Mark Clements
Principal, Woodhead
Level 8, 500 Queen Street
Brisbane, QLD 4000
www.woodhead.com.au | Woodhead Principal Mark Clements has a career in architecture that spans more than two decades. He has worked on numerous award-winning projects across several portfolios with his main focus on the tourism, aviation and education sectors. Among his many achievements, Mark was responsible for establishing Woodhead’s Cairns office back in 1989 which is now regarded as one of the largest and most successful practises in Northern Australia. His broad knowledge of the tourism industry combined with his extensive experience in the Australian tropics has resulted in countless multi million dollar projects in the region. Mark believes architecture is the logical choice for anyone looking for a career that is both creative and challenging but he warns that it is a profession where success requires equal amounts of passion and perspiration.
“To be a good architect requires continual honing and developing of skills as well as remaining open to new ways of thinking, no matter how successful one may become,” says Mark. “It’s like an endless loop of learning where every new project is approached from a totally fresh perspective and with the flexibility to bring new and innovative outcomes.” Why did you decide to become an architect?
I was attracted to a profession that was constantly challenging and creative, with daily work changing regularly and different project types. I dislike too much repetition and routine.
What is your most treasured possession?
Probably some of my artefacts from the Solomon Islands, which I had commissioned for me, particularly the Gnusu Gnusu which is the carved figurehead for the war canoe.
If you weren’t an architect, what would you be?
Probably a lawyer in a large commercial practice, I always enjoyed jousting with the English language.
Your favourite subject at high school?
English, you always seem to enjoy the subjects you excel at.
What books do you have on your bedside table?
Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment - still looking for that sustainable edge in building design.
In your opinion, what personal qualities make a good architect?
To borrow from Thomas Edison: ‘perspiration’. You have to be passionate and continuously apply yourself in an endless loop of learning and developing the skills of the professional.
Favourite tool(s) of the trade?
Probably ‘Sketch up’, a simple 3d modelling tool which allows you to interact with the design early, often and inexpensively.
Your greatest extravagance?
Some embarrassingly expensive Italian business clothes, from Joe Richards Menswear in Brisbane.
Your greatest achievement?
The Cairns International Airport project. The spirit of cooperation from the team is still unparalleled even after 10 years and we set some benchmarks in the Aviation world.
Do you have a favourite architectural website?
Ours. I think the Woodhead site is as good as any of the best.
Best architectural holiday destination in the tropics?
Having lived in Cairns for 10 years I’ve tried them all however Marovo Lagoon in the Solomons would be hard to beat. I designed the bungalows for the boutique resort in the middle of the largest coral lagoon in the world.
A favourite Queensland project is?
Harry Seidler’s Riparian Plaza in Brisbane. I drove past the project from start to finish on the way to work and the slick but subtle modelling of the building draws you in.
What is the biggest challenge you face in the
architectural industry?
Attracting and retaining talent, especially Gen Y.
Can you describe an evolution in your work?
Probably the growing awareness that design is only as good as a receptive client and a decent fee to allow us to do the work well.
Best vista?
Driving into Brisbane on the motorway from the South and catching the first glimpse of the CBD skyline, really awesome.
Worst blight?
The endless suburban sprawl.
Do you discuss your work with other architects or designers?
In the office it is just about a daily discussion on the merit of our work and others in the market here and overseas.
If you could meet one person alive?
Muhammad Ali, I’m a bit of a boxing nut.
One artwork that inspires you is?
Blue Poles.
Straight line or curved?
Either as long as it has a subtlety.
The greatest hero from the history of architecture?
Frank Lloyd Wright, his work still inspires and his buildings are timeless.
The dastardly villain?
Local Councils and their prescriptive solutions and limited vision.
Perfect happiness is . . .
Winning major project bids.
Any advice for the young?
Don’t chase the dollars in your early years, find theright experience and suck it in.
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