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Neil Cownie Architect

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With more than 35 years of experience as an architect, Neil Cownie has reached an enviable point in his career.

In 2009, he established his own firm so he could focus on projects that bring him – and his clients – delight and joy.

Neil weaves together various influences – researching sustainable solutions, referencing the environment and site conditions; drawing inspiration from historical precedents and the latest innovations; a deep understanding of how people and spaces function; and his love of textural materials and hand crafted elements – to create residential, commercial and hospitality spaces that can be experienced through all five senses.

From large-scale master-planning down to the intricate details that elevate each project beyond the everyday, Neil brings wisdom and experience to his practice. He maintains close connections with his clients throughout the life of each project, to ensure the final outcome exceeds their expectations while remaining within budget.

In the earlier part of his career, Neil worked as a director at a major Perth firm, where he was responsible for a range of project types including houses, interiors, multi-unit residences, commercial buildings, hospitality and mixed use developments, many of them award-winning.

Now, he combines his passion for design in all its forms – architecture, landscape, furniture, lighting and objects – with his clients’ aspirations to realise their dreams in built form, always aiming to create timeless buildings that will endure.

Press & Awards

ACCOLADES | ROSCOMMON HOUSE

NCA has received the following accolades for the design of the Roscommon House project:

2019

  • Concrete Institute of Australia – 2019 Excellence in Concrete Awards – 2019 State Award for Roscommon House.
  • Build Magazine UK Awards– 2019 Design & Build Awards ‘Ones to Watch in Australia Award’ for Roscommon House.

2018

  • World Architecture Festival ‘INSIDE’ Awards ‘Residential’ category finalist (one of 12 worldwide) – Winners announced following live presentations to Jurors – Amsterdam.
  • R.A.I.A. WA Architecture Award ‘Residential’ category 2018 for Roscommon House.
  • R.A.I.A. WA Architecture Award ‘Interior Architecture’ category 2018 for Roscommon House.
  • R.A.I.A. WA ‘Shortlisted’ in the Lighting Award category 2018 for Roscommon House (one of five buildings).
  • Houses Magazine Awards Shortlisted ‘Residential 200sqm + Category 2018 for Roscommon House.
  • Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Finalist ‘2018 Sustainability’ Category for Roscommon House & Shortlisted ‘2018 Residential’ Category for Roscommon House.
  • Timber Design Awards Winner of the ‘2018 Interior Fit-out’ category and Finalist in the ‘2018 Furniture / Joinery’ category for Roscommon House.
  • Australia by Design – Channel 10 TV Program ‘Best in State’ Award 2018 + ‘Runner up’ Award Nationally for Roscommon House.
  • Design Institute of Australia WA (D.I.A) ‘2018 Interior Design’ Category Commendation Award for Roscommon House & ‘2018 Interior Decoration’ Category Commendation Award for Roscommon House.
  • Design Institute of Australia WA (D.I.A) ‘2018 Product Design’ Category Commendation Award for ‘Kiosk Dining Table’ & ‘2018 Product Design’ Category Shortlisting for ‘Sea Breeze Table’ for design of custom furniture items within Roscommon House.
  • Interior Design Awards (IDA) Honourable Mention 2018 for Roscommon House.
  • Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Shortlisted for Roscommon House.

ACCOLADES | RIVER HOUSE

NCA has received the following accolades for the design of the River House project:

2016

  • D.I.A. ‘Good Design Australia’ Awards – shortlisted finalist in Interior Category 2016 for River House.
  • D.I.A. ‘Good Design Australia’ Awards – shortlisted finalist in Residential Architecture Category 2016 for River House.

2015

  • Design Institute of Australia Award (D.I.A.) – Shortlisted for the Interior Design Category 2015 for River House.
  • Design Institute of Australia Award (D.I.A) – Shortlisted for the Product Design Category 2015 for River House.

ACCOLADES | COTTESLOE BEACH HOUSE

NCA has received the following accolades for the design of the Cottesloe Beach House project:

2016

  • Housing Industry of Australia (H.I.A) Shortlisted finalist in the 2016 Energy Efficiency Category for New Houses.
Services
ArchitectureInterior DesignLandscape DesignFurniture, lighting and objectsmulti-unit residences

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Business details

Category:
Architects
Business focus:
Residential & Commercial
Verified ArchiPro member since:
2022
Associations:
Australian Institute of Architects

Reviews about
Neil Cownie Architect

Professional Reviews

1 / 6

“At our first meeting with Neil, we felt a connection immediately. He listened to all our wants and needs and came up with an initial design so unique and interesting that we were hooked! Never would we have envisaged the home that he designed for us. At our first meeting with Neil, we felt a connection immediately. He listened to all our wants and needs and came up with an initial design so unique and interesting that we were hooked! Never would we have envisaged the home that he designed for us. Neil is a creative genius. His talents extend well beyond the architectural design – his ability to extend his design ideas to encapsulate the wider external environment surrounding the home, to the whole interior design (including furnishings) is equally exceptional. His attention to detail is incredible and unlike anything we have seen, and it certainly brings it all together. Neil oversaw the project from start to finish. He was always in close contact with us, our builder, and was often interacting with our trades on site. If there was a query or issue to discuss he was always available to offer his advice and assisted in finding a resolution. His professionalism and ability to build solid working relationships with everyone involved is what made the project such an enjoyable success. To us, our family, neighbours and lots of inquisitive strangers, Neil has created an artistic masterpiece. But more importantly, he has created a home that we absolutely love and look forward to enjoying with our family and friends.Neil is a creative genius. His talents extend well beyond the architectural design – his ability to extend his design ideas to encapsulate the wider external environment surrounding the home, to the whole interior design (including furnishings) is equally exceptional. His attention to detail is incredible and unlike anything we have seen, and it certainly brings it all together. Neil oversaw the project from start to finish. He was always in close contact with us, our builder, and was often interacting with our trades on site. If there was a query or issue to discuss he was always available to offer his advice and assisted in finding a resolution. His professionalism and ability to build solid working relationships with everyone involved is what made the project such an enjoyable success. To us, our family, neighbours and lots of inquisitive strangers, Neil has created an artistic masterpiece. But more importantly, he has created a home that we absolutely love and look forward to enjoying with our family and friends.”

Anne & Stan Venoutsos (owners of 123 House)