Jeff Morehen FJMT

Jeff Morehen is the Managing Director of Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt). Graduating with Honours from Deakin University, Jeff now has over twenty-five years’ professional experience gained throughout Australia, South-East Asia and the UK. Jeff is fully involved in fjmt’s works, acting as Project Director for many of the firm’s award-winning commissions. From project implementation to procurement methodologies and environmental sustainability to contemporary workplace design, Jeff’s expertise are many and varied. Working in close collaboration with Richard Francis-Jones, Jeff’s recent projects include the University of Sydney Faculty of Law and School of Information Technologies buildings, the Surry Hills Library and Community Centre and the Mint. Jeff has also led many of fjmt’s interior projects, including the United States Studies Centre, Banco Chambers and Booz Allen Hamilton commercial workplace. Adding to his already impressive credentials, Jeff was part of the Technical Working Group of the Green Building Council of Australia that developed the recently introduced Green Star – Education v1 rating tool.

Why did you decide to become an architect?

Being an architect was always one of the things I imagined that I might do. I think it was due to Mum and Dad dragging me around Pettit and Sevitt display homes in my childhood. I thought about being a vet at one stage, but could never imagine putting my arm up the back of a cow!

What is your most treasured possession?

The respect of my colleagues, or my boat... maybe my boat.

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

Rich.

Your favourite subject at high school?

Sport and anything without homework. What books do you have on your bedside table? The Beauty of Information, and as I’ve been travelling recently, the Millenium Trilogy as a page-turner.

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

Patience, dedication and drive, mixed with a collaborative spirit. Are there any materials you particularly like to work with? fjmt enjoys working with traditional and natural materials such as timber, stone, metal and concrete.

Who would you most like to design something for?

Our next client!

Favourite tool of the trade?

My iPhone.

Your greatest extravagance?

My boat. Your greatest achievement? My son, CJ.

Best architectural holiday destination?

Paris is always hard to beat.

An upcoming international architectural project that excites you is?

We’ve just been awarded a major commission for the University of Oxford – very exciting!

What is the biggest challenge you face as an architect?

Achieving an appropriate live/work balance.

Best vista?

The view to the Opera House across Circular Quay from my office.

Worst blight?

Parramatta Road – I live in the Inner West.

Do you discuss your work with other architects?

Yes, fjmt has a studio culture and collaborative spirit.

If you could meet one person alive?

I was thinking of someone deep and meaningful, but sharing a drink or two with Billy Connolly would be fun!

One artwork that inspires you is?

Monet’s Water Lilies in the oval rooms at Musee de l’Orangerie are always a powerful experience. Straight line or curved? Straight.

The greatest hero from the history of architecture?

I guess one of the modernist heroes such as Aalto, Jacobsen, Mies or Corb.

The dastardly villain?

McMansions in the suburbs.

Perfect happiness is . . .

Realising this is the second last question!

Any advice for the young?

Don’t listen to me! +