Today for Lunch with an Architect, we’re joined by Lainey Richardson of Elaine Richardson Architect (ERA).
Thanks so much for joining us today, Lainey! Now, I know this is merely a virtual lunch. But, if we were having lunch together, where’s your favourite place?
Oh goodness, Brodie, if you were around here [in Zetland, Sydney], there's this really awesome Vietnamese place down the street. I love Vietnamese food. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s really tasty, fresh, and beautiful.
That sounds delicious, I’m a big fan of Vietnamese food too!
Yep, this image is generated with AI just to help set the scene, but this Vietnamese feast is still making my real-life mouth water...
So, what drew you to architecture? What made you decide you wanted to become an architect?
I was really into art in school and wanted to be an artist for a long time. I loved my art teachers. However, I have a practical side, and I thought being an artist wasn’t a real job. Somewhere along the line, the idea of architecture popped into my head, and it seemed like a good mix of art and practicality.
So you decided relatively early that you wanted to become an architect. Was your path to becoming an architect straightforward?
Yes, I decided I wanted to be an architect in high school. I was probably one of those annoying people who knew exactly what they wanted to do. Even though I didn’t fully understand what an architect did, I worked hard in school. After graduating, I went on to university and eventually started working for an architecture firm. It was a very linear path.
At Vy and Matt's House, ERA transforms a dark and pokey terrace into a personality filled home.
What made you decide to start your own practice?
I always thought I would start my own practice at some point, but I didn’t fully understand what that entailed. It took me about ten years of working for different architects before I felt ready to go out on my own. It was a matter of practicality and readiness.
Do you have a very mild superpower when it comes to architecture?
I like to think so. I did work experience in two offices – one interior design and one architecture. I developed a lot of empathy from that experience. I could see everything from the client’s perspective and had a strong desire to make things happen for them. I think empathy and optimism are my superpowers, which comes in handy, especially when dealing with local councils!
Empathy is definitely important, especially when dealing with residential clients. Tell me about some of the difficulties with the councils in your area.
Working with councils can be challenging. Yesterday, I had a meeting with a council planner who was open to not following the Development Control Plan (DCP) to the letter. They were willing to look at the objectives of the area and make the city a great place to live, which was refreshing. However, often the DCP is applied strictly, which can be frustrating. For example, building in conservation areas requires maintaining certain features that might not fit the new design. It can be a balancing act.
An extension at the front of the house is a creative solution to this compact and unique site in Newtown.
What’s your favourite thing about residential architecture?
Definitely the people. I love getting to know our clients, understanding their needs, and working with them to create a solution that fits their brief and budget. Each project is a unique journey. While we also do hospitality projects, residential work allows us to really connect with clients and make their spaces special.
What’s the first album you ever bought?
It was either the Pet Shop Boys who I loved, or strangely, I was also this really massive David Bowie fan because my dad had all these David Bowie records. I remember buying one, but it wasn’t in his heyday, it was something from the 90s, I believe, and I don’t remember it being particularly good. But I just really loved him. So either the Pet Shop Boys or David Bowie and I remember it was a big decision and a big investment for me at the time!
Have a listen to Lainey's playlist and look out for a 90s Bowie/Pet Shop Boys collab!
If you were hosting an ultimate dinner party, who are the four people from any time period you’d most like to have dinner with and why?
I’d love to meet my grandfather on my mum’s side, who was a teacher and very much loved by his students. I'd also like to spend time with my nephew who died recently. He was 15 years old and I think it makes you realise you have people in your life who you love and then you take them for granted and to sit down and have a conversation with him would be very special. For inspiration, I’d invite Gandhi and Nelson Mandela to hear their incredible stories. And I’d probably include a comedian to lighten the mood. Perhaps Ricky Gervais.
Oh, that’s a very beautiful and personal guest list, thank you for sharing! Is there a residential project of yours that you’re most proud of and why?
It’s hard to pick one, as every project has its own unique journey. We’ve worked with some amazing people and on some interesting sites. I think each project stands out for different reasons, whether it’s the site, the clients, or the creative solutions we’ve come up with.
Mid-century vibes make this renovation and extension feel relaxed, yet refined.
Perhaps this ties into the last question, new homes or renovations – which do you prefer and why?
We mostly do renovations because we’re in the inner city, but we’ve done a few new homes as well. Renovations are great because they have a story and detailing that we love. There’s something beautiful about working within an existing context and making the most of the space. We enjoy the challenge of utilising every square millimetre efficiently.
What’s something about architects that you wish more of the general public knew?
I wish people knew that architects aren’t just a luxury. We add a lot of value to a project, from planning to construction documentation. It’s not just about getting the design right, but also about thinking through every detail to avoid issues during construction. We help make the process smoother and more cost-effective in the long run.
Frank Lloyd Wright or Le Corbusier – who do you prefer and why?
I prefer Frank Lloyd Wright for his connection with nature. Most of our work is in the inner city, but I love incorporating nature into designs. It’s beautiful, calming, and good for the soul.
Even on the tightest of sites ERA manages to create a light-filled and surprisingly spacious home.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone looking to build or renovate their home?
Trust your architect and be organised. Having a clear idea of what you want and trusting your architect to bring it to life is crucial. Also, being organised helps make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
If we were having a book club, what book or resource would you recommend to someone wanting to build or renovate their home and why?
I’d recommend using Pinterest for inspiration because it’s so easy and accessible. For a book, I’d suggest The Organized Mind because there’s so much to think through in the building process. Being organised helps make the journey less stressful and more exciting.
Some say there are two types of architects: those who rework their thesis over and again and those who explore new ideas with every project. Which is most like you and why?
I think I’m a mix of both. We have core principles we stick to, like maximising natural light and creating good places to live. But we also explore new ideas and different ways to achieve those goals with each project.