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Practice

practice

It’s in our nature to be inquisitive, because a well-resolved piece of architecture that is attractive and functional doesn’t happen by accident; it may seem simple but only results from a great deal of consideration.

practice

The holistic approach we take means that our architectural and interior designs evolve in close collaboration with consultants such as landscape designers, engineers, environmental specialists and building professionals who are key to a successful project outcome; for us there’s no line in the sand and the final design must speak as one.

practice

The starting point in our thinking is to embrace the particular constraints of a project, and then set out to develop unique and bold responses to the site and contextual conditions, the whole time being mindful of our client’s lifestyle requirements.

practice

While the initial impact of our work is the building’s form and structure, we have a keen interest in the fine crafting of the details, making the most of natural and robust materials that not only have their own special appeal but age well, and grow in character.

practice

A common response to our work is an appreciation of the light and space we create, but our designs are also conceived for a world where the sun shines, rains fall, winds blow, and temperatures vary – it’s this thinking that makes our buildings livable, and lasting.

About

NTF Architecture is a Melbourne-based architectural practice that specializes in intelligent and sustainable design solutions across a broad range of project types, including residential, multi-residential, and commercial projects. Established in 2006, NTF Architecture has built an impressive portfolio of projects that have attracted international interest and industry recognition. Led by directors Brett Nixon and George Fortey, the firm's experienced team of architects and interior designers deliver individualized and unique design outcomes that are specific to each site and context.

At NTF Architecture, the team's primary focus is on designing livable, functional, and aesthetically beautiful spaces of varying scales. The firm's extensive knowledge and experience in the industry continue to inform its conceptual thinking and enable the holistic approach taken to all of its work.

NTF Architecture's finely crafted environments are created from a palette of materials with a sense of timeless quality and permanence. While the initial impact of the firm's work may be the overall distinctive design, it's the essential, finely crafted details that make spaces livable and timeless. With a commitment to sustainability, NTF Architecture's designs are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

 NTF Architecture is proudly a Carbon Neutral practice.

Principles

Be inquisitive: A well-resolved piece of architecture that is attractive and functional doesn’t happen by accident; it may seem simple but only results from a great deal of enquiry and consideration.

Consider people: Develop a deep understanding of each client’s needs and aspirations through careful consideration of the brief, so as to design a bespoke outcome that captures the essence of the project and enriches the lives of the end users, whether it be in a home, office, retail or hospitality environment.

Acknowledge place: Embrace the particular constraints of a project and its site, and then set out to develop unique and bold responses that pay respect to the culture, context and heritage of the place in order to positively shape its future.

Be holistic: Our architectural and interior designs evolve in close collaboration with consultants such as landscape designers, engineers, environmental specialists and building professionals who are key to a successful project outcome; for us there’s no line in the sand and the final design must speak as one.

Educate: Design and construction is a lengthy journey and contains many twists and turns along the way. It’s our role to assist our clients by supplying sound and considered advice to inform and empower our clients and enable them to efficiently navigate their way through the journey.

And finally:

Tread lightly: Set simple and practical design guidelines to achieve outcomes that are energy-efficient and environmentally considered, with a view to leaving a positive impact on people and their place.

Services

We offer a diverse range of design and project delivery services for varying scales of work across residential, multi-residential, commercial and interior projects. 

Our team of architects, interior designers and office administrators have the professional capability to take a project right through from initial inception to completion, including assisting with site location, detailed design and documentation, construction management, contract administration, project handover and post-construction services. 

As no two projects are ever the same, we tailor a service package to suit both the type and scale of your specific requirements, delivering not only a bespoke design outcome but also a personalised project delivery experience from end to end.

Design services:

  • Development master planning
  • Site location and acquisition assistance
  • Architecture, including renovations, new builds and adaptive re-use for all scales of residential and commercial projects
  • Interior design
  • Fitout design
  • Interior decoration
  • Furniture and art procurement.


Professional services:

  • Architectural documentation
  • Engagement and coordination of project consultants
  • Project tender and analysis
  • Construction contract administration
  • Construction site services
  • Project management.

Employment

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

 

People

Associate

Member of the Australian
Institute of Architects.

NTF Architecture
Brett

Brett Nixon Director 0416144185

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

George Fortey Director 0402201888

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.

 

Parisse

Parisse Constantine Associate Architect

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.

Tess

Tess McKinlay Associate Interior Design

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.

Declan Vertigan Associate Architect

Roy Cassim Architect

Damon Douglas Graduate Architect

Simon Heong Graduate Architect

Xuanly Ng Graduate Architect

Awards

Awards Project Category Year
Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Emplacement South Yarra Residential New (Shortlisted) 2022
Australian Interior Design Awards Emplacement South Yarra Residential 2022
Australian Institute of Architects (National) Salisbury Blackburn Multiple Housing (Commendation) 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Salisbury Blackburn Multi-Residential (Winner) 2020
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 Awards 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 (Vic) Cubitt Offices Cremorne Commercial Architecture (Shortlisted) 2010

Publications

Publications Project Article Title Issue
Vogue Living Emplacement South Yarra This Is Living July / August 2022
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 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 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 The House that Jack Built No. 13 (Cover Article)
Australian House & Garden 2008 Top 50 Rooms December 2008
Living by Design, The Sunday Age The Merger November 2008
Australian House & Garden Lawn and Order February 2008
Courtyards for Modern Living Lawn and Order 2008
Vogue Living Higher Ground Autumn / Winter 2007

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