Richard Francis-Jones<br />FJMT



Richard Francis-Jones0
Eastern Avenue Lecture Complex, University of Sydney, NSW. Photographer: John Gollings

Richard Francis-Jones
FJMT Architects

Level 5 MCA, 140 George Street
Syndey NSW 2000

www.fjmt.com.au

Richard Francis-Jones studied architecture at the University of Sydney and received the Sydney University Medal in 1985. He then gained a Masters Degree from Columbia University in the United States, where he studied and subsequently taught with Kenneth Frampton. He practised architecture in New York, Los Angles and Paris before returning to Sydney in 1989. He has taught architecture and theory at universities in Australia and the United States; is an editor of Content, a critical review of architecture; and has had several theory papers published in Australian journals. Richard is the Design Partner of FJMT Architects and has been the Design Architect for many highly acclaimed and RAIA award winning projects, receiving the Sir Zelman Cowan Award (2000), The Sulman Award (2000), The Lloyd Rees Civic Design Award (2000), The National Interior Architecture Award (1999) and The Canberra Medallion (1999). Richard was the President of the NSW Chapter of the RAIA from 2001-2.

Why did you decide to become an architect?
I loved art and history, then discovered architecture.

What keeps you motivated / inspired?
Experiencing great architecture and the encouragement of colleagues and clients.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Persuading my Lisa to marry me.

In your opinion, what personal qualities make a good architect?
Optimism.

Have you ever said 'no' to a client?
Yes, and clients often want to hear 'no'.

Do you have a favourite architect? Why?
Giuseppe Terragni for his rigorous formalism and deep understanding of the city (not for his politics!)

What topics concern you regarding Australian architecture?
I am interested in architecture that can interpret place and embody ideas and values.

Which Australian building excites you the most and why?
The Sydney Opera House. A tragically flawed masterpiece but notwithstanding a remarkably poetic interpretation of site and inspiring lesson in Tectonics.

If you weren't an architect what would you be?
I would like to be a musician but I don't have the talent.

Your idea of perfect contentment?
Being in the present.

What possible futures do you foresee for the built world?
More subtle and ambiguous forms of human enclosure. Less private transport and property.

What elements / concerns do you deem most important in your work?
Reconciling architecture as first an art and second a business.

FJMT Architects
Level 5 MCA, 140 George Street
Sydney 2000 NSW Australia
t: 02 9251 7077
f: 02 9251 7072
e: fjmt@fjmt.com.au