Lovell Chen is an architectural practice and heritage consultancy founded by Peter Lovell and Kai Chen in

Melbourne Melbourne ( , ; Boonwurrung language, Boonwurrung/ or ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city of the States and territories of Australia, Australian state of Victori ...

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Queen Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India * Victoria (state), a state of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, a provincial capital * Victoria, Seychelles, the capi ...

, Australia. Founded in 1981 as Allom Lovell & Associates, the practice became Lovell Chen in 2005. They are known for their heritage, conservation and strategic planning work, and latterly for architecture. The practice Principals are Kai Chen, Kate Gray, Peter Lovell, Adam Mornement, Anne-Marie Treweeke, Milica Tumbas and Katherine White.

History

Peter Lovell

Peter Lovell graduated

Melbourne University The University of Melbourne (colloquially known as Melbourne University) is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in the state of Victoria. Its ...

with a Bachelor of Building in 1976. Following this he went on to do two years post graduate study focused on research into low cost housing and adaptation and reuse of old buildings – particularly the technical aspect of reuse. Following this he spent 6 months in private practice working for Peter Elliot and then a short piece of work for Guilford Bell. Within 12 months of finishing postgraduate studies he went on to set up his own practice as a specialist in building conservation in Niagara Lane, Melbourne CBD. This office consisted of a collaborative of young practices including Peter Elliot, Gary Boag and John McNabb, all able to support each other in the early days of establishment. This was started in 1979 and ran until 1981. In 1981 he went on to form a partnership with Richard Allom, a Brisbane-based architect to form an architectural practice with offices in Melbourne and

Brisbane Brisbane ( ; ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and largest city of the States and territories of Australia, state of Queensland and the list of cities in Australia by population, third-most populous city in Australia, with a ...

.''The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture''.2012 Edition. Cambridge University Press. p. The Melbourne office was focused on building conservation works in providing advice on restoration in buildings. The Brisbane office was a mix of architecture and conservation work. The aim for the two offices was to provide services across the eastern seaboard including Brisbane,

Sydney Sydney is the capital city of the States and territories of Australia, state of New South Wales and the List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city in Australia. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Syd ...

Canberra Canberra ( ; ) is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the Federation of Australia, federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's list of cities in Australia, largest in ...

and Melbourne. The practice slotted in at a time where there was great interest in conservation work that arose in the late 70’s early 80’s and grew throughout these years. Commissions specialising in the interior such as finishes, paintwork and decorative work were achieved such as the Windsor Hotel, the

Royal Exhibition Building The Royal Exhibition Building is a World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage-listed building in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, built in 1879–1880 as part of the international exhibition movement, which presented over 50 exhibitions between ...

Parliament House Parliament House may refer to: Meeting places of parliament Australia * Parliament House, Canberra, Parliament of Australia * Parliament House, Adelaide, Parliament of South Australia * Parliament House, Brisbane, Parliament of Queensland * P ...

, Princess Theatre, the

Melbourne Town Hall Melbourne Town Hall, often referred to as simply Town Hall, is the administrative seat of the local municipality of the City of Melbourne and the primary offices of the Lord Mayor and city councillors of Melbourne. Located on the northeast co ...

and a number of defence projects including the fort at Queenscliff throughout the 80s and early 90s. In specialising in conservation the firm consisted of two parts – a research based part and applied architectural works.

Kai Chen

Kai Chen graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) degree. Prior to Lovell Chen he worked with Ian Robinson in a practice called Robinson Chen in 1981. This practice consisted of a small studio of architects as well as the builders who completed the projects. Over the next 10 years he worked on a number of residential projects that became internationally recognized and collaborated with many different architects and practitioners. Over the course of this time he worked on roughly 40 residential buildings. While undertaking these projects he also taught at University.

Formation

In 1991 Chen and Lovell met when they were collaborating on a project in the

Dandenongs The Dandenong Ranges (commonly just the Dandenongs) are a set of low mountain ranges in Victoria, Australia, approximately east of the state capital Melbourne. A minor branch of the Great Dividing Range, the Dandenongs consist mostly of rol ...

. Lovell was the heritage consultant for the project while Chen was the designer. The same year Chen joined Lovell while they were working on major additions to Government House in Canberra and the Governor General's residence. Chen came on board as design leader and architect. Until Chen joined, the practice had been mainly concerned with heritage consultancy and restorative commissions, and limited in the amount of architectural works. The plan was to bring contemporary architecture into a heritage practice and combine conservation and design. Once Chen became a part of the practice they were able to pursue these interface issues and expand the office. From 1991 they worked together and then formed the partnership that is Lovell Chen in 2005.

Notable projects

Notable architecture, conservation and heritage projects by Lovell Chen:

1983-2020
Royal Exhibition Building The Royal Exhibition Building is a World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage-listed building in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, built in 1879–1880 as part of the international exhibition movement, which presented over 50 exhibitions between ...
(restoration, conservation, architecture, strategic and heritage planning)

Original architect:

Joseph Reed (architect) Joseph Reed (1823 – 29 April 1890) was an English people, English-born architect in Melbourne, Australia in the Victorian architecture, Victorian era.

, constructed 1870-1880. Lovell Chen has been providing heritage and architectural services for this building and its surrounding gardens for a period of over 40 years. Works include north facade re-building, re-roofing, fabric stabilisation, dome works, facade conservation, detailed interior restoration, adaptive re-use projects, heritage management planning, forecourt restoration and re-opening of the Dome Promenade. Inscribed on the

UNESCO World Heritage World Heritage Sites are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an international treaty A treaty is a formal, legally binding written agreement between sovereign states and/or international organizations that is governed by int ...

List (2004).

1989-2018
Flinders Street Station Flinders Street railway station is a major railway station located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the busiest railway station in Victoria, serving the entire metropolitan rail network ...
(conservation, heritage services)

Original architect: James Fawcett and H.P. Ashworth of the Railways Department, constructed 1902-1910. The practice also has a long association with Melbourne's main station. In 2018, the first phase of a government-funded revitalisation project was completed. Works included seismic strengthening, structural repairs, a new insulated roof system, clock tower works, a new stormwater drainage system, and brickwork, render, pressed metal and joinery repairs. The exterior has been returned to its 1910 colour scheme.

1993-1996, then 2018-2019 Regent Theatre, Melbourne (restoration, conservation, adaptation)

Original architect: Cedric Henry Ballantyne, constructed late 1920s. Fire damage 1945. Reopened 1947, architect: Cowper, Murphy & Appleford. Major restoration and reconstruction undertaken in 1996 followed 25 years of neglect for the spectacular Regent Theatre, originally constructed as a cinema. In 2019, Lovell Chen completed further works, including major structural changes in the auditorium, bringing the Dress Circle closer to the stage and opening the foyer bars onto the rear of the Stalls, which has been re-raked - but you'd never know, as the interior detailing has been seamlessly replicated.

1995-2015
State Library Of Victoria State Library Victoria (SLV) is the state library of Victoria, Australia. Located in Melbourne, it was established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, making it Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free libraries in th ...
(strategic planning, conservation, architecture, heritage services)

Original architect: Joseph Reed, constructed 1854-1980s. A series of projects have been undertaken at the

State Library of Victoria State Library Victoria (SLV) is the state library of Victoria, Australia. Located in Melbourne, it was established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, making it Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free libraries in th ...

in the last 20 years, including strategic planning, concept design for adaptive reuse and conservation works. Most recently, major facade conservation and works to the exterior of the dome drum were carried out.

2005-2011
Australia Post Australia Post, formally the Australian Postal Corporation and also known as AusPost, is an Australian Government-State-owned enterprise, owned corporation that provides postal services throughout Australia. Australia Post's head office is loca ...
National Heritage Strategy (heritage services)

As part of ongoing strategic heritage work with

Australia Post Australia Post, formally the Australian Postal Corporation and also known as AusPost, is an Australian Government-State-owned enterprise, owned corporation that provides postal services throughout Australia. Australia Post's head office is loca ...

, Lovell Chen carried out a nation-wide survey of its properties. It owns more than 520 and leases many more. Assessments determined which have heritage value, and 50 places were subsequently nominated for inclusion in the Commonwealth Heritage List.

2011-2014
Circus Oz Circus Oz is a contemporary circus company based in Australia, collectively owned by its Membership, founded in 1978. Its shows incorporate circus, theatre, satire, rock 'n' roll and a uniquely Australian humour. History Early years Circus Oz r ...
(architecture, adaptation)

Lovell Chen created a new permanent home for

Circus Oz Circus Oz is a contemporary circus company based in Australia, collectively owned by its Membership, founded in 1978. Its shows incorporate circus, theatre, satire, rock 'n' roll and a uniquely Australian humour. History Early years Circus Oz r ...

, including trapeze rehearsal space, by adapting part of the former

Collingwood Technical School Melbourne Polytechnic, formerly NMIT, is an institute of higher education and vocational education (TAFE) located in Melbourne, Australia that has been operating since around 1910. In October 2014, the institute was renamed to Melbourne Polyt ...

. Areas at the centre of the original building complex were removed and new areas constructed as required, roofing over the in-between spaces. Bold, playful, flexible and functional.

2012-2013 Melbourne GPO exterior works (conservation)

Original architects:

William Wardell William Wilkinson Wardell (1823–1899) was a noted architect who practiced in the second half of the 19th century, and is best known for a series of landmark buildings in Australia in Melbourne and Sydney. Following a successful career in ...

, Arthur E. Johnson, constructed 1859, alterations 1919 (

Walter Burley Griffin Walter Burley Griffin (November 24, 1876February 11, 1937) was an American architect and landscape architect. He designed Canberra, Australia's capital city, the New South Wales towns of Griffith, New South Wales, Griffith and Leeton, New So ...

, J.S. Murdoch). The exterior of Melbourne's grand 19th century former General Post Office) was restored and conserved by Lovell Chen following severe fire damage to the building in 2001 and a change of use. Stonework repair and stabilisation. Major roof works, including sheet lead and supporting timbers, and re-cladding all the cornices. Described at the time as the largest leadwork project in the country.

2013-2018 Bendigo Soldiers' Memorial Institute (architecture, conservation)

Original architect: George Dawson Garvin, constructed 1921. Conservation works to

Bendigo Bendigo ( ) is an Australian city in north-central Victoria. The city is located in the Bendigo Valley near the geographical centre of the state and approximately north-west of Melbourne, the state capital. As of 2022, Bendigo has a popula ...

's war memorial, home to a museum and the local club rooms of the RSL), plus a new pavilion/extension to the rear - viewed in the round in a parkland setting. The two-level pavilion is a contemporary, weathering steel-clad interpretation of an arcaded loggia. Certified

Passive House Passive house () is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building that reduces the building's carbon footprint. Conforming to these standards results in ultra-low energy buildings that require less energy for space heating or co ...

, the extension has AA-standard gallery space at its heart. First government building in Australia constructed to Passive House standard.

2014-2016 Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship (architecture)

In the grounds of

Ormond College Ormond College is the largest of the residential colleges of the University of Melbourne located in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is home to around 350 undergraduates, 90 graduates and 35 professorial and academic residents. H ...

, the

University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne (colloquially known as Melbourne University) is a public university, public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in the state ...

. An L-shaped teaching building designed using

principles, constructed on the site of tennis courts, which have been 'raised' to form the roof of the new structure. Realised in collaboration with industrial design group Design Sense and irwinconsult engineer Phil Gardner. Flexible open spaces lie between the monolithic exposed floor and roof slabs, the latter seemingly floating on minimal steel-cage columns.

2015-2019 Old Quad Redevelopment (strategic planning, architecture, conservation)

Original architect (north and east wings): Francis Maloney White, constructed 1856 (north wing), 1857 (east wing). Following the development of a master plan by Lovell Chen from which was derived a staged programme of works,

’s Old Quad is being re-established as the centre of campus civic, cultural and ceremonial life. In 2019, Lovell Chen completed adaptation and refurbishment works to the North Wing, north end of the East Wing and the North Annexe, using

principles - the first application in Australia of the adaptive reuse model Passivhaus EnerPHit to a building of state heritage significance.

2015-2020
Victorian Trades Hall Victorian Trades Hall is the headquarters of the Victorian Trades Hall Council in Australia. It is located on the corner of Lygon and Victoria streets, just north of the Melbourne central business district in the suburb of Carlton. It is the ...
, Melbourne (architecture, conservation, restoration, reconstruction, heritage services)

Original architect: Reed and Barnes et al, construction commenced 1874 (nine further stages). One of the world's oldest trade union buildings (

Victorian Trades Hall Victorian Trades Hall is the headquarters of the Victorian Trades Hall Council in Australia. It is located on the corner of Lygon and Victoria streets, just north of the Melbourne central business district in the suburb of Carlton. It is the ...

), and still in use as the home of unionism in Victoria. Phase one of redevelopment was completed in 2019, returning its central chamber (Solidarity Hall) to its original orientation and proportions, restoring the Old Council Chamber (1884), conserving the fabric of the main public spaces, making roof repairs and improving circulation routes.

2019-2020
Federation Square Federation Square (marketed and colloquially known as Fed Square) is a venue for arts, culture and public events on the edge of the Melbourne central business district. It covers an area of at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Street ...
Management Framework (heritage management planning)

Original architect:

Lab Architecture Studio LAB Architecture Studio was a firm of architects and urban designers based in Melbourne, Australia with international offices in London and Shanghai. Directors Peter Davidson after graduating from Bachelor of Architecture in 1980 from the NSW In ...

, constructed 1997-2004. The first place completed in the 21st century in Australia to be managed under a statutory heritage regime. Lovell Chen developed a conservation framework, researching the original architects' theoretical approach to design and creating a heritage plan that embraces the capacity for change embedded in the conceptual rationale.

Awards

The practice has received many awards: ''Lovell Chen Capability Statement'', 2020 Edition, Lovell Chen * 2020: Australian Urban Design Award: Leadership, Advocacy and Research - local and neighbourhood scale, for ANU Acton Campus Master Plan, in association with Arup, Urban Enquiry, Mantra Studios, Karen Wright Projects, John Wardle Architects, Turnberry Consulting * 2020: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Sustainable Architecture for Old Quad redevelopment, the University of Melbourne * 2020: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Conservation for

Trades Hall A trades hall is a building where trade unions meet together, or work from cooperatively, as a local representative organisation, known as a labour council or trades hall council. The term is commonly used in England, New Zealand, Scotland and Aus ...

Melbourne * 2020: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Heritage Architecture - creative adaptation, for

Regent Theatre, Melbourne The Regent Theatre is an historic former picture palace built in 1929, closed in 1970, and restored and reopened in 1996 as a live theatre in Collins Street, in the city of Melbourne, Australia. It is one of six city theatres collectively kno ...

* 2019: National AIA Award: National commendation for Heritage, for

Flinders Street Station Flinders Street railway station is a major railway station located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the busiest railway station in Victoria, serving the entire metropolitan rail network ...

facade strengthening and conservation * 2019: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Conservation category for

facade strengthening and conservation * 2019: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Heritage and sustainability shortlistings for Bendigo Soldiers' Memorial Institute * 2019: PIA Award for Planning Excellence (ACT): Best Planning Ideas commendation (small project) for ANU Acton Campus Master Plan, in association with Arup, Urban Enquiry, Mantra Studios, Karen Wright Projects, John Wardle Architects, Turnberry Consulting * 2019: Dulux Colour Award: Commercial and multi-residential category for

facade strengthening and conservation * 2018: Premier's Sustainability Award: Heritage category : Built environment category finalist, Bendigo Soldiers' Memorial Institute * 2014: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: John George Knight Award for Heritage Architecture for Melbourne GPO exterior conservation works * 2014: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Heritage commendation for Rippon Lea roof reinstatement * 2014: Western Australian Heritage Award: The Gerry Gauntlett Award : excellence in adaptive reuse for ONE40WILLIAM * 2013: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Heritage category : commendation for

Gables Project * 2012: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Public Architecture : alterations and additions for

Boatshed Extension * 2010: The Planning Minister's Heritage Award in association with Equiset and Elenberg Fraser for Railway Goods Shed North (Goods Shed No 2), Melbourne * 2010: Property Council of Australia Award: Innovation & Excellence Award : Heritage & Adaptive Reuse in association with Equiset and Elenberg Fraser for Railway Goods Shed North (Goods Shed No 2), Melbourne * 2010: AIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Residential Architecture : alterations and additions for the Farfor Flats units 1 & 2 * 2009: Architecture & Design Excellence in the South East Award: Outstanding Building Conservation commendation: the Medical Superintendent's House at the former

Point Nepean Quarantine Station The Point Nepean Quarantine Station is a former quarantine and military training facility in Portsea, Victoria, Portsea, Victoria (state), Victoria, Australia on the Mornington Peninsula. It was established as a quarantine in 1852 following the ...

* 2004: John George Knight Heritage Architecture Award: in association with Ashton Raggatt McDougall for the

Shrine of Remembrance The Shrine of Remembrance (commonly referred to as The Shrine) is a war memorial in Melbourne, Victoria (state), Victoria, Australia, located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road. It was built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in ...

Undercroft Development * 2004: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: John George Knight Award : Heritage category for the Beaurepaire Centre pool * 2004: RAIA : The Lachlan Macquarie Award: joint winner for the Beaurepaire Centre pool * 2002: Indigo Shire Council Award: Preservation & Restoration of Historic Government Buildings commendation for Government House Telegraph Office Sub Treasury and Beechworth Shire Offices and landscaping * 2002: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: John George Knight Award: Heritage category for the

*RAIA Award: Heritage category : commendation for Harricks Homestead * 1999: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: John George Knight Award: in association with Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd for the

Immigration Museum The Immigration Museum focuses on Melbourne and Victoria’s immigration history. First opened in 1998 as a division of Museums Victoria, Immigration Museum is located at the restored Old Customs House Building on Flinders Street in Melbourne, ...

& Hellenic Archaeology Museum * 1999: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: The Melbourne Prize : commendation: in association with Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd for the Immigration Museum & Hellenic Archaeology Museum * 1998: RAIA (WA) Architecture Award: Conservation category : commendation: for

Government House Government House is the name of many of the official residences of governors-general, governors and lieutenant-governors in the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories. The name is also used in some other countries. Government Houses in th ...

refurbishment (

Perth Perth () is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of Western Australia. It is the list of cities in Australia by population, fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth . The ...

) * 1997: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Conservation category : Merit Award: in association with DBI and Peck von Hartel Trethowan for the Regent Theatre * 1996: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Conservation category : commendation for the 1888 School of Graduate Studies building * 1996: RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award: Conservation category : commendation for

main hall and foyers * 1995: City of Melbourne Building & Planning Award: Urban Conservation Award for the

interior dome restoration * 1995: RAIA (Victoria) Chapter Award: Outstanding Architecture : Conservation category : commendation for the restoration of the Royal Exhibition Building and conservation of the dome * 1994: RAIA (Victoria) Chapter Award: Award of Merit for Outstanding Architecture: Conservation category in association with

Peddle Thorp Peddle Thorp is an Australian-based architecture, interior design, and urban planning firm, with offices located in Melbourne, Victoria, in Asia and in the Middle East. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inspired from "The Underwater Paradise ...

& Learmonth for

ANZ Bank The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, commonly known as ANZ Bank, is a multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is Australia's second-largest bank by assets and fo ...

Project: The Gothic Bank * 1994: RAIA Lachlan Macquarie Award for Conservation in association with Peddle Thorp or ANZ Bank Project: The Gothic Bank * 1994: RAIA (Victoria) Chapter Award: Outstanding Architecture: Conservation category : commendation for Laurel Lodge * 1990: Australian Council of National Trusts Award: Australian Heritage Award: Cultural Conservation & Interpretation category: for 380 Collins Street The Gothic Bank * 1990: Australian Council of National Trusts Award: Australian Heritage Award : Architecture category for the Princess Theatre * 1990: Dulux Colour Award commendation for the exterior of the Princess Theatre * 1990: The Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia (Victoria): Environmental Interior Lighting : high commendation for the Princess Theatre * 1989: RAIA (ACT) Conservation Award in association with Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd for the

Hyatt Hotel Hyatt Hotels Corporation, commonly known as Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, is an American multinational hospitality company headquartered in the Riverside Plaza area of Chicago that manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vac ...

* 1984: RAIA (Victoria) William Pitt Award to Peter Lovell and Suzanne Forge in association with the Government Building Advisory Council and the Public Works Department of Victoria for the restoration of the dining room, Hotel Windsor, Melbourne * 1984: RAIA (Victoria) Award: Merit Award for Outstanding Architecture Restorationin association with Public Works Department of Victoria (Project Architect Chris White) for Queen's Hall restoration, Parliament House, Victoria * 1982: RAIA (Victorian) Award: Merit Award for Outstanding Building Restoration in association with the

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is a community-based, non-government organisation committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage places of cultural significance in Victoria. It was founded in ...

or the Conservation Policy and restoration of the former Denomination School,

Maldon Maldon (, locally ) is a town and civil parish on the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, England. It is the seat of the Maldon District and starting point of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. It is known for Maldon Sea Salt which is prod ...

* 1982: RAIA (Victoria) Award: Merit Award for Outstanding Building Restoration to Peter Lovell in association with John and Phylis Murphy Architects for the exterior restoration of

Collingwood Town Hall Collingwood Town Hall is a civic building located on Hoddle Street in Abbotsford, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The hall was built between 1885 and 1887 to the competition-winning design of local architect George R. Johnson in the Sec ...

* 1982: RAIA (Victoria) Award: Merit Award for Outstanding Building Restoration to Peter Lovell and Suzanne Forge in association with the Government Building Advisory Council and the Public Works Department for the restoration and reconstruction of the Grand Dining Room, Windsor Hotel, Melbourne

References

External links

Lovell Chen Website
{{authority control Architecture firms of Australia