ERICA CHEN
Plus Architecture, Melbourne
SAY IT LOUD - Naarm Melbourne Exhibitor
MELBOURNE/AUSTRALIA Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My friends and family who encourage from afar, and peers in the industry. The brilliant thing about architecture is having to multitask in your thinking, utilizing both sides of the brain. Seeing this in many people around me is truly inspiring.
ERICA CHEN
Bio:
Erica first joined Plus Architecture in 2017 as a student. Since graduating with first class honours in 2020, and as shortlist of the 2020 Master Studio Award, Erica has returned to Plus, working predominantly in multi-residential, mixed use and commercial projects. Erica’s interest lies in the non-traditional architectural thinking, constantly distilling meaning in design, constantly pursuing ideas to create a meaningful and positive built environment.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Being a Creative professional was always a dream. The scale of impact from architects is often overlooked, that was something that drew me to the profession, how a group of individuals manifest new ideologies of living and city making.
What do you do?
As a graduate, I would say that I get my hands dirty in a bit of everything in terms of architectural work, soaking up all the knowledge and strengths of my coworkers. Outside of work too, painting and knitting are just some of my creative outlets.
What excites you in the work you do?
The work itself. Everyday, every project, drawing or thought will always bring multiple challenges and I love watching how everyone approaches them differently. The satisfaction is what truly excites me, makes me value our work deeply.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My friends and family who encourage from afar, and peers in the industry. The brilliant thing about architecture is having to multitask in your thinking, utilizing both sides of the brain. Seeing this in many people around me is truly inspiring.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My final year of masters was quite interesting as it was during covid. Within industry, a few projects where I have competed packages head first without much experience was incredibly worthwhile, ‘Elements’ was definitely one of the projects.
Featured Project Name:
Elements, Brunswick – Carbon Neutral Living
Featured Project Location:
278 -282 Barkly St, Brunswick
Featured Project Completion Date:
2024 TBC
Role in Featured Project:
Candice has been involved since the conception of the design, working closely with experts and key stakeholders to ensure that the design stayed true to its values, cementing the first carbon neutral residential project at Plus Architecture.
Featured Project Description:
The overall design references the surrounding rhythm and scale of typical Brunswick architecture, creating a sense of familiarity whilst the street wall and canopy reminiscent of an industrial tilt up garage door acts as a connection between its industrial past and present. A highly considered design that benefit those who live there and the surrounding community, Elements is Plus Architecture’s first carbon neutral residential project with sustainability at the forefront of its design ethos.
