Stephen Varady STEPHEN VARADY ARCHITECTURE



Stephen Varady0

Stephen Varady
Stephen Varady Architecture

PO Box 105
St Peters NSW 2044

www.stephenvarady.com
Award winning architect Stephen Varady graduated from the University of NSW with Honours. He was employed by Phillip Cox Partners and Marsh Freedman Architects before establishing his own practice in 1987. Widely published, active on panels, forums and teaching, Stephen Varady is a closely watched and exciting member of the Australian architectural community.

Why did you decide to become an architect?
I didn't choose to be an architect. Architecture chose me.

What keeps you motivated?
The fact that I haven't created my greatest work. I have so many ideas that haven't been built.

What keeps you inspired?
Great music, theatre, films, art and architecture.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement, so far?
Architecturally - The Perraton Apartment. Designed 10 years ago, it is still the best example of all my ideas and inspirations condensed in the one project. Professionally - The fact that I've not compromised my ideals and still survived in practice.

In your opinion what personal qualities make a good architect?
Imagination, communication skills and a sense of humour. Listening, understanding, interpreting, explaining.

Have you ever said no to a client?
I've never been propositioned by one.

Do you have a favourite architect? Why?
Daniel Libeskind. He is the most intelligent man I've ever met. I am in awe of his knowledge and thought processes, and his ability to fuse true humanistic characteristics into completely new architectural compositions.

What topics concern you regarding Australian architecture?
That we are too concerned with the need for an 'Australian Architecture' rather than striving everywhere to create great architecture. Does anybody ever ask Jorn Utzon whether he designs Danish architecture? Or Frank Gehry whether he designs Canadian architecture?

Which Australian building excites you the most?
I used to find the 'Waterwall' exciting at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, but I don't know what form it will take after the renovations. Since finding out about it a few years ago, I've been very excited by the 1972 Hugh Buhrich House in Castlecrag, and I've just completed a review for ar of a house by Andrew Nolan that I find very exciting.

If you weren't an architect, what would you be?
A film director and Angelina Jolie's boyfriend.

Your idea of perfect contentment?
Travelling anywhere in the world to visit an exciting new building, preferably with appropriate company. Architecture is the perfect excuse for doing other things - visiting a new town or city or country, meeting local people, understanding how the building fits their culture, eating, drinking, and making love in a new place.

What possible future or futures do you foresee for the built world?
Oh, there is so much untapped possibility in the world! If only there were less (architecturally) conservative people in the world, especially in Australia, there could be the most exciting, stimulating, socially and culturally relevant buildings you've ever seen!

What elements/concerns do you deem most important in your work?
The need to question preconceptions and strive to create 'different' places and spaces - places to which people can escape to; places they have not been before; challenging places; exciting places; places of magic, mystery, drama and serenity.