A Walk & Talk, with Studio Tate.
SMA Projects is collaborating with interior architects Studio Tate on upcoming residential projects in Fitzroy and Collingwood. Director Alex Hopkins shares her affection for the neighbourhood and the many makers who call it home.
“It’s the kind of place where people wear their design sensibilities on their sleeves. Whether they know it or not.”
Alex Hopkins has spent her fair share of time in Fitzroy and Collingwood. Like many in Melbourne’s boundless creative class, she bopped around Inner North sharehouses throughout – and beyond – her student days.
Left to right: Alex and Martin wandering the streets of Fitzroy, the area is inarguably the homeland of natural wine in Melbourne.
Left to right: Alex and Martin wandering the streets of Fitzroy, the area is inarguably the homeland of natural wine in Melbourne.
The neighbourhood according to Alex.
Thanks for being our local guide today, Alex.
The pleasure’s mine. I never turn down an excuse to do laps of Fitzroy and Collingwood. So long as it ends in eating and drinking.
How is the wider area different to when you lived here last?
Fitzroy in particular is changing. Well, it has changed. When I was younger, it was still grungy. But you can still find parts of it that have authentic grit.
What’s an example of a local place with grit?
Well it’s just something casual and relaxed. I’m still always going to go for pub classics at The Standard. Although, what’s really unique about being around here is that you can be truly content at an old school pub, or head just a few blocks away for a more refined, sophisticated experience – like Marion or Cutler & Co.
Left to right: The Hub General Store is a local institution for design, Alex and Martin enjoying the light afternoon sun.
Left to right: The Hub General Store is a local institution for design, Alex and Martin enjoying the light afternoon sun.
High design that still feels friendly.
How do Fitzroy and Collingwood influence your work at Studio Tate?
We’re here all the time. So many of our projects celebrate furniture, hardware, ceramics, artworks and all kinds of things made in these postcodes.
This is the design capital of Melbourne, after all. Where was the last place you went on for work-related reconnaissance?
We frequent The Hub General Store often, as designers, because at Studio Tate we work across three key sectors – residential, workplace and hospitality. It’s an especially great place to go when we’re on the last stretch of our residential projects.
What makes it one of your go-to stops?
Well, firstly we love going to support Jaci [Foti-Lowe]. She’s a Melbourne icon, a successful business leader and just a fabulous person. But above all, she stocks quality product.
Alex and Martin at Fitzroy Town Hall.
Alex and Martin at Fitzroy Town Hall.
A Mutual Affection.
Is there an easy way to describe the design sensibility of the Fitzroy and Collingwood?
Well, yes and no. The essence of the neighbourhood is really tactile. You’ll find it all layered between the urban elements and architecture. It might be a heritage shopfront with steel framed windows, or intricate mosaic tile reliefs or even contemporary architectural forms with brick and steel.
It’s not one thing anymore. And that’s the whole point.
That’s why our SMA Projects team loves working on developments here.
Of course. It seems to me like your ethos is all about design longevity – delivering products that outlast trends and feels relevant to the areas they occupy. That kind of thinking ties in nicely with the suburb of Fitzroy, and the idea of authenticity more broadly.