For this week’s Meet the Maker we’re putting the spotlight on Christopher Megowan, Director of Megowan Architectural. For over a decade, Christopher has passionately dedicated himself to the study, teaching and practice of Architecture, design and development. Whether the goals of a project are practical, emotional, financial or all three, Megowan Architectural will work with clients to create a well-balanced outcome which maximises their resources. We had a chat with Christopher and here’s what he had to say..
George Takes Twelve
1. Pleasantries first… Tell us about who you are and what you do?
I am a Californian born but recently naturalized Australian, father of twins, husband, architect and developer who occasionally steps out on my responsibilities to go kitesurfing.
2. When I was growing up I wanted to be….
An inventor, then an architect, then a pilot, then a rock star, then a sound engineer/music producer and then back to an architect.
3. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you start something, finish it. Thanks Dad.
4. What’s been your favourite project so far?
I like different projects for different reasons. I do love a coastal home though. It is somehow a less serious typology with often unique and character filled sites where the briefs and clients tend to be a bit more adventurous. So if I had to choose, it would be a close one between our Two and Three Angle Houses.
5. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
A beautiful and super solid dining table a talented friend made for me out of the partial demolition scraps of my house, that and a guitar that another friend bought me as a graduation present from university.
6. What’s the most impressive party trick you can muster?
Bad campfire sing-alongs to late 90s alt rock.
7. Are there any architectural trends you are excited about?
I’m hoping that enough Australians saw the recent “Richard Leplastrier – Framing the View” documentary on ABC and that we start to get more briefs and interest in that kind of architecture.
8. What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an architect?
Start small and work your way up, often much of the initial approach to architecture seems to start from a massive, highly conceptual and incomprehensible scale and works down. Also, try to understand and analyze the complex web of forces which control built outcomes rather than simply judging architecture on a purely aesthetic basis.
9. What’s one thing people may not know about you?
I used to own and operate a food truck (I think we we’re the 11th in Melbourne) with my wife called “Danger Dogs”.
10. You’ve got a week off, where are you going?
Vietnam, Gippsland or the Otways.
11. What is your favourite way to get the creative juices flowing?
Travel and time spent alone without distraction.
12. Favourite architectural style from a bygone era?
I have always romanticized about the Arts and Crafts movement, it’s early links and references to early Japanese mortise and tenon structures and expressions and it’s later manifestation in the more “Americanized” Craftsman style which yielded so many incredibly detailed and refined homes that I was lucky enough to grow up in and around, particularly in Pasadena and the West Adams area of Los Angeles.
Meet the Architect Radio
“Happiness, mostly in a minor key.” Playlist
“Songs found in various formative moments in my life that never seem to get old and always put a smile on. Some need headphones, others need to be turned up, some take patience and others are instantly revealed. Probably not the best playlist for a party…unless I’m your guest.” – Christopher
Where to find him
Name: Christopher Megowan
Business Name: Megowan Architectural
Job Title: Director
Website: www.m-a.com.au
Instagram: @megowanarchitectural
Facebook: www.facebook.com/megowanarchitectural
Photography by Anthony Richardson, Nils Koenning, Tom Blachford, Anthony Richardson & Elise Scott
