Internationally renowned for making extraordinary buildings and places that matter, John Wardle Architects (JWA) has a new home in Sydney.

The move comes as the practice continues to take on projects in Sydney, including an art gallery for Judith Neilson that is currently under construction (in collaboration with Durbach Block Jaggers). Other significant projects in NSW include the York & George tower, the Bowral Conservatory and the JPMorgan Tower. 

JWA has a reputation for working deeply with place. The 2018 RIBA award-winning Captain Kelly’s cottage, an experimental residential project, the new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and the 2018 national award-winning Monash University Learning Teaching Building each reflect this quality.

Westfield Sydney Tower, by JWA.

Recognising the diversity of place that the practice is already working in across Australia, the new Sydney outpost will be yet another portal for work to continue to flourish. 

“I’ve had an ongoing fascination with the city that’s grown as we’ve worked on a series of projects over many years. I know we’re going to derive enormous pleasure from getting to know the city more intimately, building on our existing knowledge but investigating further into the skills, materials and systems on offer in Sydney,” shares founder and principal, John Wardle. 

The Sydney office of JWA will be led by principal Matthew Todd, working closely with key practice members who will have a strong presence in both states. Matthew brings to the role over 25 years of experience throughout Australia, South-East Asia and the UK in large-scale civic, institutional and civic projects.

Render for Bowral Conservatory by JWA.

The architects says, “JWA’s work readily translates to the Sydney environment. There’s a sensitivity to place and a fascination with the process of making, the capability of materials, a very refined aesthetic and a sense of humanity and spirit about what buildings should do.”

The Surry Hills studio will open its doors in January, with an official launch party and calendar of events and talks in early 2019.

Read more into the practice’s decision to open a Sydney studio with Matthew Todd and John Wardle in conversation.