Meyer Shircore Architects celebrate their 60th anniversary as an established Western Australian architectural and design practice.
The firm honoured the special occasion by welcoming more than 150 clients, designers, builders and consultants to celebrate and reflect upon the firm’s 60 years in the industry.
Founded in 1963 by technical draftsperson George Meyer after immigrating from post-war Germany, the practice began operation under the company name of G Meyer and Associates. In 1971 Stephen Shircore joined the team as a draftsperson, later fulfilling the role as Director in 1980 with the practice rebranding as Meyer Shircore & Associates. In 2007, the Architects Board of Western Australia recognised Meyer Shircore & Associates as a registered architectural practice.
From the firm’s initial inception in 1963, the team has expanded to 25 employees led by a leadership team of 6 Directors – Stephen Shircore, Malcolm Jones, Gianni Da Rui, Mark Baker, Marc Bishop, and Jarrad Nightingale, all of whom are dedicated to delivering human-centric designs that optimize interactions between users and the built environment.
The event was marked by two of Meyer Shircore Architects’ Directors, Stephen Shircore and Malcolm Jones reflecting on the origins of the business. “There is no doubt that there have been significant changes in society’s values, building technology, and design trends over the past 60 years, although from its very beginnings, Meyer Shircore Architects’ focus has been on delivering high-quality projects that embody our core values of service, collaboration, and innovation”.
West Perth Pickle District Artist Impression
The presence of these core values is particularly evident, now more than ever, with many industry professionals attending the 60th celebration to actively recognise the practice’s positive impact on the community over time.
From designing and documenting spec houses for local builders in the 1960’s to delivering complex commercial projects in Perth, regional Western Australia, and nationally, the Meyer Shircore team have developed a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and practical interface between built form and wider context. Recent developments include healthcare facilities, childcare centres, distribution warehouses, car sales yards, large format retail centres, shopping complexes, service centres, aircraft hangars, and short-stay accommodation facilities, demonstrating significant typological flexibility and efficiency. Although comparatively different design briefs the philosophy of Meyer Shircore remains the same over time; to plan and design buildings that, at their core, will meet the needs of the community.
Meyer Shircore have developed an extensive portfolio of projects along with an expansive network of long-term clients. The practice exists as a dynamic firm with a unique hands-on approach with all projects designed, documented, and administered by a highly skilled team; therefore, ensuring innovative and economical design, exceptionally high levels of documentation, and thorough contract administration.
It is clear that the leadership team at Meyer Shircore are pleased to have developed a strong foundation for the practice, and a fluid culture that is representative of the people and projects. Malcolm Jones continues, “Our staff have always been our most valuable asset. Of all our current staff and directors, the average length of service is over 13 years. If you remove Stephen Shircore and his 52-year reign, it’s still an average of 11.5-years of employment for all the other staff and directors. I think that says something.”
West Perth Pickle District Artist Impression
Through the 60 years of service, Meyer Shircore Architects have understood the power of architecture in generating change, and the capacity to transform communities on a micro and macro level. The practice is pleased to have been engaged to provide design services for a range of developments that service and empower the local community, with upcoming heritage revitalisation projects approved for the West Perth Pickle District and Fremantle Old Courthouse, establishing new cultural hubs in Perth.
Whilst reflecting on the business’ humble beginnings as G Meyer and Associates, there is growing anticipation for what the future will bring for Meyer Shircore Architects. With evolving architectural styles, changing social requirements, and further technological dvancements, the practice is committed to maintaining a close relationship with clients and stakeholders, and affirming its positive presence in the industry both now and in the future. As stated by Malcolm Jones, “Please keep coming to see us and be rest assured that we are structuring Meyer Shircore Architects to ensure that the business can continue for another 60 years.”
