Diane Jones
Executive Director PTW Architects, Adjunct Professor UNSW
The synergy between the material world of phenomena and the world of ideas, logic and beauty, and its bricolage, has long interested Diane. This guides her commitment to advancing an energetic connection between the practice and academic discipline of architecture; between the profession and university.
From her Fulbright Scholar postgraduate studies to her appointment as UNSW Adjunct Professor, Diane continues to sustain this commitment as co-convenor of the Court of the Future (research) international network and at PTW Architects where her studio team has been a principal industry partner for five Australian Research Council Linkage grants (2006 – 2016) which test the influence of architecture on people's well-being and cognitive abilities. In 2007, Diane was co-editor for a journal which explored the architect's role in creating therapeutic environments, Take 6. Beyond Beige: improving architecture for older people and people with disabilities.
For Diane, her team’s heritage, justice, civic, intergenerational and therapeutic environment projects are guided by the principles that architectural spaces and settings gain their meaning through the experiences of people and by a strong sense of responsibility to the wider community and environment.
With her portfolio of practice, experiences from John Andrews Pittwater boatshed setting – to NSW Government Architects Office - to Executive Director at PTW Architects, Diane’s extensive career contribution of commitment is demonstrated in the range and complexity of her awarded projects; NAWIC project and Crystal Vision merit awards and the Australian Institute of Architects prestigious Marion Mahony Griffin prize for a Woman Architect’s contribution to Architecture.
I started at PTW…
Over 25 years!
When I design …
It is always based on collaboration – my studio team and those of the client, users and later on, those of the builders, craftspeople and suppliers. And to give more than expected.
Good design to me means…
Giving enduring delight and beauty, beyond the pragmatic considerations – and in well-selected materials and good craftsmanship that conveys a sense of worth to the people who will use/inhabit the design.
My style influences…
Are quite eclectic – although I tend to be drawn to pared-back Japanese and Scandinavian design with beautiful materials and craftsmanship. Equally well, I will fall in ove with a golden silk brocade designed for Marie-Antoinette.
The materials we use…
In our government projects and in the sector of design for older people, must always fulfil the need for robustness, environmental responsibility as well as aesthetic qualities.
What I have noticed in the last few years…
Is the technological advances in materials, although it would be even better if the quality of materials was more universally matched by trades skills and commitment to quality regardless of the budget.
The thing that has excited me most recently…
Was the exquisite work of teamLab at an exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW.
The big thing for me at the moment…
Is developing a research project looking at high-rise living for older people, ideally in intergenerational communities.
How I manage work/life balance…
Oh, I am not entirely sure that I do – but travel and seeing new work and ideas is always a good way to “re-boot”.
One of the biggest challenges for me…
Is to ensure that there is enough time to devote to research and to reflect.
Being a woman in design is…
Not really something that guides my work, except when it is evident that there is a level of gender discrimination. Then I am always ready to “go into battle” to ensure our younger female architects and designers are treated fairly and equally to their male counterparts.
My biggest inspiration…
Is the energy and skills and sense of wonder that our younger team members bring.
My wisdom for the world…
Is always to keep a sense of curiosity and a willingness to constantly improve and change.