Marshall Residence, winner of 2000 RAIA President's Award for Recycled Buildings, NSW Wilkinson Award and NSW Architecture Award for Conservation.

Biography

Sam Marshall, 45, is a Sydney-based architect who runs his own architectural practice, Architect Marshall. In 2000 he won the RAIA Wilkinson Award for the best housing project in NSW for a warehouse conversion in Darlinghurst. Sam studied architecture at the University of NSW in the 1970s. In recent times he has returned to the classroom to tutor design at both the University of Sydney and the University of NSW. He has been published and has also exhibited widely both in Australia and overseas. His work reveals a consistent respect for heritage and context, with environmental concerns playing an important role. Specifer spoke to Sam about his aspirations, inspirations and his thoughts on architecture.

Why did you decide to become an architect?
I was good at drawing at school and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

If you weren't an architect what would you be?
An artist.

In your opinion what personal qualities make a good architect?
A good mix of psychologist, artist and engineer with liberal doses of inventiveness, lateral thinking, patience and passion.

Do you have a favourite architect?
Although it is hard to go past Mies and Corb, it is contemporary artists such as Michael Heizer, Donald Judd and Peter Atkins that inspire me the most.

What do you consider the future threat facing Australian architecture?
Inflexible local councils, the inability of people to embrace progress and creativity, narrowmindedness, Neo Federationism and Tuscanisation, saving everything that is old under the banner of heritage.

Have you ever said no to a client?
Yes, many times.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Artists inspire me.

What is your favourite overseas building?
The Shodan House by Corbusier at Ahmedabad, India.

What is your favourite Australian building?
Donovan Hill's House at Highgate Hill, Brisbane.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Doing nothing.

What is your greatest fear?
Not getting everything done.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Creating our beautiful daughter with my wife.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Going surfing.

Architect Marshall
t: 02 9310 7555
e: sammarshall@ozemail.com.au