Shelby Griffiths – Alexander &CO.
Shelby Griffiths is an Associate at Alexander &CO – here she talks about what it means to be an architect in the current Australian interiors landscape, the best lesson she’s learnt in the industry, and the importance of giving back and making a difference.
Photography: Anson Smart
Genovese Coffee House (also featured in hero image) by Alexander &CO. Photo: Anson Smart
‘I have learnt to care deeply. The opportunities that arise and the outcomes that prevail are far better when you care. It shifts the dialogue from getting work done to contemplating the human experience, the impact and responsibility we have for the environment and creating things that are time enduring,’ says Shelby Griffiths. Photo: Anson Smart
Hi Shelby – what led you here, and how has your journey evolved?
Shelby: Originally from Western Australia, I came over to Sydney to study a Diploma of Interior Design after completing my Bachelor of Architecture in Perth. I wasn’t ready to approach my Masters and was looking for a more tactile and wholistic skillset to round out my education in the built environment. My plan was to complete the Diploma in a year and move back home. At the time I was very fortunate to be offered a job by one of my tutors, which was very much a crossroad and an incredible opportunity to get my foot into the industry, eight years on and Sydney is still home.
How did you first land this role?
I worked at a couple of small interior design practices prior to Alexander &CO. They were instrumental in exposing me to aspects of a small business and the design industry when I first came to Sydney. I found myself in both instances looking for more challenges, growth and exposure. I landed a job at Alexandre &CO. and liked that it captured so many sectors, across architecture, interiors, furniture design in residential, retail, hospitality and multi-res. I have been at Alexander &CO now for over five years and have been exposed to so many incredible opportunities.
What does a 'typical ‘day look like for you?
There is no typical day for me, what is ‘typical’ is that no two days are alike. I move across almost all projects in the office and partake in the management of the practice. Day to day there is a lot of workshops, meetings and coffee that keep everything moving!
What do you love most about your job?
I love that my day to day is ever changing, that I get to participate in both the practice and project ideation. That each day can be met with creativity, problem solving, collaboration and connection. I’m grateful that I've been able to strike a balance of hard work, freedom and fun.
What/who influences your work the most?
The social, environmental and sometimes political atmosphere often influences our work, we adapt our processes, approach and design based on current themes, conversations and new research. Historic design that has remained relevant and stood the test of time blended with contemporary art and innovation are also sources of inspiration for our projects. The who, comes back to the people at the cold face of each project, the project team, client, consultants and collaborators.
For you, what’s the most important design element in a space?
Considered spatial planning is essential to a project, it allows us to establish the brief, unlock opportunity and set a robust foundation. We begin each project by talking over a site or floor plan with our pens, tracing the human experience and how a project can respond to its environment. After this, the creative ambition for the project tends to fall into place once we have created alignment with our client and team through story telling.
Why is this your dream job?
I have had many dream projects throughout my career and have been surprised by the ones I hold fondly, not due to what I considered to be my dream but to realise someone else's. When you are in partnership with a client or working with a team the best dream you could have is to bring joy to another.
Tamarama Hill House by Alexander &CO. Photo: Anson Smart
Tamarama Hill House by Alexander &CO. Photo: Anson Smart
“Set your ego aside, everything is an experience you can learn from. Get into the trenches, pull your sleeves up, work hard, seek mentorship and practice gratitude.”
Harbord Hotel by Alexander &CO. Photo: Anson Smart
Harbord Hotel by Alexander &CO. Photo: Anson Smart
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a designer starting out?
Set your ego aside, everything is an experience you can learn from. Get into the trenches, pull your sleeves up, work hard, seek mentorship and practice gratitude.
The best lesson you’ve learnt in the business?
I have learnt to care deeply. The opportunities that arise and the outcomes that prevail are far better when you care. It shifts the dialogue from getting work done to contemplating the human experience, the impact and responsibility we have for the environment and creating things that are time enduring.
How would you personally describe the aesthetic of your work?
Balanced and refined with surprising details.
What drives your creativity?
I mostly take creative inspiration from history, art and nature. The most potent inspiration is usually right under your nose, when you are able to immerse yourself into experiences and tune your eyes to the details around you, everything can become a source.
What does it mean to be an architect/designer in the current Australian interiors and design landscape?
It’s both a privilege and a responsibility. At a time where the industry has so much momentum around social and environmental sustainability, it is our duty as architects and designers to continue to educate ourselves and others. There are so many inspiring makers and industry peers out there changing the dialogue on how we can approach design, we hold a lot of leverage in moving the conversation.
How do you think Australian design differs from what we’re seeing internationally?
There are lots of common space between our work and the international design scene, however I think as media has become so prevalent and ideas and pictures become shared so quickly, Australian designers have started to look for more differentiation. We are an ‘outside’ country, and this comes with an ease, or maybe a sensuousness. I think our work shows this combination of deep architectural intelligence paired with a relaxed-ness, a calmness, a material ease.
Proudest work moment so far?
Not a moment but my professional journey since being in Sydney, it wasn’t expected, there was a lot of hard work and I am proud of what I have been able to achieve.
What are you most excited about that you're currently working on?
Refining our practice and project systems to do bigger and better work, allowing us to contribute, give back and make a difference in our projects, our people and our industry.