New Year New You, and what better way to self improve than surround yourself with architectural feats of the greats… and the underdogs… and even the next generation. Adam Haddow, director of SJB, has a side hustle that will help you do just that and it’s called The Architect’s Bookshop.

Located at 498 Crown Street in Sydney, just across the road from the SJB headquarters, Anne Proudfoot, formally of the AIA bookshop Architext, which served as a landmark in Potts Point for decades, runs the bookshop alongside Meredith Buhler recently of the Museum of Contemporary Art Store.

The Architects Bookshop is designed to act as a community space dedicated to design in its various expressions: architecture, interiors, landscape and urban design. “We are passionate about hunting down new titles – exposing Sydney to new practices and practice,” says Adam. Two rooms comprise the space, the front is the literal bookshop characterised by unfussy shelving made from Australian native timbers and integrated seating. Both rooms feature pressed metal ceilings.

The backroom is to become a place “where ideas can be exchanged”, hopes Adam. It can be used for readings, book launches, meetings, seminars and discussions and casual catch-ups. “The site will become a cultural hub not only for architects but for the interested public,” says Adam. “We want the space to have the spirit of openness and generosity, so all types of people will feel welcome.”

The Architect’s Bookshop is an offline, In-Real-Life manifestation of a passion project to gather and invest in an all-inclusive community showcasing the work of Australian architecture.

Photography by Anson Smart.

Get more book inspiration at Branch Architecture Studio’s Quaine Library project. And why not sign up for our newsletter.