'The model went against all advice': Why architect Clinton Cole chose to break the mould with his practice

Clinton Cole of CplusC Architectural Workshop says his business model went against all the advice he received.

We chatted with Clinton about growing up in the design world, being an industry innovator, and creating homes that surprise.

Q: Tell us the story behind CplusC Architectural Workshop.

A: I grew up around the construction industry and worked part-time as a labourer to pay my way through double degrees in architecture.

When a builder asked me to design an extension to his family home and help him build it, I jumped at the opportunity. I obtained my full builder’s licence after that and formed a company that provided design and construction services.

Q: Was that controversial, offering both design and construction?

A: The model went against all the advice I received but I viewed it as an opportunity to embrace risk. I thought taking responsibility for projects would provide greater quality control.

Q: Do you tend to wear architect’s black or tradie casual?

A: That depends on who I’m meeting. People tend to have preconceived ideas about what architects and builders look like, so when in Rome I dress like a Roman. We remove any reference
to our company being architects when we request quotes from new suppliers to ensure we get the builders’ quote not the architects’ quote!

Q: Tell us about the rest of the team.

A: We have 20 staff. Some of our construction staff have architectural degrees and some of our architectural staff have construction-related experience. Our focus is primarily single residential. We will also be undertaking our own multi-residential development in 2021.

Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your work?

A: From the integration of solar and rainwater capture, cross ventilation and low-embodied energy materials in our designs to providing recycling bins, reusable cups and soda makers on site for our construction workers, sustainability is at the core of our decision making.

Q: What does your own home look like?

A: We have a solar panel facade, underground rainwater and a filtration system which pumps water to our edible fish pond. This feeds nutrient-rich water to a vegetable garden on the roof and to an assortment of wicking beds between our internal glass facade and the external rendered masonry wall.

Q: The pool at CplusC’s Living Screen House is incredible, sharing a clear wall with the living space. How did that come about?

A: The idea just jumped out at me. When I called the client, they didn’t hesitate to agree.