architect tom ferguson
Sydney architect Tom Ferguson has a way of mixing old and new, modern and rustic, nature and manmade. I first came across his work when I visited the home of Harper's Bazaar editor Edwina McCann, pictured top. The front part of the house was a cottage while the back half, which had been a spray-painting workshop, was converted into a New York loft style home, complete with exposed brick wall and vaulting ceilings. When Tom is not designing homes, he's photographing them, and has a website dedicated to those images.
Which five words best describe you? Focussed, thoughtful, confident, modest, motivated.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? While studying at the University of New South Wales I did my six months practical experience at Cracknell Lonergan Architects in Camperdown. I continued to work there part time while completing my degree and then full time for 6 years after graduation. It was a great office and one that allowed me to gain a wide range of experience across all facets of architectural practice, which was a great asset when it came to setting up my own practice. I was lucky enough to be able to design the extension to a terrace house in Rozelle which my parents owned and in which I had been living, and the publication of this in a number of magazines brought me work which was the springboard for my own practice, TFAD [Tom Ferguson Architecture & Design].
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To try and make every decision as thoughtfully as possible.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I’m proud every time I finish a house and the clients love it.
What’s been your best decision? To start my own practice.
Who inspires you? Anyone who does things differently to me.
What are you passionate about? Photography! I have a bourgeoningphotography business taking photos of other architects' work, along with event and lifestyle photography.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Thom Yorke from Radiohead.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Turning photography into a component of life and business equal to architecture.
What are you reading? A Short History of the World by Geoffrey Blainey.
images courtesy of tom ferguson