On Form

Brenton Mauriello, CEO of design firm DWP.

I am not a designer, but I have an empathy with design. Creating beauty and functionality is such a rare gift that it just excites me.

My work has taken me to the far corners of the world, but for me Thailand is the most interesting. I have had the opportunity to see the country develop and change over the last 17 years.

Being part of that transition really makes it interesting for me both on a personal and professional level. There is a real desire now to push design into areas they would never have considered even five years ago.

Sirocco roof top restaurant and bar in State Tower Thailand is definitely my favourite DWP project. Sitting 64 storeys over the city it commands breathtaking views of a metropolis that I haven’t really experienced anywhere else.

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I guess for sheer beauty and architectural elegance nothing beats the Sydney Opera House. It is just stunning. Technically it has its faults but the building can’t help but lift the spirit.

My first project was a residential master plan in Australia. Taking an empty parcel and then seeing it develop over two years made me quite proud.

I don’t like the arrogance of ‘star’ architecture. Yes, their works are magnificent aesthetically and technically but I sometimes wonder how does it really fit with the people who have to use it.

The best thing about my job is seeing people develop and grow.

Some people don’t recognise the huge efforts and talents of designers. If we were lawyers or accountants there would be no quibbling about fees or payments.

Have a very clear concept and stick to it.
Don’t over design it and stick to the concept if you can. I find that normally your first thoughts about a design are the right ones.