What is the future of architecture? If you ask Eva-Marie Prineas, principal of the all-female owned and operated Studio Prineas, it’s quite simple. “The future of architecture needs to be grounded in thinking more and building less. Working out how to solve problems without starting from scratch and reusing existing building stock to retain and restore for future generations to enjoy,” she tells BresicWhitney.

A visit to Eva-Marie and the team’s Rushcutters Bay practice affirms this. Housed in the Boundary Road creative hub alongside a myriad of other designers, artists and creatives alike, the office space is a tonal delight. Natural light gently fills the modest space, bouncing off its warm timber accents. It’s a carefully considered space that is special for the team, reflecting their own principle of designing ‘homes that are special for the people who live there’.

 

 

Since its inception in 2004, the studio has bolstered its reputation for sophisticated, sustainable, and award-winning design. With a focus on single residential spaces, ones that hero heritage conservation and creative intervention, projects such as Alpha House, Fisherman’s House and Bona Vista, were each able to be granted a second chance with a contemporary update.

“An important aspect of our work is understanding the bigger picture — what it means to make a home for someone, and the many ways which that home will contribute to its environment, city, and historical and cultural context,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be able to make creative intervention to our environment, so we challenge ourselves to always design with integrity, sensitivity and respect for people and place.” An ethos she learned during her formative design years, spent working on large scale heritage and sustainable residential design. As her career progressed to eventually founding the current practice, Eva-Marie’s focus was to understand and adapt places that are already special and do so in the most environmentally responsible way. 

 

A commitment that’s re-enforced by Studio Prineas’ B Corp Certification – a program that encourages businesses to operate as a positive force both locally and globally, measured by scalable goals relating to community involvement, environment, governance, and ethical business practice. An achievement they embody with such gravitas that they seek out clients who share similar values, not only with respect to design ambitions, but with an inherent respect to Country and community. “To respect Country is to respect the planet”, Eva-Marie explains to BresicWhitney, emphasising how we must listen and learn from our First Nations People to better understand the ancient culture and landscape.

 

Acknowledging the building industry’s reputation as one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions, Eva-Marie encourages her team to make design decisions that breathe life into spaces by means of preservation and adaptation. Technological advancements such as photo-realistic renders and 3D models have aided this, inviting clients to experience their homes ahead of completion and gain clarity of their desired outcomes. The impact of climate change has become an area of focus out of necessity, Eva-Marie shares, cementing technological advancements as a tool that allow it to continue delivering on its commitments as B Corp Certified business. “We have many touch-points that ensure an open line of communication with our clients to help us form a deep understanding for how they live and what they love about their home. As part of our B Corp certification, we have formalised this process by developing a post-occupancy survey that aims to gather feedback from clients 1, 5, and 10 years down the line.”

 

Aesthetics and functionality are also major considerations. “Maintaining the premium form and function ideals associated with Studio Prineas design begins first with understanding the client and the client brief, to create a plan which is logical, efficient and joyful,” Eva-Marie shares, giving insight to her wealth of experience with different homeowners since Studio Prineas was formed. “Finding a balance between creativity and practically is paramount to what we do every day. As the brief evolves over time, new opportunities for creative expression emerge, and when we are all working towards a shared vision it’s possible to ensure all the creative twists and turns are able to be implemented both practically and responsibly.”

 

Ultimately, Studio Prineas measures the success of a project by the enjoyment it provides the individuals who occupy it – a place where family and friends can gather and feel as though they never want to leave.

Home, sweet, home sustainable, joyful, efficient, Studio Prineas-designed home.