Simon Pole WOODS BAGOT

Adopting an alternative approach and valuing diversity of ideas are only some of the reasons why Simon Pole is a leader of Interior Architecture at Woods Bagot, possessing broad interior design experience and delivering high-quality large and small scale projects in both the private and public sectors. As a principal at Woods Bagot, Simon brings extensive international experience to the company, having completed fitouts throughout Europe, Asia, the UK and Australia. The skills and wisdom he has attained at these worldwide studios is reflected in his ability to provide innovative solutions, and consistently sees him challenging the norm to leverage his clients’ competitive advantage via creative work styles combined with brand-enhancing concepts. Simon has an impressive award-winning portfolio to his name thanks to his time working on major commercial projects around the globe, and having recently relocated from the London studio to Melbourne, it’s only a matter of time before he lends his touch to some home-grown projects.

Why did you decide to become an architect?

A fascination with Lego helped me appreciate spaces, proportion and construction.

What is your most treasured possession?

Personal time with sleep a close second... or personal sleep.

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

Major league baseball player.

Your favourite subject at high school?

Sport.

What books do you have on your bedside table?

I should probably quote a rare Oscar Niemeyer or Miesian first edition, but actually, I am reading an autobiography by Comedian Russell Brand; My Booky Wook.

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

Self-sacrificing, innovative and inquisitive.

Who would you most like to design something for?

Undoubtedly I would love to design a house for the ultimate client: my family and I.

Favourite tool of the trade?

A Rotring fountain pen that I stole from a visiting architect whilst in our London studio.

Are there any materials you particularly like to work with?

I enjoy manipulating natural textures to make the best use of natural light.

Are there any colours you particularly like to work with?

I work mainly with muted tones... except melon!

Your greatest extravagance?

Weekends away from the studio.

Your greatest achievement?

My children.

Best architectural holiday destination?

Egypt. To appreciate the history and engineering from 5,000 years ago.

An upcoming international architectural project that excites you is?

Woods Bagot are currently collaborating with Zaha Hadid on the KAPSARC Research Centre in Saudi Arabia.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an architect?

Finding ways to help save the planet’s natural resources instead of using them.

Best vista?

Standing on the steps of the Palace of Versailles overlooking the creation of landscape architect André Le Nôtre.

Worst blight?

City zoos.

Do you discuss your work with other architects?

Woods Bagot promote a global knowledge exchange and constant critique. We also encourage peer architects to partake and often collaborate.

If you could meet one person alive?

Oscar Niemeyer.

One artwork that inspires you is?

Any work by Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida.

Straight line or curved?

Straight... but starting to embrace the curve.

The greatest hero from the history of architecture?

R. Buckminster Fuller – long live the geodesic dome!

The dastardly villain?

Designers on TV make-over shows.

Perfect happiness is . . .

Sounds of waves gently crashing and the first time you tour a newly completed project you masterminded.

Any advice for the young?

Be a sponge and absorb all you can. +