about us
There is a sense of transparency working with Quattro Architecture – with offices in both Sydney and Canberra. Its portfolio, which extends from delivering bus depots and fire stations through to high-end housing, also speaks of the practice’s commitment to well designed, well-built and functional spaces irrespective of the task at hand. A number of these buildings might not have been splashed across the pages of architecture and design magazines, but they have been opened by government ministers who understand their importance in the community. For director, architect Peter Hosking, who graduated in architecture in 1995 from Curtain University in Perth and established his practice in 2000, any project, irrespective of scale or budget, starts with a client’s brief and responds to their needs rather than simply following the ‘architect’s vision’.
For Hosking and his team, which includes architects and interior designers, the goal of any project is to make it as great as can possibly be and deliver beyond a client’s expectation. Whether it’s designing a new bespoke house that gives enormous pleasure to the owners, or providing affordable housing with Housing New South Wales that will benefit those in need, Quattro Architecture is always mindful of a project’s ‘buildability’ in terms of planning, construction and, as importantly, a client’s budget and what needs to be achieved within these parameters.
Part of the success of the practice is due to the trust that’s been developed since its inception over two decades ago – from CEOs of large businesses and organisations through to individual clients, such as home owners looking to realise their dream. Many of these skills have come from Hosking’s formative years, working with leading architectural practices, such as Daryl Jackson in Canberra, as well as with Geoffrey Reid & Associates in London – where he worked on large projects at Heathrow Airport and also Gun Wharf Quays. One of the first major projects that came into Quattro Architecture’s office soon after hanging out its shingle was the headquarters for Southern Plumbing Plus, three large steel buildings in Canberra that comprised administration offices, a retail arm and warehousing facilities, it received a Colourbond Steel award in 2005 from the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter).
Since then, the practice’s portfolio has grown to include hospitality projects in the form of health clubs, gymnasiums, pubs, clubs and hotels, accommodation for retirement living, industrial projects, as well as residential work – from individual homes to multi-residential developments. Irrespective of the project, the practice’s reputation has been ‘cemented’ on its ability to solve problems throughout the design process, from design concept through to implementation when the keys are handed over to the client. The team can easily identify from the outset as to whether there will be ‘bumps in the road’ and whether the ideas can take shape or will most likely be stuck in planning for a considerable time, adding to both a client’s frustration and, as critical, the cost.
When it comes to creating housing, Quattro Architecture is also mindful that the client is at the centre of any design – with the practice taking the time to understand the essence of a brief and the spaces required. And while many come to the table wanting rooms that are all orientated to the north to maximise light, they are reminded that bedrooms are for sleeping in and that northern light needs to be saved for the kitchen and living areas which are used throughout the day. And pivotal to the design process is creating from the inside out, understanding the need for a floorplan that is both fluid and efficient and allowing the spaces within to then create the form of a house – and its connection to the garden and the broader local context. Each building, whether a house or a simple bus depot, is also conceived with its context in mind, suggesting the materials and scale required. According to Quattro Architecture, it’s ‘getting the balance right’ and, most importantly continuing to enjoy the relationships with clients over a number of decades.