Familiar with WKH Architects?

The practice was established in Mornington in 1973, and traded from Main Street as Bryan J. Williams, Geoffrey L. Kaye Architects. Projects were based around community, education, commercial and residential sites. Some of these projects include Civic Centres, Municipal Buildings and school buildings throughout Victoria. It has a long history built on integrity, creativity and a strong knowledge of the Mornington Peninsula.

In 2001, Bryan Williams resigned from full-time involvement in the practice, and the business was restructured. Geoffrey Kaye and Steve Hofer, (a former employee and Registered Architect) established Building Inertia Pty. Ltd. which is continuing the architectural practice although trading as Williams Kaye Hofer Architects.

Steve has a background in professional building management and quantity surveying and has a keen interest in environmentally sensitive architecture. He has a thorough understanding of the building process and is experienced in complete project delivery with special knowledge and experience in alternative building techniques, ecologically sustainable building methods and passive solar design.

Geoff Kaye resigned from his full time commitment in 2009. He is involved on a project basis and is enjoying a part time consulting role in the practice.

Today WKH enjoys a broad clientele from local and state government to corporate and private enterprise. While every project is unique, all projects are appropriately and sustainably designed and benefit from the effective management and suitably procured works.

Steve Hofer grew up in Frankston and then studied at University in Geelong for nine years in total, completing a Bachelor of Building Degree, a Post Graduate Certificate in Quantity Surveying and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture as well as a Bachelor of Architecture. So he knows pretty much all there is to know about creating a building from the ground up, and with this broad knowledge base it’s no wonder he and the WKH team have a reputation for getting things done.

“We are well known for understanding all the rules and regulations of course,” explains Steve. “However our reputation is really founded on our collective ability to effectively create a design and pull everything together.”

Having been back living on the Mornington Peninsula for around 20 years, and being based in Mt Martha, Steve knows the local landscape. “It’s interesting, because some of the buildings we come across and get engaged to work on, I have personally known about all my life, like Mount Martha Community House and the Mt Martha Surf Club.”

The types of properties WKH works on can vary considerably. It’s usually around 65% commercial and 35% residential, but the residential side could be a home renovation or it could be a five house development. And the commercial side is quite broad too, including working closely with local government.

"I love all of the projects we work on for different reasons. The refurbishments can be very tricky, but they’re also very rewarding. And there’s nothing better than working on a really run down old building and completely re-purposing it beyond what anyone could have anticipated. On the other hand, having a clean slate is also fantastic because you can start from scratch."

"I’ve seen so many changes in Mt Martha over the years. Now it’s a lot more recognised and valued as being a very special place rather than just another suburb. There’s a lot more understanding about the Mornington Peninsula as a whole as a really attractive place to live and work by choice. It’s a lifestyle decision to live here, and the area has drawn such a high calibre of professionals. You don’t need to travel outside of the area to find the best in the business, from designers, builders and trades to retail shops, restaurants and hotels. We have the best of everything right here.”

Says Steve, "Everyone on our team is local, and working with local business gives us an opportunity not only to show our understanding and expertise in the community, but to give back to the place we call home."

http://www.wkharchitects.com.au