Earlier this year, the QS World University Rankings revealed that the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales are better places to study architecture and the built environment than some Ivy League universities. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for eight of the top 20 architecture schools from the region. As a result, there’s an incredible pool of talent coming from Australia and entering the global market.
After a number of years in the industry and having worked in London for the X, it’s now prevalent that Australian architects and designers are interpreting design trends in Australia and applying them Europe, UK, and the Americas, with great success.
But before booking that ticket and jumping on that plane, I’ve identified the three key areas that differentiate between working as a designer in Australia and the UK, to help inform your decision.
Process based differences
Technological adoption. Australians are early adopters of technology. The design industry is no different. Architects and designers have been using 3D documentation and design tools for over 15 years, whereas advanced tech-design programs in the UK have only really been adopted holistically in the last few years. The big advantage is time; 3D documentation allows for much greater efficiency, but skeptics argue that it detracts from design thinking and solutions.
Project team structure. Roles and responsibilities are different. In the UK market, clients have a more limited timeframe to deliver a project. As a result, project teams are larger, with roles and responsibilities shared amongst team members; from client embedded PMS to project managers, quantity surveyors, principals to CDM designers, architects, and interior designers, and more. In the UK market, clients have a more limited timeframe for project delivery.
Project delivery. Australians tend to be much quicker when it comes to decision-making and streamlining project processes. For example, international shipping on furniture often holds up project timelines, requiring more thoughtful consideration of lead times for large contract orders.
Historic and building differences
Age and history of buildings. The UK has a rich, storied history, tracing London’s dynamic architecture from the city’s brilliant landmarks to Canary Wharf’s modern skyscrapers. This cultural context heavily influences the way an architect or designer approaches the built environment – a phenomenon not quite as common in Australia given its much shorter history. London’s spectacular, but ageing infrastructure presents unique design challenges not found in cities like Sydney, especially as it relates to compliance. For example, the Great Fire of London has influenced stricter fire regulations and ultimately impacts how spaces are designed and laid out.