The Naked Architect: Smith House

Open House Melbourne is relaunching the much-loved Naked Architect Series!

Are you looking to renovate or build a new home and have considered using an architect but don’t know where to start? The best way to truly appreciate the benefits of engaging an architect is to hear straight from the architects and clients themselves in the homes they’ve created together.

The Naked Architect arms consumers with in-depth knowledge about working with an architect on a residential renovation and/or new build. Hear about the architect/client experience of the design process and working together.

Fowler and Ward and their client invite you to see how you can celebrate, rather than reinvent, an under-appreciated era of housing. Book your spot to be a part of our live audience for the filming of the next episode of The Naked Architect!

The Naked Architect is an initiative of Open House Melbourne, with support from the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and in association with ArchiTeam.

Project description

Smith House is focused on providing access to sunshine in the living spaces and maintaining the garden. The project demonstrates how working within an existing envelope and embracing character results in a delightful way of living without rebuilding.

The Practice

Fowler and Ward is a young practice that enjoys producing creative, liveable, and tailored responses to complex sites, interesting briefs and increased density.

After connecting on the first day of Architecture School in 2004, an almost 20 year friendship between directors Tara Ward and Jessie Fowler led to the establishment of the practice at the end of 2018.

Based in North Melbourne, and now with a team of five, Fowler and Ward works on a range of projects that reflect the breadth of interest and experience of the team. Our passion lies in creating residential spaces that give back to the city we love. Creating homes in small spaces, sensitive renovations that breathe life into buildings at risk of becoming redundant or lost to developers and newbuilds or multi-residential developments that increase density without overwhelming neighbourhood character.