fjcstudio
fjcstudio is a multidisciplinary design studio committed to design excellence, innovation, sustainability, reconciliation and the enhancement of the public domain.
Integrating architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and placemaking, fjcstudio has designed many highly acclaimed and internationally awarded projects.
Design awards include two World Building of the Year awards from the World Architecture Festival (Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2013, and Darlington Public School, 2024), the AIA Jørn Utzon Award, the RIBA International Award, the New Zealand Institute of Architects Medal, International Architecture Awards from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, and the International Public Library of the Year Award from the Danish Agency for Culture.
Our work evolves from a deep understanding of place and culture, through open collaboration with the communities we serve and close partnerships with First Nations collaborators. We also work directly with industry to drive innovation, affordability and value.
Our studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the UK bring together more than 120 design professionals and technical experts across the full range of project typologies.
circlesix, Australia Square
The social heart of our Sydney studio, on the Level 6 floor Harry Seidler and Pier Luigi Nervi designed as an exhibition level, hosts studio reviews by day and monthly public talks.
Darlington Public School
World Building of the Year, World Architecture Festival 2024.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
World Building of the Year, World Architecture Festival 2013.
Studio Profile
Design excellence
Our approach is based on specificity: a unique and authentic response for each project. This begins with careful analysis of the site (physical, environmental, historical, cultural, commercial and social), the brief (function and aspiration) and the budget (time and cost). Design develops through sketch, text, physical and digital models, discussion, testing, critique and prototype.
People and place
Human experience is central to every project. We embed user-centred thinking through collaborative exploration, stakeholder engagement and cultural inclusivity, creating equitable, welcoming environments that support social connection and wellbeing, in both the public domain and private experience.
Innovation
For us, innovation is a genuine investigation into site, heritage, sustainability, value and aspiration, not simply the use of new technology or materials. Investigating the brief and challenging assumptions lets us balance cost, innovation and performance throughout the design process.
Collaboration with First Nations peoples
Our work commits to finding pathways to truth telling, healing of Country and bringing benefit for First Nations people, always with the aim of reconciliation. We start each project working with Country, learning from Elders, Knowledge Holders, artists and consultants from the outset. Country and place
Sustainability
Sustainable development principles are fundamental to all our projects, whether or not sustainability is a defined brief requirement. Projects include Darling Quarter, Sydney’s first 6 Star Green Star workplace; Melton Library and Learning Hub, the first public library to achieve both Design and As Built 5 Star Green Star ratings; and Jindabyne Public Library, carbon neutral. Sustainability
Technology
Design is integral with its making. We work in Archicad 3D BIM, regularly to LOD300 and to LOD350 when required, with generative design in Rhino and Grasshopper, visualisation in Cinema 4D, Redshift, Enscape and BIMx, and model coordination in Solibri and BIMcollab Zoom.
Cost and value
Our approach to cost management is based on value: assessing initial capital and ongoing operational costs of design options so they can be compared robustly. Regular benchmarking, and value management and cost management workshops, are integrated into the design process.
Authorities and quality
We have strong working relationships with local and state government, including the City of Sydney, NSW planning authorities and the Government Architect offices in New South Wales and Victoria. Our integrated Quality Management System is accredited to AS/NZS ISO 9001, with environmental management to AS/NZS ISO 14001 and occupational health and safety to AS/NZS 4801.
Explore the Studio
People
The designers, architects and specialists who make up our multidisciplinary studio, led by Design Director Richard Francis-Jones and Managing Principal Elizabeth Carpenter.
View peopleRegistered architectsInsights
News from the studio: project openings, awards, events and commentary.
View insightsDiscourse
Publications, exhibitions, video and audio, essays, writings and lectures, and the circlesix talk series.
View discourseTruth and Lies in Architecture
Richard Francis-Jones on the cultural and ethical dimensions of architecture.
View the bookInitiatives
circlesix, our forum for open dialogue at Australia Square.
View initiativesAwards
National and international recognition, including World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in 2013 and 2024.
View awardsSustainability
Our approach to environmental and social sustainability, embedded in every project from brief to completion.
View sustainabilityCareers
Current opportunities and career enquiries across our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and UK studios.
View careersContact
Studio addresses, phone numbers and new project enquiries.
View contactIndustry Recognition
fjcstudio has received national and international recognition across architecture, interiors, landscape and urban design. Highlights include:
| Project | Name | Year | Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington Public School | International Award for Excellence | 2026 | RIBA |
| Parliament Square, Hobart | John Lee Archer Triennial Prize | 2025 | Australian Institute of Architects (Tasmanian Chapter) |
| Darlington Public School | World Building of the Year | 2024 | World Architecture Festival |
| Auckland War Memorial Museum Te Ao Mārama | INSIDE Public Buildings Award | 2022 | World Architecture Festival |
| Bunjil Place | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture | 2018 | Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) |
| Hume Global Learning Centre and Library, Craigieburn | Public Library of the Year | 2014 | Danish Agency for Culture |
| Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | World Building of the Year | 2013 | World Architecture Festival |
| Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture | 2012 | Australian Institute of Architects |
| Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | New Zealand Architecture Medal | 2012 | New Zealand Institute of Architects |
| Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | International Award | 2012 | RIBA |
For new project enquiries, please email us. You can also find our studio addresses on the Contact page.