Design King Company was established in 1996 by Jon King. The focus of the practice from its inception is the production of timeless and beautifully crafted architecture, fitted intimately to people’s needs and the specifics of place. Great attention to detail, to architectural form, and the choice of materials and systems are central concerns. A sensitive and nuanced approach to technology and fashion is underscored with a profound understanding of architectural theory and history. Each site, each context and each client presents a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating problem of finding a timeless way of building.
The work of the practice has been recognized with numerous awards and the presentation of its work in publications such as Architecture Australia, Houses, Elle Decoration in the UK, Architectural Design in Italy, Monument, Belle, House and Garden, and in books such Tropical Minimal, Beach Houses of Australia, 100 Top Houses from Down Under, and Adam Mornement’s recent and superbly illustrated Boathouses. Jon has also presented the work of the practice on the television shows Great Australian Sandcastles and Great Australian Houses and is also a weekly contributor to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age in Melbourne, the Brisbane Times and WA today with his MyPad blog which offers comment and discussion on architectural issues both here and abroad.
What began as a practice based on building beautifully crafted houses is evolving into a practice with the expertise to tackle more complex social and public problems. The practice has been involved with public housing ventures in New Zealand and more recently research has begun on an affordable housing prototype to meet a growing demand for an economical, energy efficient housing solution for the not so well off. There have also been ventures into transport and product design.
The practice has well developed documentation and procurement processes and was amongst the first practices in Australia to use the BIM server Archicad 3-D modeling program for its documentation. However we maintain that there is no shortcut to really good documentation. It remains a process of careful thinking and collaboration with consultants and importantly those who are making and building our objects and buildings.
Design King is committed to architecture as a profession and as a discipline that has profound social and environmental impacts. Really good architecture and built environments give people and society dignity and hope. It is the aim of the practice to have a positive and growing impact on the quality of our built environment.
