Sitting in the airport before dawn for my second regional site inspection this week, the Hoodoo Gurus lyric comes to mind: “I’m up before the sun and tired before I even begin.”
Regional projects have a way of sharpening your perspective.
For me, two factors consistently determine success:
Selecting the right contractor
Maintaining strong, consistent communication
We’ve all had moments where the constant calls and RFIs feel relentless. But experience has taught me something important: Silence on a project is often far more concerning than questions.
Good contractors ask thoughtful questions — not because they don’t understand the work, but because they want to confirm intent, minimise risk, and deliver the project properly.
No matter how strong the documentation is, there will always be clarifications. The key is having teams that communicate proactively and constructively.
Let’s see what today’s site start-up reveals.
#Construction
#Architecture
#brisbanearchitect
#regionalconstruction
Revisiting one of our past projects over the holidays was a timely reminder of the lasting impact thoughtful, community-focused design can have.
Five years on, the Gin Gin Community Hub continues to serve as a vibrant and adaptable civic space. Designed by DM2 Architecture, the project was conceived to deliver a light-filled, high-quality environment that responds to its regional context and supports a wide range of community needs including gathering place, Library, Council support services and community meeting rooms.
It’s rewarding to see how the Hub has been embraced and evolved over time—accommodating diverse uses while remaining true to its original intent. Its ongoing success highlights the value of designing with clarity, flexibility, and a strong sense of place.
A key part of our regional work is witnessing the positive, long-term impact our projects have on the communities they serve. We’re proud to see the Gin Gin Community Hub continuing to foster connection, activity, and community life years after completion.
#gingincommunityhub @ginginchamberofcommerce@bundabergcouncil #ginginlibrary
We closed our 2025, catching up with Nick & Lisa at their stunning Brookfield retreat.
The project is a credit to the determination of these two legends after taking on the challenge of owner builders after their contractor ghosted them mid-construction.
Talk about DIY enthusiasm, three years of hard work has paid off, to create the perfect place to chill and unwind.
#casapinder
#ownerbuilder
#howstheserenity
#localwildlife
#thefeatheredregulars
There’s nothing like a Christmas road trip complete with site inspections of completed projects, those nearing handover, as well as prospects for the new year.
#roadtrip
#McDonald’s_Kepnock
#turtlerehabilitationcentre
#UniSC
Friday Flashback
Arrived early for a site meeting this morning so dropped by this fun project from circa 2017?
The store appears to be holding up well.
#mcdonaldscaloundra
#mcdonald’sremodel
#alterationsandadditions
#mcdonalds
Demolition is complete at Tanglewood3.
Whilst it feels like not much of the existing 80’s building remains, this sets up the building for the future, allowing us to address sustainability, compliance, insulation, ventilation & waterproofing concerns of the client, so as to extend building life and reduce operating costs.
#Tanglewood3
#residentialalterations
#alterationandadditions
#tweedarchitecture
#architecturalhomes
#renovation
#collectiveconstructionprojects
#dm2architecture
In a world where urgency and speed often take precedence, it was a welcome change of pace for some of the DM2 team to step away from their busy schedules and visit Sustainable cladding to witness firsthand the exceptional craftsmanship behind their copper work.
Ryan from Sustainable cladding guided us through the traditional techniques used to fabricate complex shapes and shared valuable insights into the unique considerations of working with copper—a material that demands precision, patience, and deep expertise.
DM2 is proud to be collaborating with Sustainable cladding as part of FARA’s construction team at the University of Queensland’s heritage-listed Mayne Medical School. This significant project involves the replacement of the copper roof and broader remediation works. At the heart of it all is the renewal of the building’s iconic copper dome—a true architectural treasure.
It’s inspiring to see the skill and dedication involved in preserving such an important piece of Queensland’s history.
#heritagebuildings
#copperroof
#copperdome
#sustainable_solutions
#fara
#dm2architecture
#maynemedicalschool
#universityofqueensland
Handover day for the Kenani Community Church.
Revitalising (rebuilding) a pair of 50’s era buildings to bring back to compliance while linking with breezeway for gathering & communion and greater connection with the site.
#adaptivereuse #rebuildnotdemolish #australianarchitecture #brisbanearchitects #churchcommunity #rarotongancommunitychurch
Demolition is well under way on the creation of a new flagship store for McDonald’s in Townsville. The old “Lakes” store at the gateway from the airport is undergoing a major remodel to update its operational platform and dining experience for customers.
#mcdonaldstownsville #mcdonaldslakes #commercialbuilding #remodelandrenew #qsr #fastfood #imlovinit #twoallbeefpattiesspecialsaucelettucecheesepicklesonionsonasesameseedbun #hospitalitydesign #hospitalitydesigner #retaildesign #restaurantdesign #dm2architecture
Friday flashback
13 years ago we completed alterations and additions to this workers cottage in Ashgrove, sympathetically inserting a pavilion between the existing home an 80’s swimming pool and the 30+m high hoop pine.
We are now working on a refresh of the home and realising some of the items value managed out in the post GFC period.
Watch this space for progress updates.
#alterationsandadditions #workerscottagerenovation #ashgrove4060 #brisbanearchitecture #scottburrowsphotographer #architecturaldesign #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderhome #dm2architecture
