On this occasion it was for Tom and Sonja, whose beachside home in Thirroul Shane renovated. In fact, Shane had renovated Tom and Sonja’s home before they bought it for the former owners, and they tracked Shane down for more renovations because they loved the work so much.

For the renovation of Tom and Sonja’s weekender, a 1-bedroom flat in the seminal Darlinghurst apartment building, The Horizon, by famed architect Harry Seidler, Shane joined forces with another renowned architect Stephen Collier – Australian Institute of Architects multi-award winner including the winner of Educational Architecture Award at 2022 NSW Architecture Awards and winner of 2018 Australian Award for International Architecture.

Tom’s personal history with the property too afforded its own significance to Shane. The Horizon stands on the very same spot by the wharf where Tom first set foot on Australian soil as a young boy who emigrated from Italy with his family some 60 years ago

Even though this build was unlike the grand scale of many of Shane’s northern Illawarra projects, Shane acknowledges there were similarities in architectural build precision and client expectation.

“There is complexity in such a small space,” said Shane. “With only 70 square metres to work within, everything had to be millimetre perfect.

“Stephen’s clever use of design made it a very technical job. Stephen and I really enjoyed our collaboration. We spent a lot of time together on details like materials, plumbing, electrical, and fixtures. That great communication with my architects really matters to me.

“Tom and Sonja wanted to have guests stay over and make use of the amazing views across the harbour,” continued Shane. “Stephen’s moveable door and wall design offered both privacy and outlook. One bedroom can be separated into two or the space can be opened entirely to have a bath looking out over the skyline.”

Meticulous project management was also called for, driven significantly in this case by the demands made by the tightly held body corporate and body corporate by-laws.

“When you have to book out the lifts weeks in advance, each day had to count. There was no room for delay,” said Shane.

Shane’s experience working with world-class architects has been a relief for many who are moving to the clifftops that stretch the northern region from Thirroul to Stanwell Park.

“Sydney clients moving here often struggle to get that trust with a local builder, because it’s unknown and out of their area,” said Shane. “I think it helps to share a philosophy with my clients who care about building a home that will age gracefully and withstand 100 years or more.

“It’s about contributing to a legacy. About respecting our spectacular coastal environment with homes that revere it and consciously seek to preserve its beauty in the way we live in and around it.

“I value responsible design which uses materials that last. You have to pick the right materials for the coast. I want my homes to last a lifetime, that won’t have us knocking it down in 30 years from now and starting again.

“In my earlier years when I worked a lot more on Sydney Harbour homes, I got so much excitement from building with those architects and homeowners who shared that same philosophy. I learned I could find a way to turn almost every one of their wonderful ideas into reality.

“I’m pleased to still work with some of those architects and owners who are now building here.”

With more people discovering how stunning our region is and moving south, Shane comments that Sydney no longer has a stronghold on setting the architectural trends of our time.

“I’m seeing our local architectural design community coming into its own too,” continued Shane. “I work with some great local architects here including Alex Urena, who has just won the 2022 TIDA Australia Designer New Home of the Year. I have a project with Alex starting next year in Coledale.

“These designs have made our industry stand up and pay attention to the Illawarra.

 “I’m glad to be a part of that changing build philosophy. I love the coastal road drive down past the escarpment to Thirroul. With every new project, I’m proud I can build those homes that reflect that same love I have for where we live.”

To view the Simpson & Co. portfolio, visit www.simpsoncoprojects.com.au