Originally from the UK, newly-appointed director Oliver Mayger brings an international pedigree to SJB Architects’ Melbourne office.

Mayger joins existing directors Michael Bialek, Tony Battersby, Owen Chow and Alfred de Bruyne.

“Essentially it’s just a magnification of the role I’ve been doing here. I’m not trying to be another Michael Bialek or Tony Battersby because they very much deal in the conceptualisation of architecture. What I bring is the ability to translate a conceptual idea or a client’s brief into a built outcome. So, from an architectual point of view, my responsibilty is mainly to deliver on expectations…. the ability to turn big ideas into reality.”

Having completed successful projects within the commercial, leisure, hospitality, mixed-use, residential and heritage sectors in Britain and Western Australia, Mayger joined SJB in 2006 and became an associate in 2007. Since then, he has been integral to projects including the RACV Healesville Country Club and the residential apartment projects, ‘A Place to Live’ in Richmond.

“In the UK I was exposed to different methods, different problems. Where you might have a Melbourne or an Australian response to a problem, I’ve also got the benefit of a European response. It’s fine to fly in from Europe with all these great ideas and great background, but you have to be able to apply it to the local market. I’ve been fortunate enough to be working in Australia for about eight years, so I understand how things are done in Melbourne.”

Coinciding with Mayger’s appointment is the retirement of SJB founder and director Charles Justin. Mayger is full of praise for Justin.

“In my time here, he has acted as quite a mentor. It’s a relationship business and I have a lot of respect for him because of the way he treats people.”

SJB Architects