Searle x Waldron
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Nick Searle, Suzannah Waldron |
| Headquarters | St Kilda, Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Architectural design, urban master planning |
| Website | www |
Searle X Waldron is an architecture practice located in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. Established in 2007 by Nick Searle and Suzannah Waldron, the firm undertakes a diverse range of projects, from intimate residential designs to extensive urban master plans. Among their distinguished works are the MoCAPE (Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition) and the Art Gallery of Ballarat Annexe. These projects have garnered accolades including the 2012 Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture and the 2012 Australian Institute of Architects Award for Public Architecture Alterations & Additions. Their architectural creations have been showcased throughout Australia, Asia, and Europe.
Partners
Nick Searle and Suzannah Waldron first crossed paths during their initial year at Sydney's UTS before moving to Melbourne to complete their academic training.
Nick Searle
Searle graduated from Deakin University in 2001 and subsequently acquired international experience with firms such as Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in the UK, Erick van Egeraat Architects in the Netherlands, and Australia's BVN Architecture. His contributions spanned design development, documentation, and contract administration. Additionally, he serves as a leader for architectural and urban design studios at RMIT University, School of Architecture & Design.
Suzannah Waldron
Following her graduation from RMIT University, Waldron gained global experience working with notable firms including Rotterdam’s Office for Metropolitan Architecture and London-based dRMM (de Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects). Her portfolio includes civic, commercial, and retail projects such as Prada, the City of Ghent, and Cornell University. Together with Searle, she directs architectural and urban design studios at RMIT University, School of Architecture & Design.
MoCAPE
The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MoCAPE) in Shenzhen, China was an international competition for an 80,000sqm cultural facility with a budget of US$100 million. Positioned within Shenzhen’s civic masterplan alongside works by architects like Arata Isozaki, Searle X Waldron’s design proposed two interconnected volumes totaling around 30,000sqm. Their submission was selected from 170 global entries to reach the final four and they were invited to develop a second-stage proposal in partnership with Arup. This design was exhibited at Melbourne’s National Design Centre.
Art Gallery of Ballarat Annexe
Commissioned by the City of Ballarat and the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Searle X Waldron undertook the expansion of the heritage-listed gallery. Completed in 2011, the project introduced adaptable spaces suitable for lectures, Workshops, Art installations, community gatherings, and private functions separate from the original gallery areas.
The architectural approach combines features reminiscent of a public hall, Verandah, and Bandstand, creating a multifunctional venue that has become a prominent location for public events in Ballarat. This project received both the 2011 Award for Public Architecture and the Victorian Chapter’s Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects.
Architectural and Urban Landscape Projects
- Annexe at the Art Gallery of Ballarat – 2011 – Ballarat, Australia
- Majorca House located in Centre Place, Melbourne
- Footscray Town Hall – Footscray, Victoria (currently underway)
- Little House on a Laneway – Seddon, Melbourne (in development)
Additional Projects
- Exhibition Design for Las Vegas Studio – RMIT Design Hub
Recognitions and Awards
- 2012 Colorbond Steel Architecture Award from the Victorian Australian Institute of Architects – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- 2012 Public Architecture Alterations and Additions Award by the Victorian Australian Institute of Architects – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Winner of Commercial Interior category at the 2012 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Highly Commended in Public Space at the 2012 IDEA (Interior Design Excellence Awards) – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Shortlisted Finalist for Emerging Designer of the Year at 2012 IDEA – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Commendation for Public Design at the 2012 Australian Interior Design Awards – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Commendation for Color in Commercial Design at the 2012 Australian Interior Design Awards – Annexe, Art Gallery of Ballarat
- First Prize winner at the 2008 UN-Habitat Open International Competition for Mobility Centre & City Spatial Design
- Joint First Prize recipient in the 2007 Open International & Invited Competition for MoCAPE (Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition)
- Honorable Mention in the 2007 Open International Competition for GBD Art District
- Finalist shortlisted in the 2009 Open International Competition for Green Water City Urban Park