brad hooper architect: April 2009

I believe that before putting a line on paper, the land must be walked - a building cannot be designed for a site if you haven't sniffed it, run your toes through the dirt, listened to it - the land talks and should be acknowledged.

Don't try to remake the earth but instead accept its forms and foibles - never problems, always challenges - never conquer, always nurture. Try and harvest the earth only as required, never to excess. Drink the rain don't dirty the dam. Enjoy the spirit of the land, don't crush it. It's good to have dreams, enjoy them, but beware of preconceived notions. Express everything you desire and fear and dislike in your environment and then prioritise these so that the design might address them.

It is important to beware of dogma, eschew fashion - do it as you want - observe smart principles but don't be an adherent because you feel you must. For example; it can be okay to have a westerly facing window - sunsets can be 'cool' especially if designed for.

Try to use resources appropriately and consider technologies appropriately. Maybe a prefab plantation pine truss is smarter for the job than a beaut over sized recycled red gum bridge beam (but if it is about the look of the red gum - admit this and enjoy).

There are probably no 'good' building materials as the creation of all require sacrifice and disruption, so strive to limit the extent and understand the implications of the damage which might be done.

There need not be adversaries in a building contract, only allies. Trust is the best cement in the building process which itself should be a joyous and creative experience for all players. Things may go wrong with a building project at any point from design to construction phase to after completion. It's good to maintain the highest expectations, but it's also good to be prepared for the times when things go off the rails.

Speak up about the design, ask questions during construction if you are unsure about anything. Don't forget we are passengers on a quickly spinning spaceship with a molten core, dynamic crust and a turbulent enclosure, zipping at mega-speed through an unpredictable universe - your timber bench tops will crack, your tile grout will fall out.

Be open and respect others. Everyone does contribute and even when they have (in your view) done less than well, temper your criticism, ask for reasons, reject excuses. Don't get blinkered into 'bottom-lining' on the prices asked by consultants, suppliers, trades persons, anyone - they know their worth and it is often not measured in dollars. It is doubtful that a project can be successfully built on foundations of angst and acrimony.

Try to stop work at 5pm, walk the dogs, scratch their tummies and watch the sunset.