Shelley Penn ASSOCIATE, VICTORIAN STATE ARCHITECT

Shelley Penn
Associate, Victorian State Architect

Shelley Penn has designed houses, residential extensions, warehouse conversions and an Institute of Post-Colonial Studies over many years of academic and practical experience. A 1988 Honours graduate from the University of Melbourne, she was the protege of Kai Chen for seven years before traveling to Europe and Asia, then beginning her own practice in 1993. In 2000-01 Shelley worked as a Design Director in the office of the NSW Government Architect, and was appointed as Associate of the Victorian State Government Architect in 2005.

Why did you decide to become an architect?
It was a bit of a fluke actually. I was interested in related things and someone suggested architecture to me just before we had to submit our preferences. I was accepted, I enrolled and that was a long time ago.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Remembering (only quite recently) that architecture is just one aspect of life, not the other way around.

In your opinion, what personal qualities make a good architect?
Integrity, sensitivity, focus, tenacity.

Do you have a favourite architect?
A few favourites - Carlo Scarpa, Hans van der Laan and others.

What do you most dislike?
Dishonesty.

What do you consider to be the greatest future threat facing Australian architecture?
An endemic Australian skepticism about architecture ... the notion that it is superfluous and separate from everyday life. I believe that beauty in our every day environment (natural/built) enriches experience and adds value to life.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My tendency to be overly serious sometimes...

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Solitude, loved ones nearby, a view of the ocean, no telephones.