The challenges in ageing societies for example are significant, however, the opportunities to make a difference are endless. I am dedicated and passionate about leaving a lasting and positive impact through holistic design and advocacy. – Frank Ehrenberg
Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and how you got to be where you are now.
I was born, bred and educated in Germany, where I also studied architecture.
Having always been a travel nerd I loved exploring different countries and cultures. I lived in Spain in the early nineties and had extended trips all over Central America, Asia and India. On one of those trips, and just having graduated from architecture I went to Australia. That was back in 1997. After travelling around for a few months I arrived in Sydney and fell in love with the city, so eventually did not go home for 5 years (in what was going to be a 3-month stint). After that and going back to Germany for only a short while I decided to call Australia home. I continued to live in Sydney to 2004 and then for family reasons moved to Brisbane where I have been ever since.
I understand you are a local property owner and architect. Tell us about your career as an architect and who has influenced you the most as an architect and what sort of work inspires you the most.
Yes, I am a local property owner and architect.
A career in architecture for most architects is typically a very slow burn. I consider myself fortunate that after coming here from overseas I have been able to get to where I am today.
During my career path I have worked for many modernists, both ‘back home’ in Germany throughout my studies, then in Sydney who have shaped the way I look at the architectural process today. I have had great mentors throughout my career who have coached and guided me through the complexities of being an architect and running a business. One of them is my colleague and friend Jon Voller who I have the greatest respect for.
I am not someone who looks up to starchitects and thinks ‘wow I want to be like that or do that kind of work’. For me it is more about finding appropriate solutions to problems we face as communities and societies.
Bernborough Ascot for Lendlease, Australia’s first six-star green star retirement community
The work that inspires me the most is the one that makes a real difference. It is work that is socially conscious, work that is based on evidence-based design principles, work that is sustainable and guided by ethics. My practice MarchesePartners/Life3a does a lot of work in the living & later living space … having strong principles ultimately makes a difference to people’s lives.
The challenges in ageing societies for example are significant, however, the opportunities to make a difference are endless. I am dedicated and passionate about leaving a lasting and positive impact through holistic design and advocacy.
As a practice we are currently involved in later living projects all over Australia, New Zealand, China, UK and Spain. I see that as my raison d’etre and that’s why I get out of bed every morning and that is what drives me as an architect.
The Green retirement community in Tarragindi for Retire Australia
The work that inspires me the most is the one that makes a real difference. It is work that is socially conscious, work that is based on evidence-based design principles, work that is sustainable and guided by ethics. – Frank Ehrenberg
Chevron One luxury living Gold Coast for Bensons Property Group
Pacific One luxury living Surfers Paradise for Central Equity
How long have you been living in Paddington?
We have been in the area for 16 years now.
What drew you into the area?
Having come from Sydney we almost ended up here by coincidence. We liked the fact that it was hilly and as a consequence of that there are so many facets to the neighbourhood. As it is close to the city from some streets you get great views and you feel like it’s a metropolitan area, then you turn the corner and you feel you are in the tropics.
Our house is full of character and warmth, it is contextual to the street, considerate to our neighbours, responsive to the climate and it’s the right size to come together, be apart and entertain.
You have done extensive renovations to your property. Tell us a bit what you did and what you learned along the way.
I consider myself lucky to live in a house that I have been able to shape myself and with the input of my wife over a long time. The house is moderate and quirky and a reflection of who we are as people and how we go about our lives. It’s not a statement, more of a conscious understatement and whilst moderate still contemporary in feel and a contextual response to the local climate.
Back (left) and western side entry (right)
We probably bought the worst house in the street at the time…essentially, we turned it upside down and reversed the floor plan, gutted it, and build under…all in a long step by step process, suiting the family requirements every step of the way. Rather than taking one big leap we took it bit by bit. We listened to ourselves as people, to who we are and what we wanted to represent. We asked ourselves what we really needed as opposed to what we wanted. Then of course there is also the factor of what the market wants and what represents the best resale – we ignored this entirely. Or what people think an architect should live like…we did not go for the massive, oversized, house on steroids, white on white for white version.
Upper Living
Our house is full of character and warmth, it is contextual to the street, considerate to our neighbours, responsive to the climate and it’s the right size to come together, be apart and entertain. Despite the renovations having been done over many years the house is still conceived as one big idea! Most importantly my wife Sasha and I and our daughter Cleo love living in it.
Garden – I planted every single plant myself!
Since you’ve been here, how has the suburb changed?
Gentrification has also arrived in Paddington and I think with that some of the diversity that was here 15 years ago has been lost, in particular in the past 5 years. I hope that over time we get some of the funk back that used to be here!
What are some of the things that most people may not realise about the area?
We have a great local record shop for those who love vinyl!
What’s your favourite thing to do here when you have some time off?
To get some breathing space I love going for walks in Mount Coo-tha and surrounds either by myself or with family or going for a drive to nearby beaches.
To socialise we go to nearby coffee shops, restaurants in West End.
We love going to music gigs..hopefully they will be back soon
How are you coping with life in this new changed climate of uncertainty?
As a person and as a family we are quite adaptable to change. No doubt the recent times have been challenging for all. We are regardless though quite privileged nevertheless, by way of simply living and being here in Brisbane. Workwise we have fully adapted. Personally, we miss travelling and this is by far the longest we have stayed put.I cannot wait to be able to roam foreign places again.
Who or what inspires you the most in life?
Diversity and seeking opportunities…and within that seeing the possibilities to drive change and make a difference.
Frank Ehrenberg, Local Resident and Architect:
Frank is a Principal and Regional Director at MarchesePartners/Life3a
fehrenberg@marchesepartners.com
m: 0424946416