AEJ Architects
Philosophy
Our prime objective is to provide highly creative and innovative design solutions delivered with a clear management process that keeps clients involved and informed.
Environmentally sensitive buildings that maximise site opportunities, while responding to climate and context, are the outcome of our design process.
Background
Established on the South Coast of New South Wales in 1980, Architects Edmiston Jones (AEJ) has offices in Nowra, Wollongong and Batemans Bay. Being a local is essential when dealing with regional conditions, local contractors and council regulations. It also means that our environmentally appropriate designs respect and understand the specific climatic and geographic conditions of our region.
The practice has grown to a solid architectural team consisting of qualified architects supported by technicians and clerical assistants. Our regional background has not limited the range of projects undertaken and the diversity of work underscores an ability to take on each new project with enthusiasm and imagination. The practice functions as a skilled and motivated team with a commitment to overwhelm clients with quality design solutions.
People
Dejan Panic
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science
(Architecture - 2005)
Master of Architecture (2008)
University of Newcastle
DIRECT PHONE
4226 1387
EMAIL
dejanp@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Dejan worked with AEJ while studying for his Architectural Drafting diploma before leaving to study architecture. With the architectural degree completed in 2008, and following an overseas travel tour, he returned to AEJ to contribute his technical skills and evolving interest in design. He has enjoyed working on a range of houses, residential unit developments and a medical centre.
Gabe Reed
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science (Architecture)
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) University of NSW (2007)
DIRECT PHONE
4423 7530
EMAIL
gaber@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Gabe spent his 'prac' year with AEJ in 2005 and returned after completing his architecture degree. He is an enthusiastic designer displaying the sensitivity to clients that is the hallmark of the firm. His undergraduate studies reinforced an interest in site planning and residential design. Already his experience has encompassed detailed houses and multi-unit aged care facilities on large sites.
Mark Jones
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science (Architecture)
Bachelor of Architecture University of NSW (1979)
Fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects (1997)
DIRECT PHONE
4421 6224
MOBILE
0412 216 822
EMAIL
mark@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Mark brings to the practice communication skills, which facilitate the close involvement of clients from the development of initial concept sketches to the completion of construction. His firm belief that the driving force behind any design is the intimate understanding of a client's requirements has sustained the longest established architectural practice on the South Coast.
Richard Davies
QUALIFICATIONS
Associate Diploma of Applied Science - Shellharbour TAFE (1993)
(Architectural Drafting) with Distinction
Advanced Certificate in Engineering -Wollongong TAFE (1991) Drafting with Distinction
DIRECT PHONE
4421 6283
MOBILE
0403 411 105
EMAIL
richardd@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Richard commenced with AEJ in 1994 as a Junior Draftsman working his way to Director in 2004. His keen interest in computer technology has driven the firm's CAD capabilities so that designs are clearly understood by the client, approval authorities and the builder. He gets great satisfaction by applying a hands-on knowledge of the building industry to every project.
Steven Bayer
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Design
Bachelor of Architecture University of Canberra (1988)
Associate of the Royal Institute of Architects (1992)
DIRECT PHONE
4421 6824
MOBILE
0402 125 203
EMAIL
stevenbayer@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Steven is a skilled manager and leader, always reinforcing the firm's responsibilities to clients. Commencing with AEJ in 1986, he then broadened his experience on the Gold Coast. Rejoining AEJ in 1990 he progressed to Associate and then a Director in 2000. Experience on a diverse range of projects means he is at ease from design to completion of construction.
John Mcgibbon
QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced Diploma of Architectural Technology
Shellharbour TAFE (1999)
DIRECT PHONE
4226 1387
EMAIL
jonm@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Jon commenced his career at AEJ in 2000 before broadening his experience at a Kiama drafting office. Returning to AEJ in 2005, he established the Wollongong office, working on a range of aged care, commercial and residential projects. His passion for graphics and presentation contributes greatly our ability to represent schematic concepts and resolved designs.
Zoran Micevski
QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma of Architectural Technology
Wollongong TAFE (2003)
DIRECT PHONE
4226 1387
MOBILE
0411 174 946
EMAIL
zoranm@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Zoran started with AEJ immediately after completing his training. Becoming an Associate Director in 2007 reinforced his commitment to the firm. His career objective is to gain the experience and qualifications to consistently deliver an effective and positive outcome in this challenging industry. He has embraced projects from residences to extensive motor showrooms and aged care facilities.
Lesley Drysdale
QUALIFICATIONS
Word Processing/Accounting Applications
Nowra Tafe (1983 –1988)
DIRECT PHONE
4423 6843
EMAIL
lesleyd@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Lesley, a committed South Coast resident, started her career as a Dental Assistant and Receptionist. She is now in her element as Accounts Administrator having commenced work at AEJ in 2003. Lesley fulfils a vital role managing the time costing records, accounts and the coordination of data that allows the firm to monitor its efficiency. Her love of numbers makes her well suited to the task.
Tamara Williams
QUALIFICATIONS
Certificate II Office Skills
Shellharbour TAFE (1996)
DIRECT PHONE
4421 6822
EMAIL
tamaraw@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Tamara has enjoyed a career in reception and administration for over 11 years. She has a keen interest in the building industry having worked for architects and engineers for 9 of those years starting with AEJ in 2007. The title 'secretary' does little to describe the critical role Tamara fills involving hospitality and exceptional organisational skills, all underpinned by a relaxed efficiency.
Erin Lee
QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma of Architectural Technology
Wollongong TAFE (2007)
DIRECT PHONE
4226 1387
EMAIL
erinl@aej.com.au
BACKGROUND
Erin worked with AEJ while studying for her Architectural Technology Diploma commencing full time in 2008. She is an invaluable resource using her organisational skills to ensure that the Wollongong office is equipped and runs smoothly. Already an adept CAD technician, she is honing her talent for presentation and broadening her knowledge of construction.
Projects
The Glen
SITE
Correa Place, Catalina, NSW
PROGRAM
92 bed residential aged care centre facility set in a gully of eucalypts.
FLOOR AREA
5752 sq m
The Glen consists of 92 residential units set in a natural valley.
The central administration is the hub of the complex incorporating reception, offices, main kitchen and laundry along with a function hall, day care and hairdressing rooms as well as a doctors' consulting room. The thoroughfare functions as a "street" with a cafe providing a place to meet or watch the activities of the village.
All buildings are oriented to the north, maximising direct sunlight into the majority of rooms. A central lounge, TV area and dining room to each 'house' give focus to the communal activities.
The objective of The Glen is to enhance the opportunity for social interaction while respecting each individual's need for privacy and security.Shoalhaven Water Works
SITE
Flinders Road, South Nowra, NSW
PROGRAM
Administrative offices and workshop for an autonomous council utility floor.
FLOOR AREA
920 sq. m
SITE AREA
3393 sq. m
The new Operations Depot saw Shoalhaven Water cement its place as an autonomous body within the City Council. Consolidation of a number of existing facilities brought together administrative, technical and workshop staff under one roof in an established industrial area.
The building complex is now the public face of Shoalhaven Water housing the reception area and administrative offices, training rooms, workshop and amenities as well as external storage and truck wash down. Site planning allows for future buildings to accommodate growth of this important local utility.
The success in the design of the building is that it creates the image of a corporate headquarters while also addressing the practical requirements of a Council works depot.
Hyams Beach Residence
SITE
Silver Strand Circle, Hyams Beach, NSW
PROGRAM
Beachside and home office for a couple committed to a sea-change.
FLOOR AREA
220.60 sq. m
SITE AREA
652.86 sq. m
The site is in a quite circuit surrounded by bush and a short walk from pristine beaches. The property owners relish the beach side location and wanted a residence that would accommodate their home based business while allowing them to continue a coastal lifestyle.
As a sensitive response to the site and the village context, the residence has been designed as two pavilions allowing the majority of trees to be retained and living/work areas to gain maximum benefit from solar access and views.
Self contained guest accommodation is located on the ground floor with the main dining/living area above connected by the covered 'bridge' to an office and master bedroom suite. The lightweight construction of the 'floating' pavilions sits gently on the site.
Malua Bay
SITE
Tallawang Avenue, Malua Bay, NSW
PROGRAM
Beachside retreat for a couple and their regular guests.
FLOOR AREA
309.79 sq. m
SITE AREA
1045.02 sq. m
The property benefits from a gentle slope to the north with that fortunate coincidence of ocean views in the same direction. While the owners were obviously taken with the panoramic ocean views and rocky outcrops they were also sensitive to the opportunity for more intimate landscapes created by the buildings within the site.
A direct visual connection (and easy physical transition) between the interior and exterior spaces was a guiding principle of the design. Meeting this requirement, and providing sufficient wall space for the owner's art collection, presented a challenge. Designing a curved wall linking the entry from the street to the living pavilion at the rear, created a 'gallery' while simultaneously screening the west and adjacent neighbours.
Although the residence turns its back to the street the refined detailing and gentle layering of the building allows it to sit comfortably in the context.
Kangaroo Valley
SITE
Off Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
PROGRAM
Playful alterations & additions to a rural residence for a working couple.
FLOOR AREA
296.5 sq. m
SITE AREA
1.027 Hectares
This dramatic residence reflects the owner's sense of playfulness and love of colours. (As manufacturers and retailers of children's toys this should not have been a surprise!) The site benefits from a northerly aspect with views into the Kangaroo Valley.
The brief was to extend an existing log cabin located on a rural property. The design solution created a separate structure connected to the existing building with a serpentine masonry wall. This wall also serves to integrate the residence with the landscape incorporating a pergola reminiscent of a sculptured tree. Glimpsed views are gradually revealed by openings in the wall.
To the delight of the owners, indoor and outdoor rooms have been created maximising solar access while framing different vistas.
Culburra Residence
SITE
Cnr The Bowery & The Marina, Culburra Beach, NSW
PROGRAM
A holiday beach house for family and guests
FLOOR AREA
305.1 sq. m
SITE AREA
1728.7 sq. m
This award winning beachfront residence is designed as a holiday home and for executive short-term rentals, voted as the best house (Over $400,000) by the shoalhaven City Council. The design is inspired by the spectacular site, which is at the mid-point of a long, crescent shaped beach.
The house turns its back to the street with an entry set between two pavilions; one area for the owners while the second provides a self contained zone for guests. Visitors are led to the entry by a timber boardwalk and then follow a gently sweeping wall that gradually reveals that majestic view.
A generously scaled living/dining area opens to an expansive terrace taking full advantage of the outlook to the ocean. The metal clad lightweight structure is balanced by a solid masonry base, visually anchoring the building to the site.
Silverwater
SITE
Fariola Street, Silverwater, NSW
PROGRAM
Flexible factory/workshop spaces for lease.
FLOOR AREA
1883.9 sq. m
SITE AREA
2035.44 sq. m
The brief was to create an industrial development capable of being subdivided to suit a wide range of potential tenants as well as accommodate the owners electrical contracting business.
The challenge in the project was to design a building that projected a strong identity and also maximised the site's development potential. Commercial viability depended on a complex that had a flexible layout, was attractive to businesses and created a point of difference amongst the neighbouring industrial developments.
Although the corner address added to the profile of the building, an added challenge was the southern and western orientation of the street elevations. Turning a liability into an asset, perforated metal louvres and minimalist rectangular windows give a distinctive character to the completed building.
Bay and Basin Leisure Centre
SITE
The Wool Road, Vincentia, NSW
PROGRAM
Leisure Centre for Shoalhaven City Council
FLOOR AREA
3151 sq m
The Bay and Basin Leisure Centre is a significant indoor facility to cater for the growing areas around Jervis Bay. The development includes a 25m lap pool, leisure pool with beach entry, water features and slide, together with toddlers pool, gymnasium, crèche, café, administration and amenities.
Dynamic building forms, expressed internal structure and vibrant colours contribute to a playful character appropriate for a recreational facility. The design was the outcome of a collaboration between specialist consultants responding to detailed functional and environmental requirements, safety and supervision being major considerations.
The dramatic building form makes a sensitive statement in an evolving urban landscape.
Bowling Club
AREA
Junction Street, Nowra, NSW
PROGRAM
Facelift and upgrade of a traditional country bowling club.
FLOOR AREA
270 sq m (new work)
SITE AREA
6834 sq m
This project involved alterations and additions to an existing club, to provide a contemporary and practical premises to suit a growing organisation, which had existed on the same site for approximately 95 years.
Consideration was given to the location of the club within the existing established residential and commercial precinct of the city, which influenced the massing of the structures and openness of the additional viewing platform over the change rooms adjacent to the bowling greens.
Additional bar, dining, administrative and service areas were required, including new entry and reception, to present a comfortable and commercial character for members and guests.
Medical Centre
SITE
Shoalhaven Campus, West Nowra, NSW
PROGRAM
Medical training facility for a growing regional university.
FLOOR AREA
1150 sq m
This development addressed significant community requirements for training of doctors in regional area of NSW. The project combined the School of Medicine and the Marine & Freshwater Centre into one building, comprising administrative, teaching, technical and storages spaces.
The project required consideration of a master plan developed for the site and responded to environmental site constraints including the assessment of flora and fauna while addressing bushfire risk. The form of the building responded to existing structures on site.
While considering the evolving character of the campus, detailing and materials were carefully selected to give a contemporary appearance that minimised maintenance. The resulting building makes a positive contribution to the image of the University.
Shoalhaven Library
SITE
Nowra CBD, NSW
PROGRAM
Major extension to existing regional library
FLOOR AREA
1648 sq m
The existing building was doubled in size in order to provide a larger lending area as well as staff facilities and workroom over two levels. Controlled filtered sunlight penetrates through glazing and clerestory windows in the stepped northern facade.
The foyer can be secured for after hours use and has proven popular for displays and as a meeting area with local groups. This winning design resulted from a competition conducted by the Shoalhaven City Council amongst local architects.
Greenwell Gardens
SITE
Greenwell Gardens, Nowra, NSW
PROGRAM
Two new buildings featuring low care facilities, linked to the existing retirement village.
FLOOR AREA
1800 sq m (approx building area)
Nowra Retirement Village offers residents a quiet, relaxed way of life, just a stone's throw from the Shoalhaven River. Greenwell Gardens, a 79 bed low care residential care facility (hostel), forms part of the Nowra Retirement Village designed by AEJ which also includes self contained villas. A centrally located community room is a focal point for resident activities.
The 44 self care units are 2 bedroom villas with attached garage. Residents in the units continue to live as they would in their own home. The village is designed as a spacious landscaped setting with units orientated to maximise natural sunlight. The pathways linking gardens within the village create a relaxed, tranquil setting.
Port Kembla Church
SITE
Corner of Cowper Street and First Avenue, Warrawong, NSW
PROGRAM
New worship building in commercial centre of a multicultural community
FLOOR AREA
318 sq m
The church, originally just a small chapel, single room hall and outdoor toilets is located in the heart of a growing commercial centre. More suitable spaces were desperately needed to serve the local multicultural community. A new worship centre was designed to comfortably seat 200 people with offices and meeting rooms as well as a new kitchen and amenities.
The new building rises to meet the prominent street corner unapologetically declaring its ecclesiastical credentials. A large foyer connects the car park and the street creating a welcoming entry to the contemporary worship centre. This central space, linking the new auditorium, offices and toilets to the existing hall and refurbished kitchen, also serves as an informal meeting space for after church 'cuppas'.
Consulting
Architects Edmiston Jones team up with a variety of specialist consultants to ensure that projects are considered comprehensively, streamlining approval processes and ensuring trouble–free construction. When the necessity for specialist advice is established, generally after the concept design is resolved, proposals are obtained and the consultants' services managed by AEJ.
The range of consultants required can vary from project to project. The following disciplines may be involved to satisfy authority requirements or provide information necessary for the complete design of the development.
•Planning Consultant
•Energy Assessor
•Structural Engineer
•Landscape Architect
•Bushfire Assessor
•Acoustic Engineer
•Traffic Engineer
•Heritage Consultant
Clients
The broad variety of projects comprising AEJ's resume reflects the diversity of people the practice has been privileged to serve. As testimony of our commitment to exceptional service, ongoing projects for existing clients, and referrals from past clients, make up 80% of our current workload. Here are just a few of their valued comments.
"Thank you for all your professional advice and drawings over the several jobs that we have undertaken recently. It is a pleasure working with such an organisation as AEJ and it's staff."
Darren Jackson
IRT Project Manager
"..refreshing to deal with such an organization like yours and that of your client, which displays such sound principles and , at the same time, have a strong sense of community."
Council Development Manager
Office Locations
NOWRA
49 Bridge Road, Nowra
NSW 2541
T 02 4421 6822
F 02 4422 1963
WOLLONGONG
10 Belmore Street, Wollongong
NSW 2500
T 02 4226 1387
F 02 4228 6405
BATEMANS BAY
1 North Street, Batemans Bay
NSW 2536
T 02 4472 7388
F 02 4422 1963
Links
Some projects have been specifically designed as tourist accommodation and other clients make their homes available for short-term stays. This gives you the opportunity to have first hand experience of an AEJ design.
Enquire through the following links.
http://www.stayz.com.au/26332
http://www.yarrawahill.com
http://www.thebower.com.au
Process
Concept Sketches
Accurately defining the brief at this stage is critical and lays the foundation for all subsequent design decisions. Through close consultation we will work together to ensure the detailed functional requirements are understood and documented. The opportunities and constraints presented by the property are thoroughly investigated and documented as a 'Site Analysis' drawing.
A review of codes and regulations as well as preliminary liaison with relevant authorities is required to determine the statutory design parameters. This may involve research into particular conditions. Concept sketches are then prepared to explore options for the design of the building and its relationship to the local environment. The budget is taken into account from the outset of the design.
The initial 'Concept Sketches’ focus on the floor layout and site planning. The sketches culminate in an overall plan for the site, floor layouts, as well as schematic sections to illustrate the general form of the building.
Detailed Design
After a decision is made about the preferred concept, the design is developed looking at all aspects including the external appearance, detailed planning of the floor areas as well as consideration of suitable construction methods. The likely construction cost is monitored to ensure it complies with the project budget.
This stage of the service culminates in drawings showing furnished floor plans and the building in the context of the site. Side views (elevations), cross sections and three-dimensional images are used to clearly convey the form and massing of the building to ensure that the functionality and appearance of the building is understood.
Detailed design drawings are submitted to the local Council as a Development Application.
Construction Documents
The design is translated into clearly noted and dimensioned drawings together with schedules and a purpose written specification to describe the building in a way that facilitates construction. Again, the budget is considered in all decisions that effect the project cost.
Every component of the building is carefully thought through in collaboration with appropriate engineers, suppliers and contractors. Construction drawings, together with a standard specification, will be suitable for submission as a Construction Certificate Application to the local Council.
Information provided may include electrical layouts, construction details, wet area details (bathrooms, kitchens, etc), window and door schedules. The specification stipulates required materials and defines standards of workmanship. Adequate detail at this stage minimises ambiguity with the builder and decisions that need to be made under pressure during the construction.
Construction Admin
Tendering
Reliable builders are selected in consultation with the owner. The tender process is then carefully managed to obtain competitive quotations. Builders are issued with the construction documentation accompanied by appropriate tender forms.
Construction
Administration of the contract with the builder during construction includes inspection of the works, clarifying details, checking progress claims and issuing certificates approving payment. Cost control is crucial in this phase of the project and can involve negotiating variations, assessing claims for extension of time and other matters relating to the building contract.
When all work is completed in accordance with the contract the building is handed over for occupation.
Defects Period
After occupation, the building is monitored for a period of at least six months. Any defects identified in this time are rectified by the builder before final payment is released.