Associate
Member of the Australian
Institute of Architects.
Brett was attracted to architecture as a profession because it is grounded in reality yet would allow him to express his creativity. The first step was studies at Melbourne University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in planning and design and another in architecture (with honours).
Over the following two decades, before co-founding NTF, Brett worked with various practices, gaining experience on a wide range of assignments including terminal buildings for Qantas and other airlines, and major projects in the educational, local government, commercial and residential development sectors.
For Brett, architecture is not only about design skills but having deep knowledge of function, form, materials and processes, and the ability to plan, negotiate and manage. That’s all requisite for what he believes is the key part of the architect’s role: communicating with the client and being up front about the realities of the process. Then it’s a matter of trusting his instincts in developing the solution.
George studied architecture and construction at Deakin University, Geelong, graduating with a bachelor of arts (architecture), and also undertook courses at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He then worked with two leading architectural firms in Melbourne, before co-founding NTF.
It was during his university days that George developed his enduring interest in the problem-solving aspects of architecture. This, together with his studies in classical and renaissance art, formed his approach to design, evidenced in work that’s characterised by a visually definable structural order and the use of heavier materials.
George thrives on the challenge of working with a client to solve the requirements of the brief, visually, spatially and economically. His preferred way of expressing his response is through the floor plan. For him, an aesthetically balanced and efficient plan is the basis for a series of spaces that flow with order, logic and hierarchy and, above all, are designed for living.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Manchester, Claire worked in London with an international firm that led to a stint at their Melbourne practice, sparking a love for our city.
Returning to the UK to complete her studies, she gained a master’s in architecture at the University of Edinburgh then immediately headed back here and before long joined us to focus on her primary interest, residential projects.
Designing homes appeals to Claire because it allows her to be creative, playful and spontaneous while also drawing on her interest in structure, order and process, with each project providing new challenges and opportunities.
Claire’s approach is to get to understand the way her clients like to live and the spaces they want, and then guide them on the journey from concept to completion. She says being with them as they watch their wishes come true is incredibly rewarding.
Not only does her family hail from the tiny island of Kasterllorizo in Greece, which is very sunny, but Parisse grew up in Perth, where the sun also happens to shine more often than not.
An inevitable attraction to the elements, and a desire to be surrounded by beautiful things and thoughtful spaces, led to studies at the University of Western Australia, where she gained a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and a master’s in architecture.
Moving to Melbourne may have meant there’s less of the sunshine that Parisse loves, but working with us allows her to pursue her dream of designing ‘special spaces for great people’.
The key to doing that, she says, is listening to clients and getting to understand their aspirations; the reward coming when they’re happy with the result and express their appreciation.
Ben believes that good architecture can improve the way we live, through well- considered and thoughtful design. It comes from a boyhood curiosity in ‘how things go together’, which evolved into studies at Monash University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and then a master’s.
That early interest is now reflected in his approach to projects, which include private homes, townhouses and multi-unit residential developments. It’s about taking care of the detail. Every aspect is worked through in a methodical manner, from the conceptual stages to connecting with clients, coordinating consultants, checking regulations and dealing with authorities.
In the design process, Ben likes exploring the integration of form and texture and the interplay between different materials, combining the conventional with the unexpected to create distinctive outcomes.
After graduating from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, with both a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture and a master’s, Tess felt that Melbourne offered more opportunities to push the creative boundaries.
While initial employment with a large practice provided great experience, joining NTF has allowed Tess to engage directly with clients and see projects through from concept to completion as part of a close-knit team.
An important part of that process for Tess is listening carefully to a client’s briefing and then opening their minds to options that are more applicable and exciting than they anticipated.
A firm believer in the benefits that can flow from having a strong relationship between the interiors and the architecture, Tess enjoys contributing to the vision and then working through the push and pull of the process to achieve that overall sense of cohesiveness.
Matt’s architectural expertise is combined with his training and practice in fine art. He graduated from the University of South Australia with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, majoring in glass, and a second degree with honours. His glass sculptures have since been exhibited around Australia.
As his design interests expanded in both form and scale, Matt completed a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies followed by a master’s. He likes thinking of architecture as a bigger form of sculpture, in which people actually live. It’s also allowed him to explore and apply the qualities of other materials, such as the warmth of timber, which he loves.
A key difference between the disciplines is that whereas art is a solo activity, designing homes is a collaborative process in which Matt is working directly with clients. He gets great satisfaction from helping them build and enjoy a place of their own that he has played a part in creating.
Awards | Project | Category | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Interior Design Excellence Awards | Blanche Cremorne | Single Residential (Shortlisted) | 2017 |
Houses Awards | Hedderwick Balwyn North | New House over 200m2 (Shortlisted) | 2017 |
Houses Awards | Blanche Cremorne | Alterations & Additions under 200m2 (Shortlisted) | 2017 |
Interior Design Excellence Awards | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Multi-residential (High Commendation) | 2016 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2016 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Marble House Toorak | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2016 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | JMD Offices South Yarra | Workplace Design (Shortlist) | 2016 |
Houses Awards | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Apartment, Unit or Townhouse Finalist (Shortlisted) | 2016 |
Australian Interior Design Excellence Awards | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Residential Multi (Shortlisted) | 2016 |
Houses Awards | Trinian South Yarra | Alterations and Additions over 200m2 (Shortlisted) | 2016 |
Houses Awards | Screen House East Melbourne | New House under 200m2 (Shortlist) | 2016 |
Houses Awards | Elizabeth Malvern | Alterations and Additions over 200m2 (Shortlisted) | 2015 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Station Carlton North | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2013 |
Australian Interior Design Excellence Awards | Station Carlton North | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2013 |
Houses Awards | Station Carlton North | Alterations and Additions over 200m2 (High Commendation) | 2013 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Station Carlton North | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2013 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Open House Mobile | Colour in Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2012 |
Dulux Colour Awards | Open House Mobile | Residential Exterior (Winner) | 2012 |
Dulux Colour | Open House Mobile | Awards Residential Interior (Commendation) | 2012 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Arthouse South Yarra | Colour in Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2012 |
Houses Awards | Cressy Townhouses Malvern | Apartment, Unit or Townhouse (Finalist) | 2012 |
Houses Awards | Open House Mobile | Outdoor (Finalist) | 2012 |
Australian Interior Design Awards | Arthouse South Yarra | Residential Design (Shortlisted) | 2012 |
Houses Awards | Arthouse South Yarra | Alterations and Additions over 200m2 (Finalist) | 2012 |
Australian Institute of Architects Awards | Cubitt Offices Cremorne | Commercial Architecture (Shortlisted) | 2010 |
Publications | Project | Article Title | Issue |
---|---|---|---|
Houses | Green Screen | No. 118 / Sept 2017 | |
Sunday Herald Sun Stellar | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Seeing Double | October 2016 |
Inside Out | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Designer Duo | October 2016 |
Australian House & Garden | Marble House Toorak | 2016 Top 50 Rooms | September 2016 |
The Age | Chestnut Townhouses Cremorne | Townhouse Takes Precedence in Cremorne | July 2016 |
Houses | Elizabeth Malvern | Malvern Residence | No. 105 / August 2015 |
Australian Financial Review | Cause for Reflection – Designing with Mirrors | 13 June 2015 | |
Australian Financial Review | Station Carlton North | Island Bench Offers a Kitchen Focal Point | 10 June 2015 |
The Age Domain | Elizabeth Malvern | Ingenious Design Brings Space and Light to that Seventies Feel | 26 April 2015 |
Urbis | Station Carlton North | Before & After | August 2014 |
Houses | Station Carlton North | The White House | No. 96 / January 2014 |
Australian Financial Review | Arthouse South Yarra | The Bigger Picture | 16 January 2014 |
Est Magazine | Arthouse South Yarra | Artistic License | 12 January 2014 |
Australian House & Garden | Station Carlton North | 2013 Top 50 Rooms | November 2013 |
The Age | Arthouse South Yarra | Work of Art | November 2013 |
Houses | Sumner Northcote | House by the Park | No. 92 / June 2013 |
Dwell Asia | Open House Mobile | Playing House | May 2013 |
The Age | Station Carlton North | Space Saviour | 25 May 2013 |
The Age | Open House Mobile | Absolutely Prefabulous | 1 May 2013 |
Gourmet Traveller | Arthouse South Yarra | Kitchen Special – By Design | April 2013 |
The Contemporist | Arthouse South Yarra | South Yarra Residence | 22 March 2013 |
Green | Open House Mobile | No Parents Allowed | No. 18 |
Designing With Black, Architecture & Interiors | Arthouse South Yarra | Introduction | 2013 |
Australian House & Garden | Acland St Kilda | 2012 Top 50 Rooms | November 2012 |
Belle | Arthouse South Yarra | Creative Hub | November 2012 |
The Weekly Review | NTF Architecture | Developing our City/Great Minds | 8/14 August 2012 |
The Age Melbourne Magazine | Open House Mobile | Back to Front – Timber Land | No. 94 / August 2012 |
Belle | Open House Mobile | Belle Inbox | June - July 2012 |
Houses | Violet Hawthorn | Hawthorn Residence | No. 86 / June 2012 |
The Weekly Review | Montrose Toorak | Sanctuary of Style | 23/29 May 2012 |
North Shore Times, News Local | Open House Mobile | Cubbyhouse Comes of Age – New Designs Delight Kids | 25 April 2012 |
The Age Business Day | Open House Mobile | Gloat of Many Colours: Melbourne Sweeps Awards | 2 April 2012 |
The Australian Financial Review | NTF Architecture | High Density Gathers Pace in Melbourne | 14 March 2012 |
Cottage Turns Over a New Leaf | Violet Hawthorn | Domain, The Saturday Age | 4 February 2012 |
The Australian Financial Review | Walking on Air | 6/8 January 2012 | |
The Fun House, Playlands for Kids | Open House Mobile | The Cubby House | 2012 |
Indesign | Not What it Seems | No 46 / 2011 | |
Houses | Open House Mobile | Open House – Kids Under Cover | No 82 / October 2011 |
Architect Victoria | Columba & Open House Mobile | Slice Project 5 & 6 | Winter 2011 |
Australian House & Garden | NTF Architecture | Safe as Houses | April 2011 |
The Weekly Review | Cubby Box Mobile | Childs Play | 16/22 November 2010 |
The Australian Financial Review | Montrose Toorak | Hideaway Houses Conceal Cool Interiors | 12 November 2010 |
Inside Out | Normanby Kew | Homecoming | July - August 2010 |
The Age Business Day | Cubitt Offices Cremorne | The Right Side of the Tracks | 12 May 2010 |
Living by Design, The Sunday Age | Violet Hawthorn | Small Inspirations | March 2010 |
Abode | Acland St Kilda | Garden Passion | No. 17 |
Abode | Montrose Toorak | The House that Jack Built | No. 13 (Cover Article) |
Australian House & Garden | Montrose Toorak | 2008 Top 50 Rooms | December 2008 |
Living by Design, The Sunday Age | Montrose Toorak | The Merger | November 2008 |
Australian House & Garden | Montrose Toorak | Lawn and Order | February 2008 |
Courtyards for Modern Living | Montrose Toorak | Lawn and Order | 2008 |
Vogue Living | Montrose Toorak | Higher Ground | Autumn / Winter 2007 |
We’re always on the lookout for bright minds and enthusiastic talent to join our growing team of architects and interior designers delivering a range of projects that vary widely in type and scale.
If you think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and a PDF of your portfolio to melb@ntfarchitecture.com.au