Christopher Dunkerley

Director and Nominated Architect (Reg 4694), DTB Architects Pty Ltd

B.Sc.(Arch), B.Arch; UNSW 1977   *   Chartered Architect since 1984   *      Member RAIA(AIA) since 1993

 CAREER OBJECTIVE

Chris seeks to achieve design outcomes based on elegance and functionality overlaid on sound construction and technical knowledge, with Client satisfaction as the ultimate goal.

The success of his approach over time has been built on the core principles of delivering intelligent design, sound technology and good building practice at a competitive cost. Chris has remained hands-on as the managing director and maintains close client relationships.  

SUMMARY

·        35 years in construction industry as an architect, over 25 as a sole director of his own practice.

·        As Director of DTB over 300 refurbishment projects for the University of Sydney, and several for other tertiary institutions including the Australian Catholic University, UTS and the University of NSW. Diverse in size and nature these commissions have included refurbishments to offices, laboratories, plant, services infrastructure, hazardous goods management, roofs & facades, condition surveys & reporting, generic contract conditions and specifications for period contracts etc.

·        Delivers projects which are constructed on “live” sites to produce designs that accommodate occupied buildings, staged works, compressed programs, complex planning and maintenance of live services.

·        Drives several such projects simultaneously, particularly staged projects over a number of years.

·        Masterplanning of several Racecourse and Research facilities – including full design documentation and superintendent of the Menangle Park Paceway including stables, administration buildings, Grandstands (stands, TV rooms, restaurants, kitchens, bars), the track itself and on-site environmental infrastructure initiatives such as rain water harvesting, solar harvesting and back-up power generators.

·        Carried out a range of projects for other institutional sector clients such as Local Councils, Taronga Zoological Park, and Defence (Army and Navy)

·        Managed and grown DTB Architects from a single person practice to now consistently employing 7 to 8 people.

Chris brings to his projects a genuine passion for the built form, focusing on elegant and functional solutions to highly complex, often very technical problems.   He has built up a reputation over time for solving detailed design problems ranging from high-end laboratory design located in heritage buildings, to masterplanning and feasability analysis of large property portfolios for Racing NSW and the State government. At all times he injects his understanding of the various authority codes and detailed requirements into his architecture, with the intent of providing cost-effective solutions. 

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

·        A problem solver – gets to the core of the problem quickly and solves it.

·        A good listener – acknowledges the input and works with Stakeholders and Users.

·        Skilled in the requirements of highly serviced buildings such as high-end laboratories, teaching spaces, and commercial kitchens .

·        “design your way out of a problem rather than constructing your way out” starts for Chris with clear and unambiguous design, followed by a high standard of construction documentation.

·        A broad understanding of the complete building process – from initial feasibility to on-site delivery

·        Producing quality design solutions, comprehensive construction documentation, attention to detail and an expertise in quality control on site.

·        Provides value added advice to Clients seeking to improve the energy and water saving objectives of their projects. 

·        A complete understanding of the importance of budget and program on a project

·        Is flexible and good at multi-tasking

·        Works well under pressure

·        Cares deeply about the solution.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

DTB Architects (1996 – ongoing) Chris has sourced and worked on the day to day management of the majority of projects at DTB including:

·        Oxford Falls Grammar School- Project Director responsible for the design and documentation of a $12million extension for the Oxford Falls Grammar School. Recently completed, Chris supported the Project Manager as Head Consultant during the construction process. Previously completed the design and construction of Block E – a $5 million science Laboratory with associated teaching spaces.

·        University of Sydney - Chris has been involved in the design of a significant number of laboratory refurbishment projects for the University of Sydney - many of these requiring incorporation of highly technical equipment and building services, dangerous materials, containment facilities, animal holding facilities and dealings with para-professionals in the incorporation of specialist equipment, services and facilities. Many projects also involved work to buildings of heritage significance. 

Recent projects include: upgrade to anatomy teaching and research spaces, new substation & regional main switchboard, refurbishments to small animal holding facility, construction of 25 new general classrooms

·        University of Sydney, Federal Government & Council - Broken Hill Health Hubs joint university teaching and community health facilities within the grounds of seven primary schools at Broken Hill.

·        Australian Catholic University – School of Physiotherapy - Complete fit out of existing building to PC2 grade ‘wet’ teaching lab, preparation, cool rooms, ‘dry’ teaching labs, office, administration, kitchen, common & seminar room spaces. Business School - Fitout for the head of school, including administration, offices, and staff rooms, and meeting rooms

·        University of NSW - Student Accommodation International House Student Residential College, Commercial kitchen refurbishment, design for extensions to student accommodation. Conversion of existing buildings into 24 new teaching spaces.

·        University of Technology Sydney – Registered with the UTS Consultant Tender Panel - several office refurbishments and laboratory spaces – computer, acoustics, fabric dying, spray paint.

·        Racing NSW - A major sample testing laboratory, feasibility analysis of new equine facilities.

·        Kiama Shores - Seniors Living -Design and documentation to DA for 63 units for seniors living on a difficult site in Kiama.

·        Heritage Projects - Chris has expertise in buildings of heritage significance at both State and local level. These include: - Roofs & Interiors Refurbishments  for The University of Sydney - Anderson Stuart, Blackburn,Main Quadrangle, Pharmacy, JD Stewart, Baxter’s Lodge and RD Watt Buildings, Building Refurbishments The University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts, Kirkbridge Building, Callan Park, Archival Recording Parramatta Station Site, The Parramatta Rail Link (SRA), Enmore Swimming Pool (Marrickville Council)

As well as the day to day management of projects, Chris is involved with project procurement for the firm, resource management issues, Quality Control, Business Development, and Profit and Loss management.

·        At Wilkinson McCloskey (1994-1996) As director winning a commission as design & project director, to complete a major upgrade ($20M) of the Track and Grandstands at Harold Park Paceway. Upon the completion of the project, Chris returned to his own practice.

·        At Robertson and Marks (1983-1992) Chris as senior associate, was responsible for the day to day management of several large commercial projects including: - Private boxes in the Bradman Stand, Sydney Cricket Ground, JR Flemming Grandstand at Rosehill Racecourse, Stage 4 Extension of the Clyde Kennedy Grandstand, Canterbury Racecourse, Paddock Grandstand and Refurbishment of the Official Stand Randwick Racecourse.

Following graduation Chris spent time at the University of NSW as research assistant and tutor in the areas of natural lighting and environmental design (primarily solar energy research.) Later in the United Kingdom Chris as project architect for a large hotel complex Oakleigh Court, on the river Thames, at Windsor (UK), comprising two new buildings, extensive renovation of two national trust listed Victorian mansions, and site infrastructure including electricity substation, gas supply, roads and an on-site sewerage treatment station.