Jackie Stephenson – Bondi house renovation.
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From the very start of our project Luke anticipated our concerns. He listened and translated our hopes and desires into our wonderful new home. We had purchased an old warehouse building that we wanted transformed into a home that retained the warehouse feel while also being spatially rich, exciting and practical to live in. Luke delivered this and more in his unique and gifted approach to problem solving.
We found in Luke an architect who was passionate about uncovering the most creative solution to our problem while also making the journey to the end as stress free as possible. We were looking for someone who was experienced, easy to work, transparent and an excellent communicator. Luke has this in spades. He has the ability to work patiently with the myriad of personalities that come with any building project in a way that ensures relationships are maintained even in the most difficult of situations and consistently kept the job on track despite a couple of issues that arose. He maintained a level head and ensured our request for ‘no surprises.’
Durack Architects’ smaller size made certain that we were always able to deal directly with Luke as the principal. Luke was able to take the project from the very first design stage all the way through to administering the contract on site. This was important to us as it meant I was able to be closely involved all the way through the construction without feeling overwhelmed by the whole process. Luke was endlessly meticulous in this regard and always patient with our questions and concerns.
We have a wonderful new home that is uniquely designed for us. It is everything we hoped for. We could not recommend Luke and Durack Architects more highly
Saxon Strauss – Warehouse home conversion
Why is the home important?
For many of us our home is the space that expresses who we are and what matters deeply to us in our everyday lives. First we inhabit our home and then find later it inhabits us as experiences and memories and a sense of place are created.
Of course there are numerous pragmatic requirements that make up the family home but this is not all, there are the intangible aspects of a home that impact on everyday life, how we feel and function in the space. We believe these are some of the fundamental considerations to be considered in any design.
Yes, the house needs to capture daylight in a way that addresses the basic need for warmth and light but this should be addressed in a way that recognises the beauty in the way shadows fall and move across and through a building during the day.
Yes, the children need to be safe and supervised but a home should also encourage a sense of play and adventure.
Yes, the rain needs to be kept out but we have all experienced the enjoyment of watching the rain come down, dripping from the eaves before pooling at a threshold and disappearing forever, grateful for our protected nook. Shelter is more than just a roof and some windows.
Yes, a busy home needs a series of spaces that are open, flexible and connected allowing for the supervision of children while cooking dinner. That needs to be tempered with privacy, intimacy and shared spaces. Without this there is no sense of place – there is just space.
The front door is not just an entry to the house it provides an important sense of arrival, of protection, drama and expectation. These transition spaces are important as are thresholds and moving from a public space to a private one.
Yes, we need enough space to store all our stuff. More importantly though we need the space we do have to work efficiently for us. Quality and amenity of space over amount of space will always be more valuable.
Durability in a family home is important. This does not negate delicacy, beauty or delight.
Any home has a unique set of environmental circumstances. The best spaces are those that are sensitive to these and address them as part of a coherent whole.
More now than ever a home needs to be flexible. If the kids are going to be around for a lot longer those requirements should be considered now.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly while satisfying the pragmatic requirements of daily life the home needs to satisfy that all important desire for beauty, pleasure and belonging.
“Its often about how small, smart changes can make a big impact.” – ‘New Suburban’ by Stuart Harrison
