O
In Conversation with
& Country Edition
Paul Conrad Architects
P repare to sell in 2025
Now is the prime opportunity to prepare your home for a successful 2025 sale.
Begin by discovering your home’s true worth with an updated appraisal, revealing its current market value and providing valuable insights to maximise your sale’s potential.
Arrange a specialist appraisal with the Marshall White team today.
22 Pier Street, Dromana
Beachside Brilliance
Immediately, the architecture captivates with its elegant curved facade. Jimtom Developments brings the sophistication of inner-city living to the peninsula, combining outstanding design with a prime holiday location.
Bradley Pearce, Marshall White Sales Executive
Showcasing an elite level of quality, luxurious finishes, and designer style, this stunning brand-new architect-designed four-bedroom home immediately impresses with its generous family space, sun-drenched serenity, and superb versatility. This residence presents an ideal opportunity for discerning buyers seeking either an elegant weekender or a permanent seaside sanctuary.
The home’s architectural brilliance unfolds from its striking curved façade through to thoughtfully curated interior spaces. Engineered oak flooring flows beneath soaring ceilings, while strategic skylights suffuse the residence with natural light.
The heart of the home showcases a gourmet kitchen appointed with premium Miele appliances, stone surfaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living via glass sliders to a private courtyard.
The accommodation encompasses a ground-floor guest suite with designer bathroom, while the upper level hosts an opulent
main retreat featuring a walk-in robe and dual-vanity ensuite. Two additional bedrooms share a luxurious bathroom with freestanding bathtub, complemented by a second living space crowned with dramatic skylights.
Every element has been meticulously considered, from the floating staircase to the climate control and double-glazed windows. Embracing its coveted beachside location mere moments from lifestyle amenities, this family retreat offers an exceptional living experience defined by superior modern coastal design. ■
For enquiries contact Bradley Pearce 0430 460 900 Olivia Brenchley 0419 900 719 VIEW LISTING
In Conversation with
P aul C onrad
We spoke with Paul Conrad, founder of Paul Conrad Architects, about his journey from working in large firms to establishing his own practice. Conrad shared insights on his design philosophy, his experiences in London, and his commitment to elegant, timeless spaces.
What inspired you to start your own practice, and how has your international experience influenced your design philosophy?
During my time working in London, I was exposed to an enormously rich range of architectural styles, from Modernist to Classical, as well as a design process that blurred the boundary between architecture and interior design. This inspired me to found a practice that places equal focus on architecture and interiors. The combination of these two disciplines working in harmony strengthens the project dynamic and ensures a considered and unified outcome. My experience in London has further influenced my design philosophy, bringing a European sensibility with a focus on elegant and timeless design.
How do you navigate the design process to ensure each project is tailored to the client and site?
Every project and client is unique. My design response always begins by thoroughly considering the site and understanding all constraints and parameters—the foundation of any good architectural solution. The client's needs and expectations remain at the forefront of the process. The floorplan forms the DNA of any successful outcome, with stylistic differences considered early on. Our clients have high expectations and are well-versed in design. Understanding their benchmark and style and applying our integrated architectural and interior design approach ensures every project is delivered to the highest standard.
What kind of elements do you integrate into your designs to evoke an emotional connection?
I am fortunate to work with unique materials and skilled artisans whose techniques turn already beautiful materials into handcrafted spaces. We often forget that a house is a bespoke piece of architecture and interior design. The human scale and tactility of interiors is a gateway to creating an emotional connection - artisanal detailing, such as hand-carved timber floors, tells a story of human craftsmanship and creates intricate marvels that no massproduction line can replicate.
Can you discuss the importance of planning and creating the right proportions in a space?
Planning is crucial in design, where architecture and interior design converge. Proportion is heavily scrutinised here, as poor proportions can't be fixed with stylistic layering. We carefully consider the feel and volume of each space, revisiting the building envelope to ensure both internal and external proportions feel right. There's no “one size fits all” approach to proportion—it's an innate feel, specific to each project.
Can you share with us a project where the result exceeded even your own expectations?
Every project has its own defining moment; however, two boldly stand out. One project, perhaps the most ambitious project to date, is nearing completion in two weeks. Our client afforded us the freedom to exercise consideration on every detail of the house, from the site master planning down to the bed linen. Being involved in a project with this level of integration ensures the final product is a highly considered and resolved outcome. The second project is our ‘Toorak Garden Residence’ as this project provided the perfect platform for us to exercise our architectural philosophy and create a home that demonstrated our commitment to the enduring characteristics of architecture – Space, Light and Proportion.
How do you see Paul Conrad Architects evolving in the future?
We have some exciting architectural and interior design projects locally, interstate and overseas. We are also delving into hotel work with a luxury ocean-side property. Developing a design typology that focuses on rest, wellness, and relaxation is an area we look forward to contributing to. Many of our upcoming projects, residential and commercial, are now having a large focus around world-class health and wellness spaces with a human-centric perspective. ■
LEARN MORE
Dubai
Scallop Crudo from Republica
A unique and iconic St Kilda destination located directly on the beach, Republica shares its recipe for Scallop Crudo, a refined and refreshing indulgence.
Native Lime Dressing
Ingredients
45g green yuzu kosho
15g native lime (substitute - regular lime)
50ml mirin
50ml sake
25g castor sugar
75ml lime juice
55ml rice wine vinegar
Ingredients Method Method
In a stainless steel pot, add the mirin and sake together to create a flambé – (flambé is a cooking procedure in which alcohol is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flames.)
Once the mixture has cooked and the flames are out, pour the mixture and the remaining ingredients into a food processor and blend on full speed for one minute.
Allow the dressing to cool in the refrigerator for two hours.
Scallops
Native lime dressing (from above)
4 large scallops, cut in half
6 grapes, cut into wedges of 4
5g Guindilla peppers, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely diced
Extra virgin olive oil
1 baby cucumber, cut into thin slices
Pinch of dried chilli powder
A few leaves of winter purslane (substitute - watercress)
¼ lemon wedge
Pinch of salt
Serves 4
Slice scallops in half.
In a mixing bowl, add the sliced Guindilla peppers, shallot, splash of olive oil, scallops and season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.
Allow the scallops to sit for a minute; the acidity from the lemon will cure the scallops.
Place the scallops on a plate and dress with the native lime dressing.
Delicately add the grape wedges and cucumber slices on top of the scallops and around the plate.
Finish with a dash of extra virgin olive oil, dried chilli powder and purslane leaves.
A C elebration of Nature
On October 24, the lush suburb of Hawthorn transformed into a living gallery as NGVWA (National Gallery of Victoria Women’s Association) Garden Day welcomed visitors to explore seven exquisite gardens, each showcasing a distinct style—from historically significant National Trust-listed gardens to cuttingedge contemporary designs.
For many attendees, it was a rare opportunity to glimpse into the verdant and private landscapes that define ‘Hidden Hawthorn,’ with some of these properties opening to the public for the first time.
Marshall White was honoured to serve as the new Premium Event Partner for this remarkable event.
Supporting NGVWA Garden Day this year was both a privilege and a joy, as it aligns with our commitment to community engagement and celebrating the unique beauty of Melbourne’s residential landscape.
To amplify the event’s reach, we strategically placed billboards throughout Melbourne, raising awareness and helping achieve a record number of ticket sales.
One of the event’s most charming highlights was the iconic Garden Stall, which took on an especially glamorous air this year. Nestled in an Englishstyle heritage garden, the stall was a scene from a storybook, with its gravel driveway flanked by peachtoned umbrellas, delicate climbing roses, and botanicalprinted table cloths. Volunteers wore matching aprons that became so popular they were nearly as sought after as the plants and produce on offer.
Visitors basked under sunny skies and an atmosphere filled with warmth and community. The stall itself brimmed with carefully curated goods, from olive oil by Cobram Estate and eggs by Kinross to delicious treats from Mother Mary and Johnny Ripe. There were potted plants and fresh floral arrangements from Brooks Nursery, alongside a selection of coffee table books from Thames & Hudson. Signed editions of works by celebrated authors Paul Bangay and Annie Smithers proved to be crowd favourites, selling out quickly.
Garden enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to engage directly with four of the renowned landscape designers: Izzy Meraviglia-Crivelli, Ian Barker, Eden Gilligan, and Hendrick Van Leeuwen, who were on hand to share insights and answer questions. Adding to the day’s community spirit, three garden owners personally greeted visitors, offering a warm welcome and a glimpse into the inspiration behind their carefully crafted landscapes.
The event’s grand finale was an eagerly awaited raffle, featuring luxurious prizes, including a $10,000 travel voucher from Botanica World Discoveries—a fitting close to an unforgettable day.
At Marshall White, we take great pride in supporting events that celebrate community and culture, and NGVWA Garden Day was a testament to this. It was a true pleasure to play a part in such a vibrant celebration of garden artistry and community spirit.
NGVWA is a volunteer-led organisation that supports the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) through fundraising and community events, with the proceeds typically going towards art acquisitions, educational programs, and exhibitions at the gallery. NGVWA Garden Day is one of their signature events, inviting the public to explore private and historic gardens while raising funds for the NGV’s initiatives. Through partnerships with various sponsors and contributions from volunteers, NGVWA plays a key role in promoting arts and culture in Victoria. ■
Photography Credit: James Grant
Prestige Property Market Set for Growth
Opportunities Ahead for Buyers and Sellers
As we approach 2025, Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula property markets are attracting high-end buyers, with forecasts from major banks like ANZ and NAB predicting 3-5% growth over the next year*. This growth is supported by expected interest rate decreases and a stable economic outlook. Buyers are particularly drawn to Melbourne’s affluent suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula’s premium coastal properties, with added appeal from ongoing local infrastructure investments and lifestyle benefits.
Industry experts see sustained demand for these premium markets, supported by Victoria’s projected population growth of 6.2 million by 2031. Melbourne’s relative affordability compared to Sydney makes it a prime choice for high-end property seekers without Sydney’s premium price tag.
For sellers, 2025 presents a strategic moment, with rising property values and increased buyer interest in both regions. CoreLogic data also highlights Melbourne’s strengthening rental market, with average rents up by 10% annually, indicating high demand and potential for further property value appreciation.
Thinking about buying, selling, or investing? Contact your local Marshall White team today. Our experienced sales specialists are ready to guide you through Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula’s high-end market, helping you seize the unique opportunities ahead.
*Data source – Open Agent ■
Developed by Designed by Gardens by
A landmark family masterpiece, delivered by Neil Architects and flawlessly presented as new, this breath-taking, four bedroom, five bathroom plus office residence directly overlooks the generous expanses of Grace Park, after which Hawthorn’s esteemed Grace Park Estate was named. Lavishly orgainsed to receive streams of northern light, over three elevator-connected levels of unashamed luxury, this...
Auction Saturday 16th November at 12.30pm
7 Charles Street, Hawthorn
207 Highfield Road, Camberwell
Lynden Park is a collection of just five parkside residences nestled in an idyllic pocket of Camberwell. Elegantly crafted by Ascui & Co and John Patrick.
Architecture by Developed & Built by Gardens by
Contact your local team to experience the Marshall White difference.
801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999 Our Locations
Brighton
225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
Sandringham
22 Bay Road, Sandringham VIC 3191 (03) 9822 9999
Balwyn
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
Hawthorn
Doncaster
908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9822 9999
Flinders
10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 8564 2464
Mt Eliza
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
Sorrento
60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000
Albert Park
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park (03) 9822 9999
Armadale
1111 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
