This new Performing Arts Centre located at Gasworks Arts Park creates a state-of-the art performance precinct for students that can be shared with the wider community.
Currently under construction, APC VCASS, which stands for Albert Park College & Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, is the third project we’ve undertaken for Albert Park College (in partnership with VSBA).
Demand for places at APC and VCASS continues to grow. This facility will provide a dedicated theatre with adequate seating and purpose-built rehearsal space to support the schools’ high-calibre dance, music and theatre programs.
The design responds to the heritage character of the existing Gasworks precinct and its neighbouring ornate brick buildings, while adopting a contemporary architectural language that reflects the forward-looking vision of the schools to nurture our next generation of artistic talent.
Last week we received a call from artist Pamela Reid regarding a book she’s working on called “Prisms of Time”. It draws on Reid’s observations around Port Phillip, and the juxtaposition between the charm of old architecture against a rising new streetscape.
Appreciating the way architecture informs our social history, Reid is publishing a collection of work featuring her sketches paired with poetic vignettes.
“In the midst of St Kilda junction chaos is the ‘Lego’ residential building. Controversial because opinion is divided: love them or loathe them?
While some see shipping containers, I look at a playful stacking of colour, teetering over that intersection of busyness, where traffic flows in all directions.
Where else could this stand alone, its individuality proudly stating, ‘I am an icon, I’m St Kilda’?
Since built in 2015, I’ve observed it from different aspects on morning walks around Albert Park Lake or across the sports ovals towards Fitzroy St. Sometimes, these apartments sit atop the greens of trees, from my home they hover on the horizon.
I don’t know if JCB realised they were building a chameleon, but whatever the view, it’s appealing. Also fun, is when ‘Lego’ people stand on the balconies, enjoying their view of the world.”
‘Lego Apartments’ is an original artwork by Pamela Reid, @pamelareidart
Image by John Gollings
We’re looking for a passionate, highly motivated Studio Resourcing Manager with experience in Project Resourcing and HR to join our team.
You will lead our Project Resourcing and Human Resources in coordination with the Practice Manager and Project Directors. You will:
• Lead & manage the coordination of resourcing across the Studios.
• Develop project resource plans in accordance with Project Directors and Project Leaders.
• Maintain and develop project resources plans and org charts across studios.
• Maintain our weekly & monthly estimate to complete resources matrix.
• Coordinate weekly & monthly project resourcing check-ins with the various leaders.
• Assist with the leadership of human resources tasks and compliance items across the studios.
• Assist with the management of annual review and check-in process across the studios.
• Assist with management of Recruitment processes.
• Manage the day-to-day aspects of HR including WFH requests, skills matrix, training programs, approving leave and communication requirements.
• Lead people and culture innovation in the studio and any strategic improvements with the Practice Manager.
Our purpose is to listen, learn and make. Our approach is defined by a respect for context, people, and purpose. We approach each of our projects with a spirit of collaboration, curiosity and rigour. We’re keenly invested in sustainable and Indigenous-led design.
For more details, please see our website. Please apply with your CV and portfolio via [email protected]
No agency applications, direct applications only.
On Tuesday night, we had the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion at MPavilion to ask the question: Is the future timber?
It was a valuable moment to take stock of where Australia’s mass timber industry stands, hearing directly from leaders across architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing. The conversation highlighted both the momentum we’re building locally and the growing recognition of Australia’s capability on the international stage.
We explored emerging policy and regulatory shifts, including updates to the NCC and Australian Standards, which are set to further support wider adoption. There are an exciting pipeline of ambitious projects and the willingness of local manufacturers and suppliers to collaborate on practical solutions; while some were in favour of standardisation, some were pushing for complex solutions to be solved by technology integration and AI. There is a clear sense that the industry is moving beyond early adoption into a more mature and confident phase.
What stood out most was the continued drive to push boundaries.
Mass timber is not only about reducing carbon; it brings opportunities for faster and safer construction, stimulates regional communities and creates spaces that genuinely enhance occupant wellbeing. As designers, choosing timber means embedding story, warmth and experience into the fabric of our buildings.
Thanks to the panel for a thoughtful and energising discussion – we’re excited for what comes next and to deliver more mass timber buildings for our clients!
To celebrate the remarkable life and work of Daryl Jackson AO, a public memorial service will be held at 2pm on June 3rd in the MCG Members Dining Room.
Registration of attendance is not necessary but helpful. To RSVP please email the address in our Linktree.
Image courtesy of @johngollings
We’re delighted to share that three of our projects have been shortlisted in the 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards.
St Kilda Pier Redevelopment has been shortlisted in Urban Design and the Melbourne Prize, Journal Student Living has been shortlisted in Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing and Murrup Barak at University of Melbourne has been shortlisted in Interior Architecture.
Congratulations to all those shortlisted – and a special thank you to the clients and project teams who worked so hard to bring these projects to fruition.
Pictured: St Kilda Pier by @peterclarkephoto , Journal Student Living by @peterclarkephoto and Murrup Barak by @shannonmcgrath7
On May 17, Sweetwater House – the home of JCB Principal Chris Botterill – will open for Sustainable House Day, a national event where people across Australia open their doors to share how their homes work: what they’ve built, what they’ve changed, and what they’ve learned.
Showcasing homes that feature innovative approaches to energy efficiency, electrification, passive design, materials and climate resilience, homes on the program include architect-designed builds, retrofits, all-electric upgrades, efficient apartments and climate-resilient homes.
It’s a chance to talk directly with homeowners about what their homes cost, what’s worked, what hasn’t, what they’d do differently. Tickets cost $15 and enable you to book and visit multiple homes and access follow-up learning and expert sessions. Visit our website for more details.
Image @blachford@christopherb_architect
Stanley Street reinterprets domestic living through an innovative response tailored to a couple approaching retirement, while accommodating extended family and future generations.
The design balances sensitivity to context with a contemporary architectural language, minimising streetscape impact while introducing a volumetrically dynamic first-floor living space.
A steel-framed “lantern” window element brings controlled northern light deep into the plan, resolving overlooking constraints through design ingenuity.
Materially, the project innovates within a heritage setting, using contrast to clearly articulate old and new.
The result is a carefully calibrated intervention that both reinforces local character and establishes a distinct, contemporary architectural identity.
Images Shannon McGrath
With thanks to Imperial Builders.
We’re looking for a passionate, highly motivated Studio Resourcing Manager with experience in Project Resourcing and HR to join our team.
You'll lead our Project Resourcing and Human Resources in coordination with the Practice Manager and Project Directors.
You will:
• Lead & manage the coordination of resourcing across the studios
• Develop Project Resource plans in accordance with Project Directors and Project Leaders
• Maintain & develop project Resources Plans and Org charts across studios
• Maintain our weekly / monthly estimate to complete resources matrix
• Coordinate weekly / monthly Project Resourcing check-ins with leaders
• Assist with the leadership of Human Resources tasks and compliance items across the studios
• Assist with the management of Annual Review and Check In process across the studios
• Assist with management of recruitment processes
• Manage the day-to-day aspects of HR including WFH requests, skills matrix, training programs, approving leave and communication requirements
• Lead people & culture innovation in the studios and any strategic improvements with the Practice Manager
•Assisting with Executive Assistant tasks for the Strategic Management team and Directors.
No agency applications, direct applications only
For more details, see our website.
This month, one of our much-loved team members celebrates a significant milestone – 20 years at JCB.
Congratulations Veryan Curnow!
As a Principal at JCB, Veryan has been an integral contributor to the leadership and culture of our studio, leading numerous award-winning projects while mentoring colleagues and helping to define what makes JCB unique – our DNA.
Veryan (Vud to her friends) leads our public and urban design team with meticulous attention to detail and an intuitive approach to design, collaboration and engagement.
A generous and caring mentor, she brings a positive spirit to the studio and embraces every challenge – consistently delivering exceptional outcomes.
One of Veryan’s first projects after joining the practice was St Kilda Promenade, creating a meaningful lineage to the recently completed St Kilda Pier Redevelopment. Other highlights include Altona Pier, the Point Lonsdale and Brighton Life Saving Clubs, and a range of commissions for The University of Melbourne including the New Student Precinct Urban Design Framework and Building 168 fit-outs.
Ask Vud what she’s most excited about right now, and she’ll point to the Bendigo Art Gallery Redevelopment — a project that exemplifies her passion for placemaking, cultural and environmental sustainability, and creating positive, lasting outcomes for communities. Affectionately known as BAG, it’s set for completion in 2027.
Australia boasts some of the world’s most successful large scale mass timber buildings, yet we still struggle to get these projects off the ground.
On May 5 at 6pm, JCB will host a discussion at MPavilion to ask: Is the future timber?
Our panel will include:
-Chris Botterill | JCB
-Atreyu Delacy | TTW
-Anna Charalambous | Icon
-Jeremy Church | Next Timber
-Chris Gilbert | ASH
Moderator: Samuel Williams | JCB
We’ll explore why mass timber matters, and what it offers beyond carbon savings – from faster construction to richer, more meaningful spaces. We’ll challenge common misconceptions, and present case studies where timber has proven a better choice than concrete and steel.
Our speakers will unpack the risks, the realities, and the opportunities ahead: how to build industry confidence, how to advocate for timber on projects, and how emerging design and procurement innovations are reshaping what’s possible.
Join us we imagine what a bold, regenerative timber future for Australia might look like and what it will take to get there.
To purchase tickets, head to the MPavilion website.
Back in 1998, JCB was commissioned to design a home in Brook Street Richmond. When the project was complete, much-loved photographer John Gollings was commissioned to photograph it. During the process of retouching the images, the ever-inventive Gollings decided to introduce a fluffle of rabbits to the basement, creating this perfect Easter portrait. Wishing you all a fluffle, chocolate and sunshine filled Easter – from all the team at JCB.
