Julie Stout’s Architectural Journey: Inspirations and the Future of Design
Julie Stout’s Architectural Journey: Inspirations and the Future of Design
In the exciting six-part series Designing Dreams, renowned New Zealand architects, including the talented Julie Stout, invite host Matthew Ridge into their world. They showcase their favorite New Zealand homes, designed by themselves or other visionaries.
Early Inspirations: A Father’s Influence
Julie Stout’s journey into architecture began with her father, a draughtsman. She recalls, “I’d watch him draw buildings into existence, and I was transfixed. Occasionally, he would let me color in the plans, and I felt very special.” From a young age, Julie was acutely aware of how different spaces affected her emotions and thoughts. She noticed the stark contrast between peaceful and unpleasant classrooms, and even preferred the wooden church over the concrete one. “I’d sit there working out the structure, and this applied to most places I was in,” she says.
The Journey Over Favorites
When asked about her favorite buildings designed with her late husband, David Mitchell, and their team at Mitchell Stout Dodd, Julie responds, “Oh, if life were that simple. A rich and complex career is not about favorites. It’s about the journey.” Her architectural designs include the stunning Titirangi’s Te Uru – Waitakere Contemporary Gallery.
Inspiration from the Sea
Julie’s time at sea has significantly influenced her work. “The ocean is such a magnificent place in itself,” she explains. “Then there are the islands—each similar but different in their own ways. Fabulous diversity of life, and each culture builds in subtly different ways from the same materials they have at hand, creating shelter and community.”
Design Ethos: Creating Special Projects
Julie’s design ethos revolves around the generating idea and what makes each project special, particularly for the client. She believes in realizing people’s dreams and creating structures that are not only functional but also magnificent.
Architectural Heroes
For Julie, most architects are heroes. “It is a really difficult task to try to realize people’s dreams, especially when it is the most expensive thing that most people have ever undertaken,” she states. She admires the challenge of creating sustainable, beautiful structures while managing a business and personal life.
The Future of New Zealand Architecture
Looking ahead, Julie hopes for an environmentally sustainable future for New Zealand architecture. She envisions compact cities that fit seamlessly into the landscape of Aotearoa. Personally, she is committed to fighting for Tāmaki Makaurau to be a great city that embraces urban intensity and environmental ecology. She is also dedicated to the health of the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf.
Designing Dreams screens Tuesdays at 8:30 PM on Prime from November 2. For more information, visit Woman Magazine.
