Design for the north of the tropic of Capricorn

About

“Design for North of  the Tropic of Capricorn”

Savage Architecture PM is a unique, experienced practise specialising in the development of projects for Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

Based in Cairns, the practice is owned and managed by two senior architects with more than 20 years’ experience working in the northern region of Australia, delivering projects in both major centres and remote areas.

Savage Architecture PM directors Keith Savage and Chris Baker also have long-term experience working in the Eastern Australian capitals of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, chiefly at Director and Senior Management levels on projects exceeding $100 million in value. Keith and Chris have extensive experience working with large companies such as Westfield and News Corporation, alongside the consultants and specialists who support the delivery of these projects.

The Directors of Savage Architecture PM bring exceptional management skills for the procurement of all stages of projects from initial project inception, design and documentation through to the management of building works contracts and client handover. These services are delivered for all types and sizes of projects – no project is too small.

Many of the projects undertaken by the Directors have been the recipient of architectural and industry awards. The ACIKE Building at Charles Darwin University designed by Keith Savage was recognised in 2018 by the Climate Council of Australia as one of the top 8 environmentally designed projects to date in Australia. Many of Keith’s projects have received awards from the Institute of Architects.

Crystalbrook Collection Hotel – Bailey – was managed through the design development, contract documentation and construction phases by Chris Baker. This hotel is one of the largest and most prestigious projects built in Cairns to date. The project was managed and delivered on time and on budget in accordance with the original agreed client agreement.

The Directors of Savage Architecture PM have a passion for delivering projects which meet and surpass their client’s expectations. Keith and Chris believe in personally servicing all their clients and projects, and where specialist skills are required they source this expertise as part of their project teams. To this end, Savage Architecture PM has established relationships with large southern architectural and multi-disciplinary practices if these resources and expertise are required.

Design - What We Do

Architecture / Master Planning

Savage Architecture PM is a fully accredited Architecture & Design practice and can undertake the following:

  • Functional Brief Writing
  • Specialist facility services; Residential (individual – multi-residential), Aged Care, Health, Commercial, Industrial & Sport related projects.
  • Master Planning
  • Accommodation, Schedules & Bench Mark-up
  • Site Planning & Urban Designing
  • Process Mapping
  • Architectural Schematic Design
  • Design Development
  • Preparation of Contract Documentation
  • Tendering & Tender evaluation of projects
  • Construction administration
  • Post contract project reviews
  • Occupancy evaluation services
  • Project maintenance reviews
  • Project management

Tropical / Sustainable / Environmental Design Control

Savage Architecture PM recognises that the development of sustainable & environmentally designed projects are not only good for our planet but also immensely sensible economically for our clients.

We recognise that design for the Tropics requires a different set of Architectural design & documentation skill sets when designing projects based on the design of projects in the Eastern or Southern states of Australia.

Our approach to design and the integration of ESD strategies in the design and management of projects have provided Savage Architecture PM a unique opportunity in the region of the tropics to develop world class architecture. Particular projects in this region most recently are:

  • Menzies Building at RDH & CDU –  Designed as a 5 Star Green Star yet not accredited.
  • ACIKE Building CDU – 4 Star Green Star Design only.
  • Flinders Medical School Buildings at RDH & CDU – Designed as a 5 Star Green Star yet not accredited.
  • Jacana House Darwin – 5 Star Green Star Design & as built rating. “This is the only designed & as built 5 Star Green Star building built in the NT”.

The approach to the design of projects has been undertaken on the basis of actual experience of living and working in this region & not just based on trying to achieve a score card. This approach to sustainability occurs with the design & development of all projects large or small whether a star rating is seeking to be met. Savage Architecture has an ongoing research and education approach in this area of expertise while Keith Savage also heads up ESD committees for both the NT property council & NT Institute of Architects.

The ACIKE building recently was rated by the Climate Council of Australia in the nations Top 8 Green Buildings for its smart design and latest technology (http://www.climatecouncil.org.au).

Interiors

Savage Architecture PM can undertake interior design commissions in their own right or will partner with specialist Interior Design practises dependent on the nature of the project type.

Development Feasibility & Economic Analysis

Savage Architecture PM believes that unless the projects are economically viable, then we are not working in the best interests of our clients. Understanding & ensuring the economic viability of projects is critical to the design process. Keith Savage has a degree from the University of Technology in Urban estate management with credits & has also gained an intimate experience with the development of his own projects which provide valuable experience & understanding with the development of projects to all our clients. Savage Architecture PM works closely with other professional consultants in particular quantity surveyors, accountants & real estate professionals to ensure the viability of projects are maximised particularly from a development risk perspective.

Project Management

The Savage Architecture PM Office is structured around the delivery of all projects undertaken by the practice based on a project management approach focussing on time, budget and risk analysis.

Staff members have qualifications and registration in Project Management recognised through the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). Director, Keith Savage is a registered Project Manager and a member of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). CCMP.

The management of all projects are managed through in housecomputer program Microsoft Project, with the structure of all management systems within the practice based on the PMBOOK Project Management system.

Peer Reviews & Project Facilitation

Savage Architecture recognises that many clients wishing to develop & undertake projects in this region have their own consultants usually from Southern Australian states but also maybe from Asia where they want these consultants to undertake the majority of design work on their behalf. The issue with this is even though these consultants may have good working relationships with their clients they invariably do not have a full understanding of undertaking projects in this region of the tropics.

Savage Architecture offers assistance to these clients & their associated professionals to assist with undertaking the unique aspects of doing business in this region.  Particularly with the ability to provide a local point of contact.

Keith & Chris understand the local politics & know the authorities + key players within these bodies so are able to provide this advice to prospective clients & consultants as required. Through their network of contacts through the Institute of Architects, NT Property Council & Chamber of Commerce, they have good knowledge of & contact with the main players in the marketplace.

Savage Architecture PM also have their own network of Associated Architects & Design professionals which, if required, can provide support & specialist expertise on projects while still providing a one stop shop to clients in the Tropics.

Prefabricated/Modular Design & Construction

Savage Architecture has had an ongoing interest with the use of prefabrication & modular design with his Architecture & Approach to undertake projects. This has evolved from the developments of projects in his early years doing work in regions such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Ranger Uranium mine & remote areas of NT, Northern Western Australia & Queensland. Recent work has included the development of child care centres in remote regions of the NT. Prefabricated Fire Station Port Headland WA and School buildings across the NT.

The understanding of building construction & material technology has been critical to this approach & theories applied with the development of projects which have also included building covenant design.

How We Do it

Structure of Practice

Savage Architecture PM has the capacity & the expertise to undertake projects of any size or capacity.

The practice is led by two senior Architects based in Cairns, with extensive experience working in North QLD, NT, PNG & the Pacific. They also have extensive experience working in the main business centres of Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne.

Savage Architecture PM is able to provide the services indicated due to its resources and practice structure. Located in Cairns but also with its national & international network of other professionals.

This is particularly applicable of the specialised requirements to cater for the diverse range, size & specialization of projects which need to be developed in this region (the tropics).

The structure of the practice is as follows:

savage-practice-diagram-2

Technology & Management Systems

Savage Architects PM uses an integrated CAD system that includes the following hardware & management systems:

  • High Speed ADSL (NBN) connection for high volume internet connection.
  • Totally integrated REVIT (2020) design and documentation including our own in-house procedures & routines.
  • Specialist 3D Modelling, Rendering, Visualized & animation.
  • Fully Integrated multimedia capacity.
  • Microsoft Project Management
  • InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp, AutoCad, Adobe X Pro.
  • A range of other multimedia equipment including scanners, laser printers & commercial plan printer.
  • The use of office technology allows the full use of BIM for the management of projects within the office.
  • Navisworks

Memberships & Affiliation

  • NQLD Property Council (PCA)
  • NQLD Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)
  • QLD Institute of Architects (AIA). (Note: Savage Architecture PM is an A+ member)
  • Australian Passive House Association (APHA)
  • prefabAUS member
  • Greenstar member
  • NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN)
  • Industry Capability Network (ICN)

      

Awards and Recognition

As Savage Architecture PM is a new Architectural practice, please refer to Keith Savage’s & Chris Baker’s staff profiles for projects that they have been involved with that have achieved awards & recognition.

View Keith’s Awards

Professional Registrations and Qualifications

ABN: 57 642 771 051

ACN: 642 771 051

Company Registration: Savage Architecture PM PTY LTD AR717

PII: Berkley Insurance Company

Public & Product Liability Insurance: $5 million (22.07.21)
Professional Indemnity Insurance: $20 million (22.07.21)

The Team

Director

Keith Savage

Savage Architecture PM is owned & managed by Keith Savage.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Architecture Honours – NSW Institute of technology NSW 1984
  • Architecture practice from Architectural Accredited Council of Australia INC. 1985
  • Graduate Diploma in Urban estate management University of technology NSW 1992
  • Green Star Course Green Council Australia 2008
  • Diploma of project management Charles Darwin University NT 2013

Registrations

  • QLD Registration as Architect (AR284)
  • NT Registration as Architect (3584)
  • PNG Registration as Architect (pending)
  • Registration Project Manager MAIPM – CPPM (No. 32203)
  • QLD Institute of Architects A+ Member

PDF Files

Chris Baker

Chris has over 29 years of experience in the Consulting and Construction Industry with roles primarily providing value add services to client’s assets and portfolios. Chris has spent a lot of his career as a Job Captain/Project Architect in a strategic role to drive projects and consultants to achieve a common goal.

Chris has worked across many Industry Sectors including Health Care, Education, Residential, Retail, Commercial and Mixed Use. Chris has worked across all facets of the Architectural process, from Job Captain/Client Rep to Site Administration. Projects have been located across Australia and New Zealand.

Chris has worked in the capacity of:

  • Director – Business Development Australia and New Zealand – Baldasso Cortese Architects Pty Ltd
  • Partner – Retail Sector Leader – Baldasso Cortese Architects Pty Ltd
  • Director – Santel Architects Pty Ltd
  • Associate Director/Senior Project Architect – Tomkins Shaw & Evans Architects Pty Ltd
  • Associate Director/Senior Project Architect – B+N Retail Group (NH Architecture)
  • Project Architect VIC/ACT– Westfield Design & Construction Pty Ltd

Chris is a lecturer at RMIT University Building Design (Architecture) in Building Services and Interiors.

Professional Expertise

  • Architecture
  • Property Development and Project Management
  • Due diligence, Development Feasibilities and stack-up
  • Networking via Project Managers, Consultants, Property Agents and Industry Events
  • Value Management
  • Site Administration
  • Client Representation
  • Design Management
  • Creating a ‘team environment’

Qualifications & Affiliations

  • Associate Diploma of Architecture, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 1983
  • CAD, Business Practice, Estimating & Contract Law, MBAV, 1988
  • Diploma of Applied Science, Moorabbin Technical College, 1991
  • Member – Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, 2015
  • CPD – AIS, Refuel, Informed Professionals, 2015-2017
  • Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Membership

Selected project experience (last 10 years)

Mixed Use – Retail, Office, Apartments
  • Viapac Group – Burwood Hwy, Knox $75M
  • Fucheng Investments Australia – Woodhouse Station $200M
  • Harmon Group – Lyall Road, Berwick $42M
  • Cubik – Niddrie $8M
  • Village Fair – Alderley QLD $35M
  • Village Fair – Glenmore Park NSW $40M
  • Prattcorp – Croydon Central $90M
  • Chiminello – Sandridge Apartments Port Melb $6M
Shopping Centres
  • AHB Australia – Sunbury West NAC $22M
  • Fouzz – Roxburgh Park NAC $15M
  • Fouzz – Wollahra Rise NAC & Childcare $34M
  • Centro Karingal Hub $2M
  • Metrobuild Thompson Parkway & Central Square Ballarat $10M
  • Behrakis Group – Channel Court, Kingston Tas $40M
  • Centro Westside Broken Hill $10M
Retail
  • Coles Supermarkets National Rollout $45M
  • Daiso Japan – National Rollout $25M
Bulky Goods
  • Giannarelli – Central West Plaza $12M
  • Greycorp – Echuca Bulky Goods $6M
  • Bunnings – Wodonga $3M
Commercial/Industrial/Office
  • Lotus Living – Club Jubilee One Aquatic Ctr $14M
  • Road Runner Electrics Head Office – Preston $1.5M
  • Liberty Financial – Offices Australia and New Zealand