PTW has a long history of family involvement in Australian commercial architecture. In the 1950's the late Graham Thorp lead Peddle Thorp Walker to great successes in the commercial architectural market, and Tony Thorp continues to bring a strong commercial focus to the firm, with Peddle Thorp Walker having been responsible for more than 50 commercial office buildings in Sydney alone. Educated at the University of New South Wales, Tony is also responsible for marketing and promotions, the Health and Service Unit, and is the current chairman of Peddle Thorp International. He has demonstrated continued dedication to innovative design, and this is evident in projects such as the Sutherland Hospital Redevelopment and Olympia Plaza.
Why did you decide to become an architect?
I was raised in the midst of a revolution in architecture. I guess I didn't really like a lot of the product and in the folly of youthful aspiration thought I could help change it. What keeps you motivated?
Having the opportunity of working alongside a group of talented, motivated and like-minded people ... focussed on developing PTW Architects internationally. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Jointly - two wonderful children, singularly - passing Accounting 101 in my MBA. What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on?
Walsh Bay - a truly inspiring urban development at the highest level with an inspiring client. Most entertaining architectural moment?
Three weeks into my first post-grad job in Dallas with HOK, being told that (after extensive use of the term in the previous weeks) 'rubber' had a distinctly different meaning in the USA. City or country?
City - the energy of urban context is exhilarating. Do you have a favourite architect? Why?
Too many to choose - but Gehry I guess as he really opened our eyes to how far we could begin to push the boundaries. What do you find inspiring about architecture in Australia at present?
That the bar for design is being raised across the board - by our clients, government, the community and our new grads. Straight line or curved?
Using curvilinear geometry as part of the architectural tool-kit is far more satisfying than not. In your opinion, which country has the most significant architectural development occurring now and why?
Europe including the UK - competition culture, design is valued, the richer education of the profession there (including engineering for instance), relative wealth to achieve design aspirations.
Which Australian building do you value the most?
Sydney Opera House (although I'd have liked to see the Opera Hall in its intended place). An upcoming international architectural project that excites you is?
I have to say Watercube - not just because it's ours but because I genuinely believe it is breaking new ground and is a truly integrated idea meeting all our aspirations. If you weren't an architect what would you be?
Family background would suggest a doctor/lawyer as the alternatives, the fact that I like wearing a tie suggests something closer to finance. Favourite holiday destination?
Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach. One artwork that is inspiring is?
Bernini sculpture collection in the Borghese. A film that means something to you is?
Monty Python - Meaning of Life. What possible future or futures do you foresee for the built world?
Our greater understanding of our humanity particularly through advances in evolutionary psychology will eventually lead to a better integration of urban design, urban planning and architecture to allow the deliberate creation of really special places to the benefit of us all. How has your family's involvement with Australian architecture affected you?
The definitive curate's egg - blessing in terms of perspective and opportunity, burden in terms of expectations following on from one of the genuine pioneers of Australian Commercial Architectural Practice. | 