Tribe Studio Architects

With the environmental and economic implications of climate change the challenge of our lifetime, we have a duty as responsible architects to help our communities and clients thrive by reducing the significant carbon and waste impact of the construction of buildings.

We approach the challenge of designing for more sustainable buildings and spaces with optimism and take pleasure in delivering healthy and joyful outcomes.

We currently do some things well in areas such as Passive Design and adaptive re-use of old buildings, but we also know that we can do much better and strive for higher sustainability standards and outcomes in all of our work.

To hold ourselves accountable for doing and not just saying, we’ve signed up to Architects Declare and their commitments, and are aligning our Sustainability Action Plan to supporting those commitments across:

• How we deliver architecture and design
• How we run our practice
• How we lead with capability and advocacy

Our Sustainability Action Plan will be finalised shortly and will be available here

As part of our commitment to a healthier planet we are independently certified as Carbon Neutral. This is to certify that all greenhouse gas emissions produced from the operations and services of Tribe Studio, have been calculated by the Carbon Reduction Institute. Tribe Studio has purchased carbon offsets accredited under the Verified Carbon Standard and Gold Standard carbon credits to offset these emissions.

Tribe Studio was thrilled that the Bellevue Hill house received a commendation in the Australian Institute of Architects Awards (NSW Chapter) for Residential Architecture - Alterations and Additions category.

The calibre of projects shortlisted was particularly high this year and we congratulate everyone who won an award - it was fabulous to celebrate with you!

A big thanks also goes to those who collaborated with us on the project including our client, the builder and all the consultants and suppliers involved.

The jury citation:

This is an exemplary extension to an existing house that is respectful whilst not deferential. The project celebrates the spirit and intent of the grand Arts and Crafts house, adding an imaginative flare to the original design. New additions, such asa barrel-vaulted verandah tucked beneath the deep sloping eaves, gives the house a distinct personality and a touch of exuberance.

In a subtle act of translation, beautiful joinery expresses the Arts and Crafts aesthetic afresh, giving the sizeable interiors coherence and offering moments of intimacy.

The wallpaper lined dressing room is an unexpected delight, honouring daily rituals.

For more information on the project then visit the project page on on our website https://www.tribestudio.com.au/work/bellevue-hill-house

Builder: Laycock Constructions

Photography by Ben Hosking.

We are thrilled that the Bellevue Hill House received a high commendation in the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards (architecture category), and the only residential project to be recognised from the category.

From the National Trust (NSW) Awards: "The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice, awarding excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage."

Bellevue Hill House is an Edwardian Arts and Crafts Dame in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, built in 1915 and undergoing a significant alterations and additions led by Tribe Studio. Our project honours the original design- it honours the narrative of continuous occupation and change as well as the narrative of evolving family life for its current owners.

Thank you to everyone who collaborated on the project, and you can find out more on the project page of our website

https://www.tribestudio.com.au/work/bellevue-hill-house

A big congratulations to Aileen Sage who deservedly won the Architecture Award for 119 Redfern Street, and to Dunn Hillam who received a Highly Commended for the Gunnery Transformation.

Tribe Studio’s Bellevue Hill House has been shortlisted in the NSW Australian Institute of Architects Awards for Residential Architecture - Alterations and Additions category.

We channelled the ethos of the Arts and Crafts embracing narrative, whimsy and inventive play within the design.

Congratulations to our peers who have been shortlisted in this years awards. Award winners announced 28 June 2024.

Builder @laycock_constructions
Photography @benhoskingphotographer

New starters at Tribe Studio

The second half of 2023 has been a busy 6 months in the Studio and we have welcomed a number of new starters to the team.

Maria Gutierrez Vargas – Senior Architect: Born in Colombia but moving to Australia at the age of 11, Maria has over 10 years’ experience as an architect and is a registered architect in NSW. Maria has worked on a range of residential, multi-res and hospitality projects in Australia , as well as 4 years experience in London leading projects. Maria’s strengths are in building productive relationships with clients, builders, authorities and consultant teams to achieve design excellence in her projects.

John Evans – Senior Architect: John has over 10 years experience as an architect in Australia and China, and is a registered architect in NSW. Having worked across a range of residential and non-residential projects, John brings strengths in technical documentation and on-site design advice, managing complex stakeholder groups and delivery of construction programs at various levels of scale.

Jay Kim – Office Manager: Jay joins Tribe Studio after 8 years managing ticketing operations for the Sydney Opera House where she demonstrated excellent customer service across the SOH events program, as well as leading process improvements for customers and staff. Jay’s passion for ceramics has now become her side hustle and she is also an excellent amateur photographer.

Will Martel – Graduate Architect: Will hails from New Zealand and has moved to Sydney to take up his role with Tribe Studio, having graduated in 2021 from Auckland University. Will’s curiosity in both design and how things are made, has already seen him spend time in architectural practices in New Zealand and Germany, as a Student Tutor at Auckland University, as well as working as builder’s labourer and designing and fabricating public artworks.

At the same time we were sad to say farewell to Luisa Sugawara, our Brazilian rock-climbing Associate Architect who took off to travel the world, and Jules Le Poer Trench, our vivacious Studio Manager who after 5 years has taken an exciting role in the not-for-profit sector. We wish them both all the best.

Moderated by Karen McCartney, Hannah will be joining David Flack and Ronan Sulich to discuss their personal collections and passions for collecting art.

Date: Thursday 7th September Time: 6pm - 7pm.
Where: Sydney Contemporary.
Carriageworks 245 Wilson St, Everleigh.

Recently we were awarded a Commendation for Bronte House at the Houses Awards 2023. Thank you Architecture Media for your continued support of Australian architecture.

2023 Houses Awards
Winner/commendation
New House Over 200m2
Tribe Studio Architects for Bronte House

Bronte House is a calm, quiet, private oasis in this popular and densely populated area. There is a strong relationship with the epicness of the coastal landscape. The house is monolithic and elemental, as if it were carved from a solid block of brickwork by sun, wind and time.

Photography by: Rory Gardiner
Styled by: David Harrison
Built by: Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Landscape Design by Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd

Out Now! Bronte House featured in The Local Project Issue No. 12 print publication. Thank you The Local Project for supporting Australian architecture and design. Head to The Local Project to order Issue No. 12 now or to subscribe to the tri-annual publication.

Photography by Rory Gardiner
Styling by David Harrison
Built by Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Landscape design by Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd

I sat down with Dave Sharp from Office Talk, Marketing for Architecture. The podcast, episode No. 71, is out now. Thanks Dave Sharp for a warm and enjoyable chat.

Dave and I discussed:
• How we have designed the business to run efficiently and profitably, from a focus on gradual and sustainable growth to succession planning and delegation, and the hires we have made to help focus my time on the studio's projects rather than administration.

• Insights into how residential clients experience the design journey, from their initial sense of overwhelm to their enjoyment of the design process as an act of self-expression of their personality and goals for their lives.

• Why I believe that Tribe does not have a house style, but instead a few key areas of interest that tie our projects together, and why some projects that embody these values tend to resonate more with potential clients than others.

• An approach to public speaking in front of audiences of non-architects, and how speaking has been a valuable opportunity to clarify thinking, engage with peers, and get the general public excited by design and creativity.

• The difficulties small but experienced practices like Tribe face in winning government and public projects, despite their track records in other sectors, but how this is becoming easier as councils like the City of Sydney push for small practices to be included in public procurement processes.

Visit the link, or look for Office Talk on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Bronte House was commended in the Residential Architecture - Houses (New) category at the 2023 NSW Architecture Awards. Thank you to our wonderful clients and everyone who worked on the project.

Jury Citation:
"An evocation of Sydney’s coastal escarpments, Bronte House punctuates the streetscape and carefully frames views to the beach and ocean.

With a pared back palette of blonde bricks and concrete, this dwelling navigates complex changes in the levels of nearby homes and the street. The jury loved the detailing and finish.

Tribe’s vision was one of generosity to the neighbours. The home was sculpted to provide views for the owners of the home, without interrupting their neighbours' while avoiding overshadowing.

The carefully curated interior facilitates the needs of a family who work from home and come together in the light filled heart of this home."

Builder: Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Photography: Rory Gardiner
Styling: David Harrison
Landscape: Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd
Engineer: Partridge

Hannah, Principal of Tribe Studio, was delighted to be part of the international event series “Architects, not Architecture” at Sydney’s Art Gallery of NSW on 21 March 2023, alongside her architect colleagues Virginia Kerridge and William Smart. Hannah spoke about her personal experiences and the influences that have impacted her creatively in her life as an architect. To watch Hannah’s talk online click here

Bellevue Hill House has been shortlisted in the Houses Awards for both the