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Hames Sharley’s ability to deliver projects of design excellence in a variety of disciplines was highlighted at the recent state Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter awards in South and Western Australia where it received commendations in the fields of interior architecture and urban design.

The innovative five level fitout of the Public Trustee’s new headquarters in South Australia was recognised for its ability to communicate the vision and philosophies of the organisation through unique design, whilst the Morley City Centre in Western Australia was awarded in the Urban Design category for its visionary and sustainable approach to the future direction of Morley.

Hames Sharley Managing Director, Paul Drechsler says recognition by the industry’s peak architectural body showcases the important correlation between the disciplines and the team’s ability to produce work that responds from the macro level of urban design through to the finer details of interior environments.

“This is exciting news for the teams as the Commendation Awards indicate that the architectural profession recognises design excellence and the diverse issues that are involved in both urban design and interior architecture projects,” Mr Drechsler says.

“Hames Sharley was one of the first multi-discipline practices established in Australia and unlike others many of our people have had the opportunity to work with, and in each discipline giving them an enviable breadth and in-depth knowledge of how to produce work that responds to all levels. This ability is showcased in awards we have and continue to receive.”

The design of the Public Trustee’s new headquarters embraces the theme “life” and its “cycles”. Influenced largely by the services the organisation provides to the Australian community, the theme represents the impact the services may have on all aspects of a persons’ life through a perpetual and continuous cycle. As the cycle has similarities to those found in nature, a season was dedicated to each level through the use of colours, materials and abstract graphic images of flowers, leaves, sand and wind. The fitout is also an accommodation solution for a future workplace, one which meets changing operational requirements, incorporates new technologies and creates a more open and collaborative workplace culture.

The Morley City Centre master plan considers both the economic and transport context of the city centre utilising them as key drivers. It also embodies a fundamental shift in thinking as we move our focus from traditional retail based centres to the creation of activity centres where employment and residential targets are to be achieved as well. The plan is intended to stimulate further discussion on Morley’s evolution into a place for people and commerce.

Both projects are also winners of previous industry awards including the 2010 Design Institute of Australia SA Chapter “People’s Choice Award” and the 2010 Planning Institute of Australia WA Chapter Minister’s Award and Urban Plans and Ideas Award.