Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we engage in conversations with design trailblazers. Today, we spotlight Simon Montgomery, the director of SM Studio, an interdisciplinary design firm specializing in modern rural dwellings. With 15 years of expertise in contemporary residential design, Simon, a member of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC), holds a Masters of Architecture from The University of British Columbia.
SM Studio recently earned Western Living’s Designer of the Year Award in Architecture for 2023, solidifying their impact in the field. Simon’s work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Wallpaper Magazine, Dwell, and Dezeen.
Join us as we speak to Simon Montgomery and understand his journey through insights, by exploring the intersection of design, innovation, and rural environments.
RTF: Hi Simon, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. Talk us through your approach towards designing sustainable modern homes.
Simon: Hi. Thanks for having me. What a pleasure it is to join the conversation.
All projects start the same way and that is by engaging with the client on a deep level to fully understand their wants, needs and dreams. We seek a very close relationship with our clients so that the outcome isn’t just an SM Studio house, but something that the clients will fall in love with and make their home.
Once we proceed with the actual design process, we ensure that there is plenty of opportunity for client engagement to ensure that they are happy with the direction. We see this as a very collaborative process with the clients, the contractor and the SM Studio team.
Our homes are client specific, but they are also site specific. We spend a lot of time getting to know the site and understanding what factors will affect and/ or inform our design. We look for clues that help the design process. As we are often working in rural environments, nature has been and is a huge influence on our work. We look at how we can connect to the landscape in a meaningful way and how nature can become a part of the architecture.
In terms of sustainability, we utilize strategies such as passive cooling, solar shading, energy efficient building systems and a preference for natural and local materials. We offer our clients and coordinate solar panels and rainwater harvesting. Native plants and permeable landscaping products are promoted.
RTF: How do you look to build upon winning Western Living’s 2023 Designer of the Year for Architecture?
Simon: Great question. Last year was a big year for the studio. We were featured in many great publications and to win the WL Award for Architecture was beyond my expectations. There were so many great firms up for the award and to be chosen as the winner was a real honor.
Winning the award has brought the studio more exposure, which means a lot to the business side of things. A successful year for us would see bigger residential projects in different markets.
RTF: What are the challenges a designer is faced with to run their studio? Tell us about the early days of SM STUDIO.
Simon: I came into this rather naively and didn’t think too far beyond the architecture side of things. Early on it was myself at home seeing if I could make a go of it. Organically I began to take on more work and hired a small team and moved to a co-working space and then to a larger office.
I think the biggest challenge is that I studied architecture, not business. If I had thought too much or known about the reality of running a small business, I may have never made the leap.
I work hard to remain engaged in the practice of architecture, while simultaneously running the business of architecture. HR, bookkeeping, marketing, new business development, social media, proposals etc. – there is so much more to running a design firm than just the design. It’s all a challenge, but I’m up for it and have certainly learned a lot over the last 5 years.
RTF: What is your favourite project to date and what makes it so?
Simon: I have two projects that are very important to me. Both of which had clients that allowed us to push ourselves creatively and were also collaborative in nature. These two projects have received plenty of press/ attention and given us important exposure.
Our East Van Residence is house in an urban environment, while Forest House is a project in the forest of Bowen Island. Two very different projects that together have helped establish a studio aesthetic that seems to connect with people in a very positive way.
RTF: Where is the global home design landscape headed?
Simon: Where is it headed? Good question. I think every region has its own reality particularly around economics/ affordability and density. Globally there needs to be a further push into sustainability.
RTF: What does your idea of scaling a design firm look like? What would you advise the young designers to build a successful architecture firm?
Simon: Scaling a design firm is a real challenge that I am still trying to figure out. We have been bigger and now we are smaller. When we were bigger, I found myself managing people and doing less design work, which is the work I love. Our current model allows me to play a bigger role in the design and allows others to project manage.
This business, like any business, is about people. Hire great people and it makes your life easier. If you can find that person that can play a bigger role in any aspect of your business that frees up your time – do all you can to keep that person.
For anyone trying to build a successful architecture firm. At the beginning, take any job that comes your way. You need to build a portfolio and gain as much exposure as possible. There are many architects out there. Tell the story of what differentiates you from all the rest. Ultimately, find a niche and become the expert in that niche.
RTF: What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Simon: We consume so much on social media these days. The voice of the traditional architecture critic is scarce. As you scroll through social media or read the comments section of an online article – we are all critics. Less educated, but perhaps more democratic, judged by the number of likes rather than by a single voice. Is this a bad thing? I don’t know, but it is the reality of the social age, the immediacy of how we consume media and our short attention spans.
RTF: What are some go-to architecture platforms you use to seek inspiration or publish your work to reach a wider audience?
Simon: I have an almost daily hit list of websites that I visit for inspiration – of which I have either been published on or would like to be. Some more design than architecture.
Wallpaper Magazine, Dezeen, Uncrate, Divisare, Est Living, Cereal Magazine, Kinfolk, Leibal.
RTF: How do you look at the responsibility of architecture firms being far more than just ‘designing’?
Simon: As a profession, we make things that shape how one moves through and experiences the world. We can improve lives and bring happiness to so many. I see this as a real gift to be able to do what we do. But of course we should do more than make beautiful things.
Architecture is also one of the biggest carbon emitters and we have a responsibility to our planet and our children to design buildings using sustainable principles. This is the only future of our profession that makes sense.
RTF: Highlight the exciting part and the challenges of working in collaboration with contractors and consultants.
Simon: On all of our projects, we like to engage contractors and consultants early on in the design process. We try to try to build the best team possible. Generally we are entering into a relationship with our clients and contractors for 1 – 3 years depending on project size and scope. Working with the right people ensures a smoother process and an enjoyable experience for all involved.
If you hire the right contractor they add so much value to the project. We are very collaborative and work closely with contractors to come up with solutions that may be much better than what was conceived. Conversely, hiring the wrong contractor can see a very poor outcome. All of the thought and love that goes into your drawing package can be all for nought.
RTF: How do you keep yourself motivated? What would you suggest to the budding architects who await success in the field? What must be the mindset?
Simon: I really love what I do and I want every project we work on to be the best it can be. I love the creative act of making things and putting them out in the world. There is a pursuit of perfection that interests me whilst knowing that it will never be perfect.
I am motivated by making a difference in the lives of others. I see our work as being something that can bring happiness to those who inhabit/ experience our projects and am incredibly grateful to be able to do this work.
For anyone starting out, I would suggest two things. Self belief and patience. Self belief goes a long way in life and in architecture. Architecture is a patient game. It takes years from project conception through to completion to finally photographing it. Be patient. Enjoy the process.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know about you and your work. We’re sure that your insights will be highly valuable to our audience which includes architects and design students. We look forward to publishing this interview on our website soon.
Thanks for having me. It was enjoyable.
