An acclaimed architectural practice based in Melbourne, Jost Architects established by Patrick Jost provides architectural services in all phases of a project from conceptual design, planning, documentation, right through to completion. Since 2005, the firm has been involved in an array of institutional, commercial, and residential projects including the Burrill Lake House located at the South Coast of New South Wales. We took take time out with Patrick to find out how they do it.

George Takes Twelve

1. When I was growing up, I wanted to be…
Herpetologist (yeah we had to google it too…)

2. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your company?
I’d worked in a range of practice types being small, medium and large in the years prior to making Jost Architects a full-time commitment. When I was at Nation Fender Katsalidis in the late 90s and the building boom was firing, I worked on some awesome projects, learned a lot but also met some lifelong friends. Back then I wanted to run a big, cool practice but after coming full cycle in other offices realised that I didn’t want that. The client type is different and I think you lose intimacy with the projects. With always having PJs (Private Jobs) on the side I decided to kick Jost Architects off full time pretty much the month after the GFC of 2008. I thought if I can get through this I should be able to get through anything! We are now a small practice who all get on really well, love working together and have some great clients and projects to work on.

3. How is your studio structured? Ie. How many people work at the studio, do you outsource at all, how many projects do you take on at any one time?
As the sole director of the practice, I am the senior designer and run the business side of things. Although, the staff is involved to a degree, in the business management which I’m a big believer in them understanding this part of the practice. We then have a project architect and a graduate (occasionally another graduate or part-time student). We don’t generally outsource. At any one time, we can have up to 12-15 projects on, all at different stages from design to construction.

4. What exciting projects (present or past) are you proud as punch about?
I’ve actually had a few, never perfect but I’m still proud of. A house we did in Elwood (The Elwood House) for a client who I’ve been working on ever since including a small apartment in Elwood (Ormond Rd Apartments) which was a great result and another in Elwood under construction (Adela Apartment) that will be awesome when its finished. A house I will always love is the St Kilda House which was small, functional, looked awesome by being a bit different and proof what investing in an architect will produce both from a design result but a financial return on the investment. We also have another shed (Uber Shed 2) which has almost finished construction which will house a pretty impressive collection of vintage cars, motorbikes, an Airstream bus, and a canon. It keeps looking better and better and will be amazing when it’s in use!

5. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
My wife Rose and kids Ines, Nina, and Lenny.

6. What’s the most impressive party trick you can muster?
There’s few but I can pull some pretty interesting tongue tricks!

7. Are there any architectural trends you are excited about?
I think that Australian architecture is pushing a more a distinguishable style as opposed to trends (I’m not a big fan of trends – good design goes the distance) and I think it does come from a very culturally, Australian dialogue in both form and material aesthetic.

8. Tell us about a project that excited you but you never finished.
The factory in Port Melbourne under the Bolte Bridge would have been great! Also, the Prahran Townhouse would have been a cool one.

9. What’s your go-to routine to shake off a busy week?
A few games of darts and a couple of beers with the office crew and the tunes going. Occasionally popping over the road to the Newmarket.

10. You’ve got a week off, where are you going?
Surfing.

11. Tell us about your best strategy for those dreaded uninspired moments. What gets you out of slumpville and back climbing the creative pinnacle?
I sometimes mentally fire myself up or change what I’m doing if that doesn’t work. I exercise at lunchtime which can get me back on track. If that fails, go for a surf which actually does clear the head where you spend 2-3hrs not thinking about anything other than what you’re doing at that very moment.

12. Favourite architectural style from a bygone era?
Bauhaus and Pure Modernism.

Meet the Stylist Radio

“This is only the tip of the iceberg in where this musically journey will go!” – Patrick Jost

Patrick’s Top Picks

We had one last task for Patrick to complete, rounding up a selection of his favourite Hunting for George goodies for the home. Here are his top picks!

Where to find him

Name: Patrick Jost
Business Name: Jost Architects
Job Title: Director
Website: www.jostarchitects.com
Instagram: @jostarchitects
Facebook: Jost Architects