portfolio of andrew chau (dec 2014)

Andrew ChauPortfolio

2 Portfolio of Andrew Chau

3Portfolio of Andrew Chau

Contents

Curriculumn vitae 5

A little about me 7The story 7

The facts 7

The skills 7

The extras 7

Experience 8Overview 8

The projects 11

Victorian Desalination Project 12

Box Hill Gardens 13

Officer Civic Plaza 14

Strathcona New Learning Centre 15

Sambell Lodge, Clifton Hill 16

Rosebud Pier Recreational Node Masterplan 17

Junction Place Wodonga 18

Pentridge Piazza 20

Cover image: Hawaii, Diamond Head Park


Curriculumn vitae

Birdhide, Victorian Desalination Plant,

Wonthaggi


The storyMy passion is creating spaces that are functional, beautiful and thoughtfully-designed. I aspire to integrate ideas and inspiration from other disciplines, whether it be science and technology or artisan woodworking. I believe that a good design has the balance of intimate details on an overarching cohesive palette.

I completed a Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture) at RMIT University. My studies focused on the creative and theoretical dimensions of Landscape Architecture, and I complemented this training with hands-on experience at two Melbourne firms. I learnt the realities of constructibility and practicality as a draftsman at Merat Architects, through drafting medical and educational facilities. In my final year of University I worked at Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture, a small practice with a tight-knit team. This was my first foray into practical landscape architecture and it provided me with experience working as a team member on design projects with limited budgets.

After University I lived in Berlin and traveled throughout Europe. I visited the projects I had used for University precedents and interned at a Berlin-based Landscape Architecture firm. Freshly inspired, I returned to Melbourne to work as a Project Landscape Architect on the Victorian Desalination Plant. I learnt how to collaborate with a big team in the immersive environment of a large infrastructure project, I still carry lessons learnt from this experience to the relative smaller scale projects I currently undertake.

Since 2010 I have worked with ASPECT Studios. I have progressed from a Junior to a Senior Landscape Architect, completed my registration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and now manage numerous projects with competing timelines, coordinate a team of staff, and liaise with sub-contractors and clients. I am responsible for setting practice standards and developing/delivering Vectorworks training for new staff.

The facts

Academic History

Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture)(Honors)

2004 - 2007 RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia

Secondary School

2000 - 2003 Melbourne High School, South Yarra, Vic, Australia

Employment History

2014 - Current Senior Landscape Architect

ASPECT Studios

2011 - 2014 Landscape Architect

ASPECT Studios

2010 - 2011 Project Landscape Architect

Victorian Desalination Plant - ASPECT Studios

2009 Landscape Architect Praktikant (Intern, 1 month only)

Neumann Gusenburger Landschaftsarchitekten (Berlin)

2007 - 2009 Graduate Landscape Architect

Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture

2005 - 20007 CAD Operator

Merat Architects

Professional Development

2008 - AILA Fresh Committee

2014 - AILA Registration

Linkedin

http://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-chau/1a/196/76b/

Referees

Available upon request

The skills

Software

Vectorworks - Advanced

AutoCAD - Advanced

Adobe Creative Suite - Advanced

Microsoft Office Suite - Advanced

Sketchup - Intermediate

Rhinoceros 3D - Working knowledge

Development

Development of ASPECT Studio Vectorworks drafting standards

Establishment of Vectorworks tutorial sessions for new staff

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Registration

The extrasIn my spare time I volunteer as a mentor in Melbourne High School’s junior leadership program.

I build computers, have restored Renault 16 cars from the 1970s. I own too many push bikes, trekked up mountains, skied down mountains, and have two dogs.

A little about me




OverviewThis is an synopsis of the projects that I have co-produced. Included is a short description of my role on the project.

A few of these projects are further elaborated in the next chapter.

The chronological reference signifies the year the project was initiated, some of these projects are ongoing.

2014 - Senior Landscape Architect (ASPECT Studios)

Bondi Green Installation, March Studios - Concept design, documentation.

Wesley College Learning in Residence, Cox Architects - Project coordination, concept design, design development, construction documentation, client liaison.

Scotch College Science Centre, Cox Architects - Project coordination, town planning documentation, design development, construction documentation, client liaison.

Casey Adjacent Precinct, City of Casey - Project Coordination, concept design report, presentation to council.

The Knox School Palette, The Knox School - Client and consultant liaison, existing palette analysis, propose new palette.

Monash Central Precinct Competition, Monash University - Project coordination, concept design, production work.

Sambell Lodge, Baumgart Clark Architects - Concept design, town planning documentation

Cherry Hill Orchard, Cherry Hill - Project coordination, concept design, town planning documentation, client and consultant liaison.

Baptcare Valley Park, Sweett Group - Project coordination, concept design, town planning documentation.

2013 - Landscape Architect (ASPECT Studios)

Pentridge Piazza, Shayher Group - Project Management, consultant coordination, masterplan, concept design, design development, construction documentation, tender assessment, construction phase services.

Wyndham Lodge, Sweett Group - Project coordination, concept design, town planning documentation, design development, construction documentation, construction phase services, client and consultant liaison.

Nagambie Town Centre, Shire of Strathbogie - Client and consultant liaison, concept design, illustrative plans, palette selection.

Experience


2010 - Project Landscape Architect (ASPECT Studios)

Victorian Desalination Project - Design development, construction documentation, liaison with project engineers.

2009 - Intern (Neumann Gusenburger Landschaftsarchitekten)

Chamisso Grundschule, Landsberg und Pinkau - Concept design, production work and client liaison.

Tierpark Berlin - Concept design, and illustrative renders

Tauentzien Straße Berlin, BVG Berlin - Concept

design and production work including Illustrative plan.

2008 - Graduate Landscape Architect (FFLA)

Altona Primary to Secondary School Landscape, Williams Boag Architects - Design concept and production work.

Burwood Road Student Accommodation Landscape, Mainstay Aust. - Design concept and production work.

Trenerry Crescent Multi-unit Landscape, Bruce Hendersen Architects - Design concept and production work including illustrative plans, planting palette, and AutoCAD plans.

Bluestone Masterplanning, Sunland Group - Production work including illustrative plans

Edenbrook Masterplanning, Devine Homes - Production work including illustrative plans and streetscape design.

Pentridge Village masterplanning, Pentridge Village - Production work including AutoCAD plans and documentation of streetscape.

Box Hill High School, Williams Boag Architects

- Construction Documentation and design development.

Queens Park Masterplan, City of Greater Geelong - Production work, including analysis diagrams, mapping, illustrative plans, and conceptual input.

2007 - Student Landscape Architect (FFLA)

Airey’s Inlet Multi-unit Landscape - Town planning documentation preparation with input to design decisions.

Munro Street Multi-unit Landscape - Town planning documentation preparation with input to design decisions.

Stockade Park Lalor Masterplan - Production work including diagrams, mapping, and illustrative plans, with collaboration in design outcomes.

2006 - Student Landscape Architect (FFLA)

Central Park, Brimbank Masterplan, Brimbank City - Production work including diagrams, mapping, and AutoCAD plans.

2005 - Architectural Draftsman (Merat Architects)

Charles Sturt University Veterinary Clinic. - Construction documentation drafting.

University of Melbourne Vet Science Clinic. - Construction documentation drafting.


Rosebud Pier Recreational Node, Mornington Peninsula Shire - input to masterplan report, production work, consultation with the Shire, community consultation.

Dandenong Park Riverside Precinct, City of Greater Dandenong - Construction documentation

Old Colonist, William Boag Architects - Construction documentation

Junction Place Wodonga, Places Victoria - Client liaison, high level concept design, analysis, design development, construction documentation, construction phase services.

Student Residences Accommodation, Deakin University - Concept design, construction documentation.

Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar, PMDL - Project management, concept design, design development, construction documentation, construction phase services.


Monash University Masterplan, MGS Architects - Production Work.

Officer Civic Plaza, Cardinia Shire- Winning competition entry, key input to concept design, production work.

Box Hill Gardens, City of Whitehorse - Design development, and construction documentation.

St James Plaza, Case Meallin - Construction documentation

Union Loop Road, Monash University - Concept Design, production work, and client liaison.

Parks Edge, Devine Properties - Concept design, design development, client liaison


The projects

St James Plaza, Melbourne


Overview

I joined ASPECT Studios as a project landscape architect on a large infrastructure project. These types of projects do not occur often in Australia, and I was excited to be working within a cross disciplinary team.

I assisted in the design development of the winning bid design headed by Theiss Degremont Joint Venture. We worked closely with the architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers.

This collaborative effort resulted in an award winning design, both in the built architectural form and the parkland that surrounds the plant site.

My Role

Project Landscape Architect

The development of design concepts previously envisaged by the bid design team.

Construction documentation of the design to meet strict bid design guidelines.

Collaboration with project architects for green roof design and documentation.

Collaboration with project engineers for development of structures and earthworks.

Collaboration with ecologists to determine re-vegetation works for the parkland.

Skills Developed

Collaborative work flow; Document control and quality assurance systems; Birdhide design and requirements; Vectorworks program knowledge.

Victorian Desalination Project

Feature landscape with toilet shelters

Wayfinding signage as built

Birdhide and boardwalk over revegetated wetland


Box Hill Gardens

Overview

I came on board this project to assist in the design development and construction documentation of the concept design.

I worked closely with the design team to interpret their ideas, as well as introduce a few of my own.

The project is a rejuvenation of a public park in Box Hill. What was once a clay tennis court gave way to a space that could be used by many different user groups. It allowed for sporting activities, large events, and markets. As a reference to the site history the old tennis clubhouse bricks were reused as a feature through out the design.

The project has won many awards including the 2013 AILA Design award, Gold Medal at the Melbourne Design Awards and the Urban design award at the Victorian Architecture Awards.

My Role

Landscape Architect

The development of concept design and construction documentation of the design.

The existing tree encompassed by the multi-use recreation area

Timber bench with back

Reused tennis club bricks


Officer Civic Plaza

Overview

ASPECT Studios was invited to participate in a competition to design the Civic plaza of the proposed Cardinia Shire offices. The plaza was to be situated between the train station and the new Shire offices.

The design payed homage to the prior use of the land, apple orchards and clay for bricks.

A collaborative effort with a small design team produced the winning design. Integrating the standard communication techniques and artisan collages, we produced a design that navigated the functional requirements of the site and yet provided a highly resolved space deserving of a civic plaza.

My Role

Landscape Architect

Conceptual ideas generation and production work to produce competition panels, report and presentation.

Technical grading to meet Australian Standard DDA requirements.

Skills Developed

Greater understanding of Australian Standards; Time management and priority task setting.


Overview

My first project as lead designer and project coordinator, working with the architects and the school to produce a sociable space for the senior students of an elite girls school.

A cascading deck folds around a series of existing Lemon Scented Gums and down to the sports field. Seating islands cause ripples across a plane of subtle varying pavement, moments of inviting artificial grass float nearby.

The concept was to maximise the tight space left over by the introduction of a new learning centre and allow for interaction between student groups of different sizes.

My Role

Landscape Architect

Primary contact point for consultants and client.

Conceptual ideas generation and production work to produce design reports and presentation.

Town planning documentation preparation.

Construction and Tender documentation preparation, including opinion of probable costs, technical specifications, and bill of quantities.

Currently undertaking CPS role having been novated to building contractor.

Skills Developed

Client liaison and presentation; Project coordination and resourcing; Start to finish process of project.

Strathcona New Learning Centre


Sambell Lodge, Clifton Hill

Overview

I have worked on a few aged care facilities as the lead landscape architect. These projects are a great opportunity to introduce interactive elements in to the landscape. Sensory activation has been researched as a means of therapy, both physically and mentally.

The key to a sensory garden is to have a linear narrative through the landscape with chapters that are designed to invigorate a particular sense.

Touch, smell, sound, and sight are the key senses that a sensory garden aims to energise. Touch through textural flowers such as Lamb’s ear, smell through rosemary and lavender, sound through the materiality of the path or the trickle of water, and sight through colours of flowers.

Another key concept in aged care is the use of familiar everyday objects as a means of wayfinding. A post box in the corner and the picket gate just around the bend allows the residents to navigate the landscape without feeling disorientated.

My Role

Landscape Architect



Town planning documentation preparation.

Skills Developed

Sensory garden design; Diversified plant knowledge.


Rosebud Pier Recreational Node Masterplan

Overview

The Rosebud Pier foreshore was earmarked for development as part of the strategic planning of the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s public open space strategy.

With consultation with the Shire and it’s residents we developed a strategy on the way forward in how to progress the foreshore recreation node.

We produced a design aesthetic and approach that can be utilised by the Shire to further develop the site with a greater understanding of what was achievable within a select timeframe.

My Role

Landscape Architect

Conceptual ideas generation and production work to produce masterplan report.

Historical research to the site and analysis of previously prepared reports.

Skills Developed

Report writing; Playspace requirements; Community consultation.


Junction Place Wodonga

Overview

Places Victoria had acquired the Victrack land that was once the bustling Wodonga Station. Thousands of passengers had once alighted here to switch trains enroute from Sydney to Melbourne and vice versa.

The further development of the public realm outlined by the masterplan was required. We worked closely with the City of Wodonga, Places Victoria, and GTA to produce design concepts that encompassed the vision of the new Wodonga.

My Role

Landscape Architect

Primary contact point for consultants and client during documentation phases.


Construction and Tender documentation preparation, including opinion of probable costs, technical specifications, and bill of quantities. (Part 1 Streetscapes only)

Skills Developed

Project coordination and resourcing; Presentation to Council and Councilors; Shared street requirements; Place making through activation and programming.


Community consultation panels


Pentridge Piazza

Overview

The final piece of Pentridge Prison is yet to be developed. It is the most complicated site with archaeological and heritage significance.

I worked with the clients closely in managing the deliverables and consultants. Ensuring the team was able to produce the required documentation for Heritage Victoria approval, as well as progressing the design from a masterplan into concept design.

The team consisted of Heritage Interpretation consultants, Archaeological consultants, service engineers, civil engineers, traffic engineers, planners, surveyors and architects.

This project is still ongoing with the roads being recently awarded to a contractor and Heritage Victoria signing off on the required demolition works and heritage interpretation.

My Role

Landscape Architect


Project management of Heritage application and public realm documentation.


Construction and Tender documentation preparation, including opinion of probable costs, technical specifications, bill of quantities, and tender assessment.

Construction Phase services.

Skills Developed

Project Management and Consultant management; Heritage Victoria application process; Heritage structural requirements / limitations.

portfolio of andrew chau (dec 2014)

Documents

design projects

victorian desalination

rmit university

numerous projects

university precedents

team of staff

good design

melbourne firms