Our History
How Four 18 went from a small startup to one of Geelong’s premier architecture firms
“Human-centered design is a philosophy, not a precise set of methods, but one that assumes that innovation should start by getting close to users and observing their activities.” – Donald A. Norman
“Success for Four18 is a building that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, promotes journey and discovery, uses materials that are suitable for the environment and articulates the facade to provide light and shade.”
FOUR18 Architecture was established in Geelong by founding Directors Darren Hall and Richie Schultz in 2009. In the early stages of the practice, we traded as Insite Architects Geelong and quickly established a reputation for high-quality client-centric design outcomes. Our notable early works included Fisherman’s Beach Angling Club precinct and Havilah on Palmerston in Maryborough.
As the practice grew and evolved we were recognized as specialists in the design of early years learning centres, recreation design, and community infrastructure. Our reputation grew on the back of our ability to interpret our clients’ requirements and create elegant Architectural outcomes that are functional, sustainable, and innovative.
The practice is now in an enviable position where a large proportion of our projects are from return clientele or on the recommendation from existing clients. One of the founding principles of the practice was ensuring our clients engaged with Directors during the design process. This continues to be at the core of FOUR18’s business philosophy ensuring that clients benefit from our extensive experience and expertise.
FOUR18 - Directors
DARREN HALL
BA(Arch), B.Arch
Darren is a founding Director of Four18 and has in excess of 28 years of experience in the industry in both large and small architectural and multi-disciplinary practices. He has a broad understanding of the planning, architectural and building processes through his experience in a varied range of project types and scales. Darren has gained experience in most project sectors of Architectural Practice throughout his career including Master Planning, Housing, Community Projects, Local Government, Retail & Health.
RICHIE SCHULTZ
BA(Arch) NPrA (AACA)
Richie is a founding Director of Four18 and contributes over 25 years experience in the Architectural industry both locally and nationally. Having worked on projects in Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Northern WA as well as a substantial amount of time locally in Melbourne and Geelong his knowledge is wide and varied. With extensive experience in residential, commercial, educational, community and institutional commissions, Richie has a proven track record in producing high quality concepts and developing these right through to contract administration services creating the spaces and buildings we use today.
FOUR18 - Staff
Jackson Mortelliti
M. Arch
Jackson has worked with Four18 since 2017 whilst completing his Masters Degree in Architecture. In November 2021, after successfully completing his studies, Jackson joined Four18 as a Graduate of Architecture. Jackson roles to date have included assisting in early site planning, concept design and presentation drawings within the practice. His role in recent times has extended to contract documentation and administration assistance and the development of concepts through the schematic and design development phases.
Luke Carr
Adv Dip Building Design
Luke joined the team in 2022 after completing his advanced diploma in building design. He brings to the practice a practical, technical focus after spending the best part of 20 years as a glazier and commercial fabricator of window systems on commercial and residential sites.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
As Architects we are in the privileged position to shape the built environment to influence and enrich the lives of people on a daily basis. The primary function of the built environment is to provide shelter and comfort - the most primal of which is a cave. Our buildings and the spaces around and between them have, in modern times, become much more. Our houses have become a reflection of our dreams, status and belief systems. Our lives are impacted daily through the houses in which we live, the schools in which we learn, the workplaces that support our industry and the hospitals in which we heal. The primal cave can be transcribed into a modern simple box - four walls, roof and floor. Our ultimate aim, as architects, is to transform the simple box into Architecture and the Architecture into Art.
THE WELL DETAILED BOX
Our design philosophy is underpinned by the modern, simple box - the functional spaces defined within a client’s brief which will describe the specific use and preferred spatial size. Beyond this, we enrich the functional space with the emotional and sensory requirements and, importantly, how these spaces connect and how this journey can enrich the experience within building. This fundamental philosophy is appropriate from a micro to a macro level of experience. How do buildings connect with each other, how do people move through our buildings, between our buildings and how do people connect along this journey. The consideration of how we connect through a precinct, between precincts and across cities determines whether the built environment has a negative or positive impact on our lives.
A building, a precinct, and a city can therefore be considered a series of interconnected boxes with physical and emotional connections. High-level interactions can provide a sense of place and community whilst low-level interactions provide a sense of isolation and loneliness.
The Architecture of Four18 is a complex series of functional, emotional, and sensory spaces. These spaces are expressed through simple and complex shapes articulating the form of the building. The forms speak to the environment the building is situated and the material selections reinforce the sense of place and environment. The connection of buildings to the streetscape and the interface within a precinct underpins our design ethos.
Success for Four18 is a building that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, promotes journey and discovery, uses materials that are suitable for the environment, and articulates the facade to provide light and shade -
A WELL DETAILED BOX
Let’s Work Together
Our team is dedicated to providing an unparalleled service from concept, design development, documentation and managing the construction process for our clients. The Four18 team is here to work with clients big and small.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with you.