Virginia Kerridge on fusing indoor and outdoor living

Writing for Interiors Addict, I see my fair share of drool-worthy homes, but never have I ever been so set on moving into one, as I am for Virginia Kerridge Architect’s project, Lilyfield Warehouse.

A creative adaptation of a rendered brick industrial warehouse building into a family home, the heart of the design is the central garden. Visible from most areas of the house, it is the pinnacle of indoor-outdoor living and most simply just looks effortlessly cool!

It is therefore not surprising that it is one of Virginia’s favourite projects, winning four awards, including the AIA Interior Architecture Award and two Houses Awards. Yet it is a favourite of Virginia’s for another reason, and that’s the clients. “My dream project is any project where the client, architect and builder are on the same wavelength,” says Virginia. “So my favourite projects are always for my favourite clients and most recently the Lilyfield Warehouse was a favourite project, not least because of the lovely clients!”

Another two projects close to her heart for the very same reason are the Taylor Square Warehouse and the House in Country NSW. The Taylor Square Warehouse in particular, being a catalyst for a style that would end up being synonymous with Virginia Kerridge Architect. “Taylor Square Warehouse began an interest in adaptive re-use projects,” says Virginia. “From there it was the House in Country NSW, which was the design of three houses in the country including ancillary sheds in the surrounding area. Achievements in architecture are always related to the most successful projects and this was a very special project.”

With a focus on adapting spaces to suit different needs, Virginia will always design with nature and the property’s surrounding land, in mind. Her projects are very detailed and one-off, tailored to the clients and very place specific. While this design style works very well for residential, Virginia also enjoys branching out into the hospitality and commercial sectors.

Currently designing several new houses in Byron Bay, a hotel in Cabarita, an eight-storey apartment building in the Gold Coast and alterations to individual houses, Virginia is by no means slowing down, but that’s exactly how she likes it.

In fact it was for that very reason — being able to pick her own projects and choose how much or little she worked — that Virginia started her own firm almost 20 years ago. “You have more freedom,” says Virginia. “You have a choice in what you design and who your clients are. That’s what I enjoy!”