Multi-disciplinary architecture practice Bates Smart has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional projects across multiple typologies in Australia and globally. Their win in the Public Space category for The Embassy of Australia, Washington DC, cements their position as one of the leading studios in Australia. 

The Public Space category is open to any interior design projects funded by a public body or dedicated to public use. From foyers, malls and airports, to churches, temples, museums, galleries, cemeteries and government buildings, each entry is assessed against how the project responds to the brief. Bates Smart’s winning project harmonised cultural representation with urban prominence. The interior is imbued with echoes of the vast Australian landscape creating a welcoming, recognisable and enduring diplomatic presence in Washington DC while supporting diverse government functions. Australian Design Review spoke with Bates Smart director Mark Healey on what defines an award-winning project and viewing constraints as opportunities as part of the design process. 

ADR: What did it mean for you to win your category?

Mark Healey: The recognition is important as it honours the team’s commitment and focus over such a long period of design and delivery. It influences the studio, young and old, and reaffirms a culture of excellence in everything we do as a practice. This project was special as we were replacing a building designed by Bates Smart in 1968 – the first embassy designed by an Australian practice. To be lauded by this awards program and others confirms our efforts were well placed. 

ADR: Tell us about your winning project. What was its inspiration and how did you achieve the outcome that you did?

MH: The Embassy of Australia was about representing our country in a way that spoke to all of us and presented a confident and open view to the world, and particularly our host nation the US. The interior exudes a ‘relaxed formality’ which I think sits well with us as a nation, and we wanted to create a dialogue with the public nature of the site and welcome the people of Washington to engage with the building. The combination of light and shadow playing amongst eucalyptus timber (blackbutt) was quintessentially Australian in its rendering and the framing of the sky acknowledged the overwhelming expanse of the interior of this country. 

ADR: Did you set out to design something ambitious and award-winning from the beginning?

MH: With every project we embark upon we want to explore something deeper than we have before, that’s what perhaps sets us apart from others. This inquisitive nature we possess as designers, combined with our desire to create something that will truly impact the people who use these spaces, is what makes our job so interesting. The art is to ensure ambition doesn’t cloud the reality in front of you. We always frame a constraint as an opportunity, and when you demonstrate that in a thoughtful and creative way, it typically defines an award-winning project.

ADR: What did you learn from this project that you hope to bring to future designs?

MH: We learn from every project we work on, but the Embassy of Australia reaffirmed to us that diplomacy should always be focused on creating an atmosphere of openness, welcome and dialogue. 

ADR: How would you describe 2024 for your and/or your studio?

MH: 2024 has been filled with several challenges for our industry, but Bates Smart’s collaborative team-based approach, instilled by our leadership group, has resulted in a positive and ultimately successful year. Being recognised for the Designer of the Year Award is simply a testament to that.

ADR: What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming or current projects you’re working on?

MH: Our studios are seeing increased development activity around the important multi-residential market. We look forward to being involved in relieving some of that pressure by delivering projects of quality and value. Our commercial and workplace team will deliver major new tenancies next year and our health team continues to deliver important social infrastructure across Australia.

IDEA 2024 is proudly brought to you by our sponsors Miele, Cult, Crafted Hardwoods, Neolith, Halliday + Baillie, Krost, MillerKnoll, Laufen, ForestOne, Zenith, Designer Rugs, and supported by our event partners Axolotl, Four Pillars Gin, Moo Brew Beer and Artfull.

A special thank you to our jury chair Clare Cousins, and our jury members Brooke Lloyd, Davina Bester, Graham Charbonneau, Melissa Bright, Michael Alvisse and Manuela Millan.

Photography: Joe Fletcher

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