William Smart<br />Smart Design Studio

William Smart

Smart Design Studio

632 Bourke Street Surry Hills

NSW 2010

http://www.smartdesignstudio.com

In 1997 William Smart founded Smart Design Studio, a multi-discipline design studio offering services in architecture and interior design. The Sydney-based practice quickly gained a reputation for excellence, delving into masterplanning, product design, commercial fitout, multi-residential and private dwelling projects. As Creative Director, William is involved in each project, continuously exploring ideas relating to flexibility, contemporary living and the merging or art and architecture. Before starting his own practice, William moved to London to work in the head office of Foster + Partners. During his three-plus years with Norman Foster, William worked on various award-winning commercial projects around the world. This training taught him how to design, detail and procure buildings that are far beyond the ordinary. Now, William has his own ever-expanding list of projects, many of which have received critical acclaim and prestigious awards

Why did you decide to become an architect?

Around the age of 8 some said, “you should be an architect”, and I liked the idea.

 If you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

 I would really love to be a painter or a sculptor. Occasionally I dabble with paint and see another side of me that I think is completely unexplored.

What is your most treasured possession?

My grandfather’s watch means a lot: the one that was given to him after 25 years of service with his company.

What books do you have on your bedside table?

 I’m reading The Craftsman by Richard Sennett and Barrack Obama: The Politics of Hope by Henry Russell.

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

 Clarity of thought, precision, creativity and the ability to make the most of anything.

 Who would you most like to design something for?

 Giorgetto Giugiaro, my favourite car designer.

Favourite tool of the trade?

 I still love paper, a drawing board and isolation.

 Your greatest extravagance?

 Time on my own.

 Your greatest achievement?

Leading our company to win architectural awards. You need to involve hundreds of people to create an awardwinning outcome.

Best architectural holiday destination?

Japan.

 An upcoming international architectural project that excites you is?

 The Saesoon Korean Presbyterian church that our practice is designing has me thinking and very excited.

Best vista?

 Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Do you discuss your work with other architects?

 Mostly with my own team – we crit our work regularly.

Worst blight?

Most NSW coastal towns.

 If you could meet one person past or present?

Le Corbusier.

 One artwork that inspires you is?

 Factus 8 by Martha Ladly which is featured on an EP album by Factus 8.

Straight line or curved?

 Kinked.

 The greatest hero from the history of architecture?

Mies van der Rohe is my favourite.

 Perfect happiness is . . .

Drawing on our back deck. Dog, wine and John all in sight.

Any advice for the young?

 Make the most of... everything! +.