Today we're joined by Ed Dieppe from Dieppe Design. Ed is an architect and Passivhaus specialist. He and his wife, Nora, started Dieppe Design in 2014 and have since grown to have an impressive portfolio of completed projects and
Thanks for joining us, Ed. To start, even though this is a virtual lunch, if we were going out for lunch together, where's your favourite lunch spot?
My favourite lunch spot is usually at my desk, eating yesterday's leftovers while trying to get work done. But if I were meeting someone for lunch, I'd probably grab some sushi or something from one of the local Japanese places near us in Neutral Bay, just over the Harbour Bridge.
Not exactly a realistic representation of our virtual lunch, but hopefully it helps to set the scene!
Great location!
Yes, it's convenient. But today, I'm actually working from home in Narrabeen, which is a great part of the world.
What drew you to architecture, or where did you kick off your career?
I've always had an inquisitive mind, loved taking things apart and putting them back together, including the VHS player, which used to drive my parents crazy. I also enjoyed drawing and art, so architecture naturally combined those interests. It allowed me to be creative while understanding how things work.
Did you go straight into studying architecture after high school?
Pretty much, though I was initially going to take some time off and travel. I had an army scholarship and was supposed to spend a few years in the Army, but I got medically discharged after shattering my ankle. That twist of fate actually kept me on the path to architecture.
Wow, how differently your life might have turned out if it weren't for that shattered ankle!
You'd be excused for thinking you were in a luxury treehouse in this beautiful home by Dieppe Design.
Do you have a superpower when it comes to architecture?
I do—hyperfocus. I have ADHD, which allows me to get completely absorbed in the design stage and documentation, but it also makes mundane tasks frustrating and leads to procrastination. A good work-life balance and careful planning help manage it.
How did you find out about your ADHD, and how has it affected how you run your practice?
I was initially diagnosed with dyslexia a long time ago, and more recently, a psychologist diagnosed me with ADHD. Managing it has been a challenge, especially with the dynamic nature of running a practice, but I'm in a better place now. It’s about being open to change and rolling with the punches.
That’s really interesting, and helpful to share with others, so thank you for sharing.
What’s your favourite thing about residential architecture?
It’s a very personal experience. Each family has specific goals, ideas, likes, and dislikes. No two jobs are ever the same, which makes residential architecture fascinating and challenging.
What's the first album you ever bought?
That’s a tough one. Music wasn’t a big part of my early years, but the first album I remember getting into was Rage Against the Machine. Now, I have a very eclectic playlist that’s always playing when I work.
Are there any life experiences that you feel has impacted your approach to architecture?
Living in various places like Borneo, Cyprus, and England exposed me to different styles and types of homes. It taught me to think creatively about space and function, which is crucial when working in a country like Australia where houses are getting bigger without necessarily being more functional.
I know you’re particularly passionate about Passivhaus. What drew you to explore Passivhaus further?
Coming from England, I was struck by how poorly insulated Australian homes are. I wanted to build better homes, and Passivhaus design provides a scientific way to ensure high performance. It adds a layer of quality control to construction that ensures better outcomes for clients.
The transformation of this bungalow into a highly-efficient, Passivhaus home is an impressive feat of design.
How much additional cost does Passivhaus certification add to a project?
If you start with a typical volume build, converting it to a Passivhaus could double the cost. But if you start with an architectural home meeting standard ratings, the additional cost is about 5-10%. It’s a small price for significantly better performance and quality.
Are builders becoming more familiar with Passivhaus standards?
Yes, there’s been a huge uptake. Builders are getting accredited and showing interest, which is a stark contrast to even three years ago. It’s great to see this shift.
If you could have a dinner party with any four people from any time period, who would they be and why?
Honestly, I’m not a big dinner party person. I prefer being out in nature or with friends. I also have a mantra of never meeting your heroes because you’ll always be disappointed. Fair enough!
Is there a residential project you’re particularly proud of?
I really like Austin House, one of my early projects. It allowed a lot of creative freedom, with unique details like sculptural stairs and a massive skylight. It’s in a suburban area but feels like an oasis, and it pushed boundaries with the council.
What’s your favourite season?
Autumn. I love summer, but by the end, I’m ready for cooler weather. Autumn brings beautiful colours and amazing skies, making it a great time of year.
New homes or renovations, and why?
It depends on the house. I believe in preserving heritage and streetscape, but sometimes a house is so poorly built that it’s better to start over. Each project is unique and requires a tailored approach.
Dieppe Design was able to restore this home and dramatically improve it's performance, saving its heritage value for a new generation.
What's something about architects you wish the general public knew?
That there’s a lot more to our work than drawing plans. Those plans represent layers of thought, design, and coordination that aren’t immediately visible.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to build or renovate their home?
Have patience and be prepared for compromise. And set aside double the amount of time you think you'll need because there will be so many more decisions to make than you can anticipate right now. That's probably the biggest thing I tell clients. They're always shocked by how much time they have to invest in making these decisions. Clients have their own lives—they're busy people with families and day jobs—so they often struggle to find the time to discuss these decisions. But these decisions are some of the biggest you'll make in your life because your house, your home, is probably one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. So, give it the time it deserves to make those decisions.
Is there a book or resource you’d recommend to someone planning to build or renovate?
Given my dyslexia and ADHD, I’m not a big reader. Instead, I’d suggest taking up a hobby like boxing.
It's important to have a way to vent frustrations when dealing with the challenges and bureaucracy of [local] council. Dealing with councils can be very frustrating.
This home built in a BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) area, required a lot of work to ensure compliance.
And I assume most of your projects require going through council, right?
Yes, I think the majority of our projects end up going to council, especially with heritage work or sites in bushfire zones.
We often work on projects where clients need an architect because they can't use volume builders on sloped or irregularly shaped sites.
So, we frequently handle complex projects across multiple levels, which typically require council approval.
How do you deal with the frustrations of dealing with council?
My outlet is bike riding. It helps me clear my head and manage stress.
Are you more of an architect who reworks their thesis over and over in search of perfection or someone who explores new ideas with each project?
I prefer exploring new ideas with each project. While there are always recurring themes, I aim to provide something unique and personal for each client.