Bureau Proberts has been redefining the design industry for over 30 years. With studios in Brisbane and London, their team of architects, urban designers, and interior designers are dedicated to shaping Development, Residential, and Public + Art projects that meet the needs of the end-user. Renowned for their design-led approach, Bureau Proberts is committed to responding to social, cultural, and economic contexts on an international scale. Currently collaborating with Fortis on our residential project in Kangaroo Point, we sat down with Kelly Geldard, Senior Partner at Bureau Proberts, to learn more about their innovative design.
Q—Kelly, can you please tell us a little about Bureau Proberts?
A—Our practice has been in operation for over 30 years, with our head office and creative hub situated in Brisbane. Established by Liam Proberts in 1990 at a time of growth and exploration for Brisbane and South-East Queensland, the emergence of bureau^proberts as an architectural practice specialising in subtropical living and urban renewal has been a catalyst to developing the strength and capability of the practice to design and deliver significant projects in South East Queensland and beyond, with interstate and international projects forming a large part of our current practice. We are proud to be recognised locally and globally for our commitment to creating meaningful, memorable and defining works of architecture across the development, housing and public + art sectors.
Q—What is the underlying philosophy of Bureau Proberts?
A—We look for projects that will respond to the social, cultural and economic contexts and needs of the end user. Our design-led methodology is values driven with the aim of producing engaging architecture that contributes to people and place and provides a commercially aware outcome. We are invested in the power of ideas and the rigour of the design process to advance the built environment. As makers of the new, we aim to exceed our clients’ expectations by conceiving and delivering works of architecture that add special meaning and value. We know that great architecture is transformative, commercially as much as culturally.
Q—What are some of the biggest industry trends and/or changes you’re noticing at the moment?
A—The most significant development is the choice to make an apartment a ‘home’. People are choosing carefully where and how they want to live. Apartments living is driving demand in great locations that that make the most of the qualities on the East Coast of Australia that are able to accommodate some increase in density. This dynamic is increasing the diversity of housing choice in our cities, and we believe it is bringing positive social change. At the physical level it is incumbent on us to design apartments with the qualities of a home, such as embracing our temperate climate with accessible outdoor spaces, connection to landscape and infusing landscape into the building, and connecting strongly to the context of a site to bring a local sensibility to the project. Design driven outcomes continue to be preferred by clients. The flexibility of space found in a home is driving the move towards secondary living spaces, large master suites, multifunction kitchens and bar/wine spaces.
Q—What’s the most important stage of a project? Why?
A—While each stage in the project is crucial to its success, we have established a strong methodology that uses the design process to unlock value for our clients. The process encompasses 5 key elements—investigate, generate, interpret, implement, and involve. The early phases of the design question conventional wisdom to find new ways to deliver success for our clients, our team and environments and we remain engaged throughout all stages of the project to ensure the design outcomes are achieved.
Q—Bureau Proberts and Fortis are about to collaborate on their first major project. Why do you think our two businesses work so well together?
A—We share a passion for high quality outcomes and strong relationships. And I believe we both value the possibilities that collaboration can unlock for a project.
Q—At the end of a project, what does success look like for you?
A—A legible distillation of an original, thought-provoking concept that responds to the client’s aspirations and delivers a successful outcome for the end user. An engaging work of architecture that contributes its place and provides a great space in which to live.
Bureau Proberts is a visionary architectural and design firm with a deep commitment to creating meaningful, context-driven designs. With expertise across residential, commercial, and public sectors, their work reflects a thorough understanding of each site’s unique qualities, blending creativity with functionality. Known for their design-led approach, Bureau Proberts fosters collaboration and meticulous attention to detail, consistently delivering innovative and award-winning projects. Their designs not only elevate the spaces they inhabit but also enhance the lives of their clients and the broader community, making a lasting impact on the built environment.
