Learning from the Masters
Attending the prestigious Glenn Murcutt Masterclass offers a rare chance to learn directly from some of Australia’s most influential architects, including Glenn Murcutt, Rick Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury, and Brit Andresen. In this interview, an Exist architect shares personal insights from the immersive experience at Tocal Homestead, reflecting on the lessons learned about site sensitivity, intuitive design, and the deep connection between architecture and landscape.
Q: What drew you to attend the Glenn Murcutt Masterclass?
The work of Murcutt, Leplastrier, Stutchbury, and Andresen had always spoken to me. I connected with their architecture before I even knew their names. Their designs felt honest in materials, rooted in the Australian landscape, which resonated with my upbringing in the Blue Mountains. When I found out they ran a masterclass, I immediately wanted to learn directly from them.
Q: What stood out during the masterclass?
The time we spent understanding the site deeply before drawing. We explored the site’s past, present, and future, looking at macro and microclimates. It was surprising how long we spent talking about our designs before sketching anything. This process mirrored how early master builders worked, developing ideas through dialogue before construction. Rick also pushed me to use my 20 years of music practice to process my initial reactions and feelings to the site, something I had never done before.
Q: How did the immersive environment at Tocal Homestead influence your experience?
The isolation allowed ideas to form slowly without distraction. It helped me refine my approach and follow my intuition. We focused on the process, developing clear, thoughtful ideas, which was a valuable shift from my previous habits of jumping straight into drawing. We were also able to get to the know the tutors and ask them lots of questions!
Q: How did collaboration with others impact your design approach?
Collaborating was challenging but eye-opening. I realised I’m more intuitive in my design process, whereas others were more investigative or rational. This helped me trust my instincts more, recognising that even when a design doesn’t feel right at first, the solution often emerges eventually a lot like music.
Q: How did the final site visits impact your perspective?
Visiting Rick Leplastrier’s home was special. It went beyond architecture; it was a way of living in harmony. The Boyd Centre tour also showcased the delicate balance of art and architecture, leading me to observe and frame the landscape as Author Boyd once did.
Q: How will you apply the lessons from the masterclass to future projects?
I’ll take more time to understand the site and propose minimal interventions that respond to this context. This approach will likely be a lifelong journey of refinement.