JAMES PILCHER
DIRECTOR and PRINCIPAL
Nominated NSW ARB No. 10030
NSW Licensed Contractor: 272736C
Certificate IV, Building and Construction Master of Architecture
A+ Member, Australian Institute of Architects Member, Master Builders Association Member, Association of Professional Builders
James oversees every project at MILEHAM, drawing on his rare qualification as both a Registered Architect and Licensed Builder, to ensure his client’s designs stay within their build budget, and that all builds are delivered with the upmost care, quality and precision. He brings with him over 20 years experience in the industry spanning architecture, construction and property development.
James adopts a holistic approach with every project. By applying his construction knowledge at every Design Stage, clients benefit from James’ ability to cost the build for a design while it is being developed (i.e. before it goes to DA or CDC approval), thereby reducing the financial, time and emotional waste so frequently experienced in the home design industry.
James draws his creative inspiration from timeless, classic and proportional design and has an appreciation for bold application of design and interiors. He is passionate about working with each of his client’s unique design goals and challenges, taking into consideration their surrounding environment to ensure each design solution is unique, personal and timeless.
“For me, it’s about getting a great feeling when entering a space, and trying to work out what elements are creating that nice environment, so I can apply them to future designs.”
Five minutes with James…
What first attracted you to a career in architecture and construction?
From a young age, I was mesmerised by construction sites, and loved watching a building unfold from the diggers and earth movers, to the layers being built on top. I was also a very good drawer and would return home to sketch my version of what I’d seen that day. That love of experiencing, imagining and drawing is still alive and well in me today with every new project I take on.
Where does your creative and design inspiration come from?
I need to immerse myself in physical spaces – it’s more about how somewhere feels rather than how it looks. I rarely find inspiration by looking at pictures of nature or other people’s work. For me, it’s about getting a great feeling when entering a space, and trying to work out what elements are creating that nice environment, so I can apply them to future designs.
You live in a busy house with your wife, three young children, and a labrador. What design features will be incorporated into your new home to accommodate your family’s changing needs?
Making sure we have no wasted spaces – no need for formal living and dining areas, and each room in our new house has a set purpose that everyone can use. I’m looking for a sense of connection throughout the house, so while parents can be in one room, kids can be playing in another – with a sense of closeness, yet still enjoying separate spaces.
We’re also building a swimming pool to create the feeling of an oasis, an outdoor area backing onto the bush where we look forward to entertaining and spending time with family and friends.
What’s your favourite building in Sydney that exemplifies outstanding design?
It has to be the iconic Sydney Opera House – I know it’s a cliché, but it really is an absolute wonder of modern architecture and truly one of a kind. Fifty years on, the building is just as impressive today as it was when officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. One of my favourite books is Building a Masterpiece: The Sydney Opera House which explores the many untold chapters in the long history of the Opera House's gestation, development and completion – the individuals, the companies, the politicians and, of course, the innovative design, construction methods and technology behind the project.
How do you think sustainability and environmental impact will change house designs and construction practices in the next five years?
Construction practices are unlikely to change. However we will see a shift in clients wanting to make more “healthy choices” in their home’s design features and materials, to reduce their impact on the environment, and to protect the craftsmen making these products. A move towards choosing sustainable and natural materials, as opposed to manmade composite products, will increase and, as architects, we continue to educate clients on design practices that consider light and airflow, and creating zones within a house for more energy-efficient heating and cooling.
What’s the biggest challenge currently facing the residential construction industry?
Consumer confidence and trust! Although prices and material availability have somewhat stabilised since 2022, liquidity within the building industry will continue to trouble companies that have taken on too many fixed-price contracts during the past few years. It’s important for consumers to seek out financially healthy and trustworthy builders who provide realistic and detailed quotes, and have a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Career highlight to date?
Winning our first Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing Award last year (2022) when we only launched our firm in 2020, and then winning this MBA Award again this year is a huge honour. We’re a young firm, not yet four years old, but we pride ourselves on the deeply personal level of service and high quality craftsmanship we deliver on each and every project. Handing over the keys to a happy client at completion is such a rewarding and satisfying achievement - that feeling never gets old.
Memorable projects you’ve personally worked on?
We were two weeks out from completing construction on our Elegant Parisian Townhouse project when, in the midst of a Covid outbreak, the NSW Government announced a construction shutdown. It was “tools down immediately” on sites across Sydney, causing major disruptions and flow on effects to the supply chain for both materials and tradespeople trying to move from job to job. The shutdown effect set back our project by six weeks, which had a flow on effect to other projects in our pipeline. Thankfully, our clients were very understanding and were thrilled with the outcome, however I’m glad this experience is behind me now (I do not like my projects to run behind!).
This or That?
· Traditional or modern? Traditional
· Open plan or defined spaces? Defined spaces
· Renovation or new construction? New construction
· Hand-drawn sketches or digital modelling? Definitely hand-drawn sketches
· Sweet or savoury? Savoury – give me spaghetti bolognese any day of the week!
