PRACTICE
SNOOKS + HARPER is a progressive architecture practice with a passion for experimentation, questioning the norm and developing unconventional solutions. We are a small, agile practice based in Melbourne that operates globally.
We have a fascination for material – the tectonic and formal possibilities it enables and the memory it can evoke. We look both to new technologies as well as old knowledge to re-consider how we work creatively and ethically with materials. We work with computational design processes and robotic fabrication techniques to develop intricate and crafted architecture. In parallel, we undertake research and analysis into the origins, formation and characteristics of material to position our work in a deep history and context.
We enact care for the environment through savvy re-use, unexpected innovation and lateral re-thinking of materials and construction.
The studio is led by Roland Snooks and Laura Harper who have more than 30 years of combined experience in practice, having worked on projects ranging from gallery installations to large-scale cultural projects. The practice was founded as Studio Roland Snooks in 2013 and has more recently rebranded to SNOOKS + HARPER, reflecting Laura’s expanded role in the practice.
The work of the practice has been published internationally and exhibited widely including at the Centre Pompidou in France, the Beijing Biennale, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
RESEARCH
SNOOKS + HARPER works closely with research labs within academia and industry to develop new material processes, with a particular emphasis on engaging digital and robotic fabrication techniques.
Roland Snooks is a Professor of Architecture and director of the RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab, which explores the design implications of emerging technologies.
Laura Harper is a researcher in the MADA Urban Lab at Monash University, where her research explores the urbanism of materials.
DIRECTORS
ROLAND SNOOKS
Roland Snooks is a director of SNOOKS + HARPER. He has 15 years of experience in architectural practice in Melbourne and New York and has worked across a broad range of projects with particular expertise in educational and cultural buildings. Prior to establishing Studio Roland Snooks, he worked with Ashton Raggatt McDougal, Rieser+Umemoto and Minifie Nixon. Roland is recognised internationally as a leader in computational design and innovative robotic fabrication strategies. His expertise is in leveraging these innovative approaches to create intricate and expressive projects that are feasible within limited budgets and schedules. He holds a master in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University where he studied on a Fulbright scholarship. Prior to studying in New York, Roland graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from RMIT University.
LAURA HARPER
Laura Harper is a director of SNOOKS + HARPER. She is a practicing Architect, registered in the state of Victoria and has over 15 years experience in architectural practice including at Lyons Architecture, DTA Architects (Dublin), and NMBW Architecture Studio, prior to joining the studio. Laura’s notable projects working in these offices include the Santry Demense Social Housing, Dublin (RIAI Silver Medal for Housing 2009/2010), Box Hill Gardens (AIA award for Urban Design 2014) and Point Lonsdale House (AIA Architecture Award for New Residential, 2016).
Laura has experience on adaptive re-use projects including Monash Building G and Sensilab (2017) with SRS, and Maribyrnong Defense Site masterplan (2012) with NMBW.
CONTACT
SNOOKS HARPER PTY LTD
Level 5, Mitchell House
358 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne, 3000
Australia
ABN: 26 163 792 434
ARVB: 51646
general enquiries: studio@snooksharper.com
press requests: press@snooksharper.com
employment opportunities: work@snooksharper.com