Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in Adelaide
Established in 1992, Phillips/Pilkington Architects has built a reputation for design excellence and innovation across educational, cultural, residential, and sustainable architecture. Our practice prioritizes collaboration with clients, communities, and design professionals to create site-responsive environments that reflect cultural identity and environmental responsibility. With over 400 projects completed, we integrate passive design strategies, low-embodied energy materials, and renewable energy systems to deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions.Our team, led by founding directors Susan Phillips and Michael Pilkington, combines decades of experience with a commitment to quality management systems certified under ISO 9001:2016. Recognized through numerous awards, including the Sir James Irwin AIA Presidents Medal, we maintain a focus on enhancing community spaces while respecting Indigenous cultural connections to land through formalized reconciliation initiatives.
Services
Educational Architecture
Sustainable Design
Cultural Projects
Master Planning
Heritage Conservation
Tourism Architecture
Commercial Development
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in educational and cultural architecture
- Our team holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management
- We specialize in passive solar design and low-energy building systems
- We maintain a 95% client retention rate through collaborative processes
- Our practice has received over 25 major architectural awards
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
Services
Educational Architecture
We create innovative learning environments tailored to evolving educational needs. Our designs incorporate flexible spaces that support collaborative learning, natural daylighting, and sustainable materials. Projects include specialist classrooms, STEM facilities, and multipurpose halls that enhance student engagement while meeting strict budget parameters.
Sustainable Design
Our environmentally conscious approach integrates passive design principles with active energy systems. We employ thermal mass construction, solar power generation, and water recycling systems to minimize environmental impact. This includes achieving 5-star Green Star ratings for university projects through strategic material selection and energy-efficient building systems.
Cultural Projects
We design culturally significant spaces that reflect local identity and heritage. Our work includes visitor centers, community hubs, and Indigenous facilities that incorporate traditional knowledge with modern functionality. These projects emphasize connection to place through material choices and spatial organization that respect cultural narratives.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive spatial strategies that balance functionality with environmental stewardship. Our master plans consider long-term growth, circulation patterns, and ecological preservation. This includes campus developments and precinct redevelopments that create cohesive, future-ready environments while maintaining budgetary constraints.
Heritage Conservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage while adapting spaces for modern use. Our approach combines conservation management plans with innovative retrofitting solutions. This includes sensitive upgrades to historic buildings that maintain original character while improving energy efficiency and accessibility standards.
People
Susan Phillips
Director
Co-founding director with 30+ years experience in cultural and community architecture. Led award-winning projects including Seymour College Performing Arts Centre and Monarto Zoo Visitor Centre. Committed to environmental design principles and community engagement processes.
Michael Pilkington
Director
Co-founding director specializing in large-scale education and research facilities. Directed the $20M University of Adelaide Plant Accelerator project. Recipient of the Sir James Irwin AIA Presidents Medal with expertise in construction detailing and project realization.
Guy Berry
Senior Associate
Project architect for Tika Tirka Indigenous Student Accommodation and St Peters Library Precinct. Manages quality assurance systems and has led STEM facility projects across South Australia while maintaining ISO 9001 compliance.
Gaetane Zufferey
Associate
Experienced in educational and residential projects across all phases. Rejoined the firm in 2016 after raising children, bringing expertise in special needs schools and Waldorf education facilities through multiple award-winning projects.
Tom Hamper
Associate
Construction sector veteran with experience across project phases. Manages client engagement through to contract administration, applying practical knowledge of building systems and regulatory compliance in diverse architectural projects.
Questions
What architectural specializations does Phillips/Pilkington offer?
We specialize in educational facilities, cultural projects, sustainable design, heritage conservation, and master planning for both public and private sectors.
How does the firm incorporate sustainability into designs?
Our approach includes passive solar design, thermal mass construction, solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and using low-embodied energy materials like rammed earth and recycled timber.
What notable awards has the firm received?
We've received over 25 major awards, including multiple Royal Australian Institute of Architects Energy & Environment Awards and the Timber Development Association National Design Excellence Award.
How do you engage with Indigenous communities?
We maintain a formal Reconciliation Action Plan and collaborate with Traditional Owners on projects like the Gunditj Mirring Keeping Place, ensuring cultural sensitivity in all our work.
What quality standards does the firm follow?
Our ISO 9001:2016 certified quality management system ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and continuous improvement in project delivery and client satisfaction.
