Speculative Architecture is led by Dirk Yates.
Contact
+61 (0)7 3257 3963
+61 (0)431 857 832
dirk [at] speculativearchitecture.com
Room 8, 161 Wickham Street,
Fortitude Valley, Qld,
4006 Australia
About
Speculative Architecture is a collaborative studio practice, led by Dirk Yates, that specialises in the design and delivery of public and educational buildings. We have developed projects with institutional organisations including the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Museum of Brisbane, and Institute of Modern Art.
The practice enjoys collaboratively developing designs with clients to explore their ideas and enhance opportunities beyond simple building functions. We have strong experience in the design of campus masterplans, libraries, classrooms, staff and student learning centres, cafeterias, laboratories, commercial offices, exhibition design, furniture, and landscapes.
In recognition of design excellence the Corps ã Corps courtyard commission at the Institute of Modern Art was short-listed for the Australian Urban Design Awards, and won the 2018 Queensland state award for Art & Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects. Dirk has also received scholarships, grants, and funding from the Australia Council for the Arts, Australian Institute of Architects, British Council, and Arts Queensland.
We have a unique relationship with the local arts community due to our experience and ongoing engagement with contemporary arts organisations. Recent projects include the refurbishment of exhibition venues for the Institute of Modern Art and Outer Space. Previously Dirk has collaborated on public art projects, edited a monthly journal of local art, directed the artist-run initiative The Farm, and developed exhibitions of painting and installation.
Based in Brisbane, the practice is currently developing projects for the refurbishment of institutional buildings, exhibition venues and educational facilities in Brisbane and Toowoomba.
Awards & Achievements
Regional Project of the Year. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter for Good Samaritan College Polding Place. Darling Downs and West Moreton Architecture Awards, 2024.
Social Impact Award. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter for Good Samaritan College Polding Place. Darling Downs and West Moreton Architecture Awards, 2024.
Art & Architecture Award. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter for The Local at the Museum of Brisbane (in collaboration with artist in residence Taloi Havini). 2024.
Dulux Colour Awards, Commendation. Good Samaritan College, Polding Place - Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior. 2024.
Shortlist for the Australian Urban Design Awards, Built Project: Local and Neighbourhood. IMA Courtyard Pavilion (in collaboration with Celine Condorelli & Pete Shields). 2019.
Art & Architecture Award. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter for the IMA Courtyard Pavilion (in collaboration with Celine Condorelli & Pete Shields). 2018.
Dulux Study Tour Prize. Awarded by Dulux & the Australian Institute of Architects. 2018.
Cardiff Chimera Art & Architecture Studio Scholarship. Awarded by The British Council. 2009.
Art & Architecture Award. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter for the QUT Human Movement Pavilion (m3architecture in collaboration with Dirk Yates). 2007.
Hong Kong Travel Bursary. Awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland University of Technology & Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 2005.
Visual Arts Graduate Prize, Queensland University of Technology. Awarded by Software Engineering Australia. 2001.