John Wardle

Leading from the Middle

John Wardle Architects, Melbourne

John Wardle
Photography: Marnie Hawson

Rachael first interviewed John Wardle when he was designing QV1 in about 2003, and she interviewed him again in 2017 for Habitus magazine. The story ran on the cover of Issue 37 and you can read it here.

Rachael observes that John's work - which includes two Robin Boyd winning houses in recent years and many large projects including the Melbourne School of Design - is reshaping the way we define architecture in Australia.

Like Glenn Murcutt, who is often referred to as a quintessentially Australian architect, John's work responds to context, vernacular and climate, but his way of twisting and carving forms to frame views or shape sight-lines adds an extra dimension, in my opinion.

John wrote Rachael a lovely note after the Habitus article was published:  

Hi Rachael,

A belated thank-you for the great piece you wrote for Habitus, a few months ago now.  I was pleased you understood my arcane habits. You covered the lengthy span of my working life with great care and sharp observation.

My thanks and best wishes,

John