Frankly, we knew this one was tipped to be the most hotly anticipated poddy we’ve mic ever dropped - but you should know; our tribute, the lovely Kris Keen is nothing you’d expect. Not only is this our longest podcast to date - coming in at a massive 53:45 but also one of the easiest to listen to. It won’t feel like long at all, and if there was anything I could say to sum up this conversation, it’s that it felt too short. We merely scratched the surface of this topic, so it’s no great surprise that part 2 is a must for us later in the year. For now, here’s part 1.

I'm pretty sure you've never met a more down to earth bloke than Kris. Architect, sometimes comedian, Kardashian in training - take a listen & learn a little more about what an architect does exactly!

Kris Keen is an architect who splits his time between Perth & Melbourne. Both Andrea & I have come to build a fantastic relationship with Kris who we both quickly identified with as a person who shares our belief that good design isn’t just for the elite or the entitled. This one was a no-brainer and is already one of our favourites to date. Enjoy.

Here are your fast forwards for navigational purposes:

3:22 - we learn a new word - STARchitect!

4:56 - why Kris left his old company.

8:03 - ‘please explain’ - Andrea asks a hot question.

8:39 - Kris unpacks ‘the process’ of what’s involved once you’ve engaged an architect.

9:53 - client brief begins with….

10:33 - the visual brief includes…

11:40 - why KK doesn’t allow clients to ‘shop’ his design. **poddy hotspot**

15:12 - post concept process

16:22 - “every tap & every tile”…the details.

17:39 - what is contract admin and why is it important?

22:59 - are architects the new marriage couselors?

24:21 - Kris backs the builders.

27:51 - it’s the vibe! seeing the project as a whole.

30:37 - CASE STUDY - the story of Burt St, Freo. **poddy hotspot**

Burt St, Fremantle [ discussed at 30:37 for your convenience ] : “We were originally engaged to add a small studio and a basement come workshop. As can happen on these special projects, this one evolved significantly to encompass new living spaces, new kitchen, rework the existing heritage spaces and a workshop big enough to build plane parts. Basically, we did a complete rethink of how the house functions in its entirety and redesigned it for a modern family’s lifestyle.” - Kris Keen.

All images by Dion Robeson.

Ummm - those curves. Architects do love their natural light!

The integration of contemporary with heritage

35:11 - Deb’s t-shirt analogy & Kris considers wearing women’s clothing.

38:49 - why Kris will always recommend talking to other architects.

41:19 - Andrea askes “is it always budget first”?

43:46 - Kris sets the client homework.

45: 08 - the ideal scenario.

The BIGGEST takeaway from the whole podcast really, is that this will single handedly be your biggest investment no matter who you hire to bring your space to life. The question to always consider is lifespan & longevity. Invest in professionals who have the capability to see beyond the now, and remember, if you are ever planning to sell your home, an architecturally designed property will always provide a better return over others that weren’t.

If you enjoyed this podcast, and we have a sneaking suspicion that you did, then please SUBSCRIBE through Apple Podcasts, leave us a REVIEW and SHARE this plog with those you know could use a little Design Banter in their life. The more we can get the word out that good design is for everyone - the better!

See you next time.

Deb xx

Episode 4 Season 5 : What does an architect do exactly? a chat with Keen architecture part 1