Studio
The Bligh Graham Studio is united by an ethic of respect and listening so as to understand how we can best help. Our workplace and culture reflect the core values we pursue in our work – sustainability, wellness, and human centred.
Us
Bligh Graham Architects is situated on Turrbal and Juggera Country, Samford Village, in what we have called our ‘Live Work Share House.’ The studio primarily undertakes work on residential projects, with some aged care, public, cultural and commercial projects, ranging in budget from $100k to $30m. For us making buildings is way more than just a job. We believe being entrusted with the task of designing an enduring structure is a great privilege and responsibility. Beyond fulfilling their function, buildings should enrich people’s everyday life, engage with our culture and Country, and minimise harm to the environment. This belief has led to the pursuit in our work of what we call ‘an architecture of gathering’ – that is an architecture focused on relationships and associations whether it be between buildings and their sites, people and nature, the past and present, with the ambition of creating places that resonate – that ‘feel right.’ Such architecture is not only functional but has a timeless warmth and richness, simplicity and humility. It is a tailored response to each client and site and not just a style. Sustainability is a core concern that we address at all scales and phases from the initial site planning to the consideration of material selections and additional mechanical services. We look to the holistic integration of passive design principles into the spatial and material logic of our designs. Our concern for occupants wellness leads us to consider all material choices and the building envelope detailing to create spaces that are nurturing.
People
Currently, the core Bligh Graham team includes Chris Bligh, Sonia Graham and Caitlin McDonnell. This highly dedicated team has over 80 years of combined experience in the industry. Each project is worked on collaboratively in a studio environment and personally managed from beginning to end. The practice only takes on a limited number of projects at a time to ensure a high level of service and professional delivery. We have established strong relationships with supporting consultants including engineers, energy efficiency, town planners, landscape architects, lighting designers and skilled builders and tradespeople. We are able to draw upon the expertise and advice of all these players to create outstanding sustainable and holistic solutions. All Architects in the team are members of the Australian Institute of Architects and accordingly maintain a high level of continuing professional development.
Chris Bligh
Director / Architect
B Arch (Hons I) M Arch (UBC) AIA
Chris is a third generation architect who has been working in the industry for over 35 years. Along with Sonia, Chris directs Bligh Graham Architects and is closely involved in all projects from start to finish. His passion for the outdoors is reflected in his sensitive approach to design, commitment for sustainable outcomes, and a concern for getting the fundamentals of a design right. Chris’ interest in architectural theory led to his obtaining a Masters of Advanced Studies in Architecture from the University of British Columbia in 1995–1997. He has been involved in local Universities regularly over the years and with the Institute of Architects Awards program.
Sonia Graham
Director
B Arts Env Des (TAS) B Arch (Hons)
Sonia brings her passion for holistic living to bear on creating design solutions that encompass a whole of life view. Drawing on her broad experience she seeks solutions that are not only practical and enduring, but fun and uplifting. Personal research into alternative housing, environmental design and edible landscapes accompany a long career following graduation from the University of Tasmania in 1993. As a fellow Director, Sonia is involved in all office projects.
Caitlin McDonnell
Associate / Architect
M Arch (QUT) AIA
Caitlin is a Registered Architect with over 12 years industry experience with her career beginning as graduate of QUT’s Bachelor of Design in 2013 and Master of Architecture in 2016. In her early career, Caitlin contributed to projects ranging in typology from housing, community, commercial, mixed use and urban design. Her commitment to architecture and design excellence led her to also tutor, mentoring students through studios at the QUT from 2018 to 2023. Caitlin joined the Bligh Graham team in mid 2023 as a Registered Architect. An adaptive and critical thinker, Caitlin thrives on creating sustainable, equitable and beautiful outcomes for clients on all projects, no matter their budget or scale.
Emily Bligh
Student of Architecture
M Arch (QUT) AIA
Emily is a student of architecture part way through her studies. She brings to her studies a love of fine arts with an ongoing passion for painting. Emilys’ studies are supported by time spent in the outdoors and travel. As a fourth generation architect in the making she also has a lifetime of immersion to draw on including in utero!
Awards
Since being established in 2002 by Chris Bligh and Sonia Graham, the quality of the firm’s work has been repeatedly recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects’ awards program and by local, national, and international print media, including for sustainable ‘green’ design. Bligh Graham Architects is one of only a handful of Queensland practices to be twice awarded the prestigious Robin Dods award – the highest award in Queensland for residential architecture. In 2022 the firm was awarded the pinnacle AIA award for Sustainability – the David Oppenheimer Award, along with a National Commendation for Residential Architecture.
