Meet the Architect: Jarryd Murray

Words Carla Gailey Photo Timothy Hay

The life of an architect is exciting! It takes creativity, innovation and zest to succeed in this industry. We spoke to Jarryd Murray, the Founding Director at MAP Architects and learned a little bit more about the life of architect.

TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
I grew up on the beautiful North Coast and spent most of my childhood outdoors exploring and running free. I would say that my love for working with my hands together with a passion for the outdoors, lead me towards architecture. Witnessing the North Coast grow from sugar cane fields and small coastal villages to the urban playground of today has been an emotional journey. Being a part of this rapid growth and development came with a responsibility of sustainability and well-considered design. There is also something very meaningful and fulfilling about creating spaces in our landscape.

WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING, WHAT DO YOU TEND TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR DESIGNS?
With our residential clientele, it is crucial to engage and truly understand the needs and requirements before commencing a design. Each new site is unique, but we always maintain a strong relationship to nature and the outdoors and a smooth and open flow between spaces. Clean lines and large openings frame the views and express the connection between inside and outside. On our commercial projects we tend to value and enhance the public experience at an urban and human scale.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE IN THE LIFE OF AN ARCHITECT?
Action packed and adventurous, it takes thinking on your toes and making decisions on the go. You have to balance your time between site visits, meetings, presentations and still find the time to be creative and work on new concepts and designs. Each day is an enriching and learning experience.

WOULD YOU SAY EACH ESTATE YOU DESIGN FOR HAS ITS OWN ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE?
HOW SO?
Yes, most estates have architectural guidelines that aim to create a sense of place and identity. They do however encourage innovation and designs that push the boundaries of cutting edge design.