{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Economic research & forecasting Economics Housing outlook Economic reports & data Tailored market research Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Master of illusion

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
How does a design professional go about creating a custom home with liveable solutions? For Robert Kirkovski of Rural Building Co, it’s all about flexible thinking to create a forever space.
Robert Kirkovski

Q: How has your career evolved in the design field?

RK: I have worked in the architectural field for more than 25 years now. For the first 10 years, I worked for small architectural firms specialising in upmarket residential work. Then I changed my career a little and went on to learn about interior design. I worked as an interior designer on commercial projects for about 18 months until I decided that it wasn’t really what I wanted, so I went back to residential work. I started working for the JWH Group (Rural Building Co) in WA and have remained there, creating an array of houses which I enjoy. 

Q: How do you go about designing a space that is adaptable? 

RK: The best way to make a space adaptable is through the illusion of creating separate components of the house that are linked, and can then evolve with time. One way you do that is by thinking about how people come in and go, how spaces are connected in the house, and if it can be separated or linked when it’s being used as part of the whole house.

For example, in the Evolution Farmhouse I designed, there is a divider wall sitting to the side of the front door and behind the living room. While the wall isn’t long, it doesn’t make the hallway and living room feel disconnected from one another (making both spaces feel small) or blend the two spaces into one. Thus, linking spaces together while creating the feeling of separation.

During COVID-19, we have seen people use their homes as their work spaces. This technique is ideal for solving the issue of broad open plan designs; you can still cut the link between the spaces without making the house feel smaller. I also find it’s suitable for long-term guests or for children as they became young adults looking for some independence.

A home should really be a forever space, so if it can adapt then it has done the job.

Q: What do you do to get the most out of a consultation?

RK: Custom homes are about creating a home that suits the lifestyle of the occupants. To achieve that, you need to listen to the client. You aren’t just listening to what they say, but their entire demeanour. Their personality helps to shape the way they live, which helps in creating a design that matches the home to the person. Ask yourself “how will the layout of the new space make them feel?”. 

You also have to ask many questions, almost like an interrogation! Sometimes making them feel a little uncomfortable encourages them to really think about what they want without needing to solve the problems they think may arise. When I talk to clients, I want them to remember that solving any technical design problems is my job, all I need from them is to tell me exactly what they want, with the mindset that everything is possible to achieve. Because, as a designer, when I listen I am the one who should try to put the jigsaw puzzle together and make the home feel connected to the surrounding spaces and to the occupants.

Q: How do you balance creativity and the client brief?

RK: I have my own style so if I were to design something for myself it would be completely different to what I would design for someone else. You have to keep the two things quite separate, especially when you are generating a wide range of designs. Personally, I like creating rooms that people will use rather than a vast open space. However, if there are multiple rooms I ensure they flow but are designed differently in a way that draws you into each space for a particular reason. Sometimes that is related to volume (high ceilings are becoming increasingly popular in WA); the amount of glass used; how it connects to the room next door and how it disengages itself from other spaces; and how multiple rooms are separated from each other. If I am comfortable injecting some of my personal design tastes that I truly appreciate I will, but to make something that truly responds to the client you need to deliver on the key items they want.

Being creative often has a link to cost – you can’t escape it – and sometimes that puts limitations on a designer’s creativity, but it allows you to be more innovative in how you approach a design. I am constantly pushing the boundaries to introduce something that’s different and unique. To achieve this you need technical knowledge on how all the components fit together and an idea of the general cost to create something that sits within the confines of the budget. You get better at it with experience. From there I have discussions with those on the construction side of development and we talk about other ways to go about achieving a common goal. The conversation I have with clients is similar. I push them outside of what they feel comfortable to convince them that a design will deliver on the things they want. Designers develop many good client relationships built on trust when doing this, in order to make their dream home design a reality.

You might also like:

Bathroom Design Inspiration Kitchens
Peachy keen
Imbued with warmth and modern elegance, Peach Fuzz is the go-to tone when designing, developing or revitalising an interior.
Mar 24
2 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Business and digital Education Networking
Jumping-off point
To give apprentices the tools to stay on the job longer, they can learn from the best in the building industry. HIA Apprentices offers various initiatives, including its targeted BuildHer and LAHC programs.
Mar 24
7 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Projects Design Inspiration
How to introduce Peach Fuzz
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the prestigious Pantone Colour of the Year program, a global expression of mood and attitude. Its current Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz, brings a sense of serenity and positivity to any spa...
Mar 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Innovation Renovations
Seven styles for a modern home
After extensive research, industry innovator James Hardie has uncovered what Australians really want when it comes to producing a modern home. So, what has its forecast revealed?
Mar 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Australian Standards Building developments Building Code of Australia (BCA)
Digital marketing for builders
What’s the value of leveraging digital marketing? It can help build a captivating brand and craft content that attracts clients, taking your business to the next level.
Mar 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Affordable Building developments Federal government In Focus Residential
Shifting the tide
Our industry has received a range of negative stories directed our way over the past 12 months. These stories tell only one side of the story, rather than highlighting all the fantastic work our industry does. It’s time to shift t...
Mar 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Residential Building developments Inspiration Projects
Luxury squared
Taking its design cues from classic European architecture, this cleverly engineered, deceptively detailed home has a commanding street presence.
Mar 24
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Residential Renovations Affordable In Focus
Granny flat fever
In space-constrained capital cities, building a well-designed granny flat could provide respite to an already hot housing market.
Mar 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
President's report National Construction Code (NCC) BASIX Contracts
NSW President’s report
The first quarter of 2024 has continued to present significant challenges to the residential construction sector.
Mar 24
2 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Residential Awards Inspiration Projects
Leap of faith
When a ceramic artist purchased a dilapidated warehouse, he needed a building team that could sympathetically convert this space into a striking home and dynamic studio.
Mar 24
5 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Concrete Inspiration Residential Projects
Curves ahead
Inspired by the modernist glamour of Palm Springs, this curvaceous concrete-and-timber Brisbane home is as cool and fresh as a summer breeze.
Mar 24
3 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Inspiration Work Health and Safety (WHS) Wellbeing
Stories from the frontline
If you’re battling mental health, Beyond Blue speakers Craig Killian, Peta Sitcheff and Tim Lacey want you to know you’re not alone. Their stories of challenge and recovery are recognisable, relatable and, ultimately, inspiring.
Mar 24
5 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight