Architecture by Keen Architecture. Build by Tallwood.

There is nothing stereotypical about Kris Keen and yet he represents everything I would wish for in my architect. Humble, easy to talk to, a great communicator, accessible; the ability to see what I simply can't. To me, these are the elements that will draw me toward my ideal significant other in the design world every day of the week.

Splitting time and projects across Perth and Melbourne, I'm almost certain it's the balance between the two that gives Kris something of an edge.. We are two completely different cities and people in many ways, but the exposure to both means he doesn't get stuck in his own vision for your project - he gets stuck in yours and he's as straight up as they come.

The other really appealing quality about the way Keen Architecture goes about the client interaction is that they are ALL about you doing your homework, asking questions [ particularly around ‘fees’ - don’t pass out - I’m 100% serious ], and getting a well rounded education about the type of designer you want to work with. Kris will encourage you to speak to other architects, because "I think we're just good old problem solvers" [ Kris Keen - Design Banter podcast ] and as you know, problems are best solved when you align in a relationship of 'best fit'.

"The key line that stood out to me during our podcast was when you said "architects are just plain old fashioned problem solvers!"....do you feel more people are becoming aware that your profession isn't out to dictate the design narrative but add as much 'value' to it as possible?”

I may have potentially simplified our profession and it’s something I’m sure not everyone agrees with but to me that’s basically how I see it. I love to strip things back to the bare essentials and when you understand that core requirement then you can play with how it might work or what it might look like VS having any preconceived ideas about the space and size or function.
Most clients will always go into a project with a preconception, a vision or just a stylistic preference. More often than not they are reaching out to you because they liked your previous work and in doing that, I think there is already some degree of a design narrative assumed by the client.
I feel it’s my job to break any preconceptions and help our clients start thinking outside the box and helping them understand how that might all come to fruition. All that said, I know there are some architects who stick to the styles they know and enjoy and have made their ‘brand’ so again, it all comes back to selecting the right professional for you.
The other reality is, it takes a lot of time and energy to present those new ideas to clients and convince them ultimately to think a little differently. Like any job or any relationship, you have to pick and choose your fights and find the best compromise along the way. As idealist as the profession is, we are still in business too. I feel architects are renowned for charging lots and making little, I think it’s because we are often trying to justify that ‘value’ and educate or convince clients on things we passionately know would benefit the client. Not all people can just re-imagine or visualise the end result well enough and it’s a massive road block; and a lot of lost time. That’s where trust comes into play as well but I feel like I’m going down the garden path of again….

all images Dion Robeson

Unlike what you might expect, there is no subject out of bounds or intimidating ‘archi-speak’ to throw you off your game. Kris subscribes to this being a fun experience, something to remember fondly; and so open conversation and real language are not negotiable. In a nutshell - ask the dumb questions because there is no such thing. This is the biggest investment you'll ever make, so it's not the time for "he'll think I don't know what I'm talking about". I believe that's the point. You're not supposed to.

You want a 4 x 2 with a break-out room that leads to an inside-outside kitchen? Awesome. Why?? He's going to ask, and he'll likely push you to challenge the 'why' because his job is to create a relationship between you and your dream space [ insert : your unique lifestyle ] not replicate what you saw on pinterest, down the road or in a magazine.

So many architects get broad-stroked as pushing their own agenda & not listening to the client but I can tell you the real value (when you find your 'best fit') is that they can actually see what you can't and they will give you choices you never really thought achievable. Then it's up to you. Ultimately; you might find yourself with a smaller building footprint but a space that goes large in quality. Lifespan above all else Kris Keen style.

Pendants over double void staircase Keen Architecture Spreading Roomers image Dion Robeson

Dean St, Claremont facade Keen Architecture Spreading Roomers image Dion Robeson

Contemporary bathroom design East Fremantle Keen Architecture Spreading Roomers image Dion Robeson

Courtyard design Keen Architecture Spreading Roomers image Dion Robeson

What don’t you know about Kris?

Here’s an answer to a question I didn’t see coming. Let’s see if you feel the same…

“What would you be doing with your time if you weren't a qualified architect?“

Hmm, how much space you have!? Let’s see…. I’ve always dreamt of building a sustainably run mud crab farm with a boutique mud brick eco B&B (build by me) complete with private chef dining experience on my 42 Riviera out the front in Yamba ! [ I did ask the question!! }
Surfing, fishing, camping and cooking with family and friends between check-ins…. A marron farm & eco lodge down south will do just fine too! I was also going to be a Marine Biologist, a furniture maker, an industrial designer, an inventor, a jeweller, a bladesmith, a dive instructor, a chef and a nomad. And a million other things…. Honestly, I just love tying my hand at anything and everything. Short answer – being busy doing ‘stuff’. Being a massive goofball and making my kids laugh – I’d be happy to do that full time!

One main takeaway I’d love you to leave you with from our ‘what if’ is that Kris is a people person. There’s no faking it and it’s quite unusual to meet someone in the profession without a massive ‘facade’ (had to squeeze at least one designory word in there) to hide behind. He is just the most normal bloke I’ve met at his level.

He has even been known to help you settle on a piece of land, as in, take him with you before you buy it. You'd be surprised how many issues start with the wrong parcel of property. No, Keen Real Estate is not his middle name, but having a good guy in your corner before you play with sharks, ensures you don't lose a massive bite out of your budget at the very beginning [ see what I did there?? ].

Burt St Project and the epic curved glass ‘sliding’ door. Insane!

You can listen to what homeowner Nancy had to say about the process here.

To round this out, I put to Kris;

“If you could be recognised for influencing the way we see design in any way as Keen Architecture; what would that look like?”

Quality over quantity. Simple. That encompasses energy efficiency and sustainability notes as standard and appropriate site and client specific responses – no two clients or site are the same! (I’m looking at you generic ‘project home’).