The Evolution of Edition Office: An Architectural Journey Rooted in Collaboration & Context

The inception of Edition Office can be traced back to the shared experiences of its founders, who crossed paths while working at a previous architectural firm. “We found a great deal of common ground in architecture, music, and film,” reflects Aaron Roberts, emphasising how these shared interests laid the groundwork for his and Kim Bridgland’s collaborative aspirations. The desire to establish a studio was not merely about launching a business but creating a space conducive to dialogue and exploration—an environment where ideas could flourish. This synergy has persisted throughout their work, inviting contributions from a diverse group of artists, clients, and friends.

The name "Edition Office" encapsulates a philosophy that recognises the iterative nature of architectural practice. “A body of work can be seen as constantly evolving,” Aaron explains. Each project represents an ‘edition’ of a broader process or methodology, where lessons learned from previous designs inform future endeavours. This conceptual framework allows the studio to document their architectural journey systematically, providing valuable insights and continuity in their evolving narrative.

As Edition Office has developed its portfolio, a pronounced respect for the Australian landscape has emerged as a cornerstone of its work. This sensitivity is evident in their architectural language, which seeks to honour the natural environment and foster relationships between people and place. “Our work is shaped or influenced by physical, cultural, and social contexts,” Aaron asserts. This commitment to contextual design challenges architects to think beyond mere aesthetics; it demands an understanding of how architecture can enrich community interactions.

The dialogue around materiality further supports their approach. The studio adopts a reductive philosophy, choosing materials that amplify the experiential qualities of a space. “A reductive approach to materiality allows for these qualities to be amplified,” underscoring that warmth, coolness, and other sensory experiences can shape human interactions with their surroundings. Whether in civic master planning or personal residential projects, Edition Office emphasises the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also evoke emotional engagement.

As the studio gains recognition beyond Australian borders, the question arises: how does its design philosophy translate internationally? Edition Office embraces the challenge of adapting its approach while retaining its foundational principles. “Researching and understanding contextual and cultural considerations is crucial,” Aaron asserts, highlighting the necessity of respect for local materials and customs.

Exploring an "Australian palette" globally is a complex endeavour. “Timber, for instance, is everywhere,” Aaron explains. Yet, materials' specific qualities, sourcing, and historical use must reflect local contexts and identities. This sensitivity remains central to the studio’s methodology as its design principles adjust to align with varied climates and cultural expectations while maintaining an underlying commitment to sustainability.

Edition Office recognises that traditional practices must evolve in a rapidly changing world where environmental considerations are paramount. “We are at a critical juncture in the design community where a ‘business as usual’ approach won’t be enough to affect climate change,” Aaron emphasises. The studio’s commitment to sustainability manifests in exploring alternative materials, construction methodologies, and reusing existing structures.

The importance of educating clients about sustainable practices cannot be overstated. “Effectively communicating and guiding how alternatives can be employed on a project without substantial economic, procurement, and regulatory risk is our biggest challenge,” Aaron acknowledges. The approach encompasses a holistic view of materials, including considerations of longevity, sourcing, and construction methods—critical factors in shaping a more sustainable architectural landscape.

When designing single-family homes versus multi-residential projects, Edition Office recognises the nuances that define each type. “Ultimately, we want to make great homes in both types.” The work reflects a deep sensitivity to human experience, ensuring that each space enriches the daily lives of its inhabitants—whether through thoughtfully designed single homes or broader multi-residential environments.

The lessons learned in single-house design often inform multi-residential endeavours, focusing on functional relationships between living, sleeping, and bathing spaces. The studio believes good design should celebrate the human condition, enlivening inhabitants and positively impacting their daily rituals. “We seek ways to enrich these daily rituals through spatial and material delight,” Aaron adds, highlighting a commitment to thoughtful design.

In 2024, Edition Office achieved notable recognition for its work on the ‘Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct in Canberra.’ This project exemplifies an ethos and commitment to contributing to the larger Australian architectural discourse. “Indigenous-led projects represent the needs and identity of First Nations Communities,” says Aaron, noting how such projects enrich public spaces and promote essential conversations around Indigenous culture.

Projects like Ngurra can recalibrate Australia’s national narrative by fostering relationships with Indigenous communities and cultivating trust and understanding. “As a Nation, we have a long way to go in developing trust and equality with our First Nations communities,” Aaron admits. The Ngurra project is more than an architectural venture; it is a commitment to acknowledging and honouring the cultural context that has shaped Australia’s identity.

Edition Office’s creative horizons expand beyond traditional architectural projects to engage with the realms of art and design. Their collaboration with Bankston on the ‘Casts’ door hardware exemplifies this exploration. “It was a welcome shift in scale with a new set of considerations,” Aaron explains. The forms focus on function and proportion, highlighting the studio’s ability to blend utility with artistic expression.

The studio’s work, including exhibitions like The Grey Zone, further illustrates an interest in the intersection of art, architecture, and design. “Designing how a building is to be used, coupled with material and spatial gestures, can prompt a dialogue between it and the user,” Aaron notes. These interdisciplinary approaches provoke personal interpretations and foster discussions regarding broader social, political, and cultural connections.

As Edition Office prepares for 2025, the anticipation surrounding new projects exists. “There is always a great pleasure in stepping into the unknown together with our clients,” Aaron expresses. This sense of excitement and curiosity drives the studio’s explorations in design, reinforcing its commitment to creating architecture that resonates on multiple levels—emotionally, culturally, and environmentally.

Edition Office exemplifies a thoughtful exploration of architecture that balances context, sustainability, and artistic expression. As it continues to evolve, the studio’s work enriches the built environment, fostering essential dialogues around identity and community and encouraging a more inclusive architectural narrative rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. The journey of Edition Office reminds us that architecture is more than just a building; it is an ongoing conversation that shapes how we interact with our world and one another.

Thank you to the Edition Office team. You can find out more about Edition Office on their website and Instagram. Words by Tiffany Jade. Feature image of Hawthorn House by Tom Ross. Neometro are collaborating with Edition Office on 450 Gore Street, Fitzroy.