About

Bligh Graham Architects acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which our studio is situated.

Bligh Graham Architects is situated in Samford Valley, primarily undertaking work on residential, aged care, public, cultural and commercial projects ranging in budget from $100k to $40m. 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 and national print media, including for sustainable ‘green’ design. In 2008, Bligh Graham Architects was the recipient of the prestigious Robin Dods award – the highest award in Queensland for residential architecture. The practice only takes on a limited number of projects at a time to ensure a high level of service and professional delivery.

Philosophy

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, promote a sense of wellbeing and engage with our culture.

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. It is as much about the making of landscapes and gardens as it is about enclosures – of private and public worlds.

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.

Process

Reflecting our pursuit of an ‘architecture of gathering’ is our engagement in an in-depth process of design exploration. In the journey from concept to detail we exploit various means of testing ideas and communicating these to the client.

Following careful analysis of the client brief and site we start with hand sketching followed by physical model making. We then move to 3D CAD modeling and drafting. Samples of proposed materials and finishes are gathered and the selection of all built-in items covered. The close involvement of the client in the journey from ideas to form is critical for achieving a building they love. We use physical and 3D CAD modelling to assist the client visualising the proposal.

From the very start of each project we anaylise the client budget and its relationship to the brief to ensure that the design proposal is appropriate, and clients have a clear understanding of the fit of their budget to their brief. We involve both builders and costing professionals in assisting with this at each stage of the design process.

Our typical service includes representing the client when the building is on site and working collaboratively with the builder to ensure the correct execution of the design, the resolution of any unforeseen items and the exploration of opportunities that may arise.

"Bligh Graham Architects developed a unique design that suited the location and provided a functional and beautiful living space. Subsequently, they have designed four other houses for us. We have found Chris an excellent person to deal with and would have no hesitation to use him again on any other projects we may develop. "

Samford House

Awards

2024

Auchenflower Cottage + Tower House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Brisbane Regional Commendation - Alterations and Additions

2022

LiveWorkShare House
Houses Awards
Commendation New House over 200m2

LiveWorkShare House
AIA National Architecture Awards
David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture

LiveWorkShare House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional House of the Year Award

LiveWorkShare House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation for New House

LiveWorkShare House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation for Sustainable Architecture

LiveWorkShare House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Award for Residential Architecture

LiveWorkShare House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Award for Sustainable Architecture

LiveWorkShare House
Houses Awards
Commendation for Sustainability

2021

LiveWorkShare House
Sustainable Building Awards
New Dwelling - Highly Commended

2020

Bardon House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation for New House

2019

Harriet House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

2018

Tarragindi Steel House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

Samford C House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Shortlist for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations & Additions)

2013

New Farm Studio
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

Cedar Creek House and Studio
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

Chelmer House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

Chelmer House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation for Sustainable Architecture

2010

Redhill House & Home Office
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

2009

Fig Tree Pocket River House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Award for Residential Architecture

Fig Tree Pocket River House
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation for Residential Architecture

2008

Samford House 1
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

Samford House 1
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture

Samford House 1
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
State Interior Award

2005

Fig Tree Pocket House 1
AIA Queensland Architecture Awards
Regional Commendation

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