Brandrick Architects, Echuca, VIC

The directors of Brandrick Architects share how a unique blend of local insight from Echuca architects and metropolitan expertise has helped them achieve 28 years of design excellence throughout Central and Northern Victoria.

When Gerard Brandrick relocated from England to start his own architecture firm in Echuca in 1989, he didn’t expect to be inundated with work as soon as he opened the doors. But Northern Victoria was booming, and with no other architects in town, Gerard soon had as many clients as he could handle and quickly learned how to run an office.

Squeezed into a shared office-space, Gerard was responsible for winning the work and then drawing it, while his wife Libby took care of administration. It was from this cramped office that Gerard began his first project as Brandrick Architects: redeveloping the local newspaper offices and front-of-house.

In 1992 they expanded into new offices, and in 1994 Gerard began working with designer Shannon Johns, who became co-director of the firm. As Brandrick’s reputation spread, they began to attract clients from further afield, including all areas of country Victoria and surrounds. Brandrick currently employs nine staff members, and last year completed over 80 projects across Central and Northern Victoria.

Longevity in design is important to Gerard and Shannon. For Brandrick, it’s not just about being on trend, but creating something that’s ahead of the curve. It takes a great deal of experience to design something that will stand the test of time.