COMPANY HISTORY – An unconventional advantage.
Established as Wolf Designs in 2005 the firm evolved into WOLF ARCHITECTS in 2009. This however does not explain the full story as the practices portfolio boasted over a hundred projects that seemed impossible for such a young architectural practice in Australia. To fully appreciate the practices portfolio one must understand the firms connections to a property boom in S,E. Asia during the 1970s & 80’s with WOLF family connections.
In the early 90’s Taras worked for renowned architect Karl Fender of Fender Katsilidis. It was from this period under Karl Fenders mentor-ship that he develop his mastery of fine detail. As an undergraduate architect Taras went on to work on several other projects and was responsible for many minimalist architectural projects in the Stonnington area.
Further to architecture, Taras continually cultivated his skills in art, music, and dance, with exhibitions to sell his paintings and representing Australia in international ballroom competitions. He continued to build up his body of architectural work with a move to Thailand in 1996 working for a large property development firm. There he created INNERTIME, which was recognized as the world’s most beautiful dance school.
In 2000 Taras was a director in a small company called Tomahawk Designs and this was the beginning of a sincere commitment to quality design services in Australia. Although it was primarily a graphics design and commercial arts firm it also provided building designs. Fine dentistry in Canterbury was one of their first commercial projects in Melbourne. To this day it remains largely unchanged- testament to good design as it continues to inspire with its clever use of space and minimalist detail. From small heritage protected homes in inner city areas such as Richmond and South Yarra to old brick houses in Chadstone, the practice brought many old homes back to life with lots of added value. Out of the experience gained as a renovation specialist grew the confidence to establish an architectural practice in Australia that could handle larger projects both new and old.
As with most budding practices the pickings are slim and one has to be open minded, flexible and able to design things that are less glamorous than what is seen on glossy magazines. It’s survival of the most adaptable rather than survival of the fittest. Experience with different countries and cultures came with certain advantages. Wolf Architects applied different strategies that were not learnt from school or modelled after rival practices. Unconventional methods and ideas about architectural design and service immediately set the practice apart. Furthermore Wolf Architects was able to bring to its clients a product that was more unique due to an extensive background in all things artist.
A great design product with an unconventional approach paved the path out of survival in those early years. With hard work, a clear vision, and a lack of fear the practice moved forward into the next decade. Through making opportunity, accepting challenges and taking risks the practice was able to find success with work published extensively, numerous awards and a second overseas office in 2012.
From small renovations to large commercial or multi story apartment buildings there was no project beyond Wolf Architects.
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