Rising Talent
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) and Master of Architecture
In the space of six years, Andrew Brewer has gone from Griffith architecture graduate to Associate Director at Burling Brown on the Gold Coast.
His career success started at Griffith, joining the first student cohort to study architecture at the University.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to join Griffith’s inaugural year of architecture and set up the foundation of the school as a student,” he said.
“It also allowed me to study in the city I wanted to live and explore its unique vernacular.
“People come here for a vacation, they fall in love with the beach and lifestyle, and end up staying.”
Graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) in 2012, Mr Brewer went on to complete his Master of Architecture in 2014.
“The biggest advantage of the program was the smaller number of students,” he said.
“When I moved into the masters’ program there were about 15 students, which was amazing because it gave me one-on-one time with tutors and lecturers.
“The whole thing was pretty life changing, particularly building on those personal relationships.”
After completing his masters, Mr Brewer went on an eight-week Rotary professional exchange to Denmark, where he fell in love with mid-century architecture and design, before returning to the Gold Coast.
“The exchange allowed me to stay in architects’ homes and look at their practice. It was an absolutely incredible experience, I will never forget it,” he said.
“It was a real eye opener and continued my passion and drive for the industry giving me a stronger international perspective on architecture, particularly in Scandinavia.”
Mr Brewer has been at Southport-based architecture firm, Burling and Brown since graduating and is one of five Griffith graduates at the firm.
He has multiple projects on the go, including the new three-storey multi-million-dollar building at A.B. Paterson College, and has found many practical applications for his degree.
“Griffith’s architecture program requires you to discuss work in a public forum,” he said.
“In that sense it has helped me refine my language, manage projects and guide younger architects.”
Mr Brewer also tutors third-year architects at Griffith and volunteers at Gold Coast Open House, an annual program offering public access to iconic and architecturally significant buildings.
“The Gold Coast is a unique place and provides a lot of opportunity,” he said.
“I meet so many young people who are very keen and excited to create a sub-cultural interest in architecture, to drive change and push an exciting agenda for architecture through urban design and public spaces.
“It excites me to be here, I have a fantastic career and work with amazing people.
“I’m happy to wake up and go to work every single day and enjoy the different projects and clients – not to mention I can surf in the morning.”
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