TBR Interview: Jayson Pate, Jayson Pate Design.

Celebrated building designer, Jayson Pate, worked with Three Balls Red’s Jasmine Dowthwaite, husband Ash and Havendeen Projects’ Tui and Rob McKinnon to create the thoughtfully-designed new lifestyle residences, Olsens Miami. TBR caught up with Jayson to chat about the inspirations and the process of creating two truly spectacular homes with considered spaces inspired by the coastal, creative hub of Miami.

TBR: Was this a collaborative design process?

JP: Yes! We love working alongside other creatives.

Processes like this are never short of incredible ideas. The key to getting these designs right is knowing which ideas to use and understanding that not all are necessary. Balance is key. The process was very smooth.

The clients are incredible and so is the result. 

TBR: How would you describe the aesthetic of the space? What were your inspirations?

JP: We love it when clients ‘dare to be different’.

In this case, we drew on the clients’ skill set of metal roofing and cladding to create a striking first floor facade that cantilevers over its brick base. The use of high-pitched, gable roofs allows generous ceiling heights internally, helping the dwellings to feel more spacious.

The colour palette chosen for the first floor pays homage to the site's coastal location, while its red brick base adds colour and helps to ground the design. Pops of timber also add warmth. 

TBR What are some of your favourite design elements?

JP: Having grown up in Melbourne, the use of red brick and standing seam metal cladding was embedded in me at an early age. Being able to use these elements certainly makes them a favourite.

I also love the functionality of the kitchen and dining areas. The built-in bench seating is perfect for the space. 

TBR: What are some other ways you created the illusion of more space?

JP: It’s important to understand a project’s constraints and find ways to turn them into positives. In this case, the overall height limit posed a problem. Clever use of floor heights not only allowed us to find a solution for approval, but create separation and character in the master suites.

Raked ceilings are also a great way to increase a space's volume allowing them to feel more spacious.

Built-in areas are also another way to minimise a home’s footprint.

TBR: Did the coastal location of Miami, known as the Coast’s unofficial arts and creative hub, play a role in the design and how important is it to incorporate a sense of place into architecture?

JP: The coastal location and Miami's influence certainly played a part in the overall composition of the final product.

The shape of the dwelling’s first floors play on the quintessential home shape we drew as kids. The asymmetrical window placement adds a quirkiness and ensures the design feels perfectly imperfect.