5 Mins with Jan Parting
Originally from Hannover in Germany, Jan Parting has spent much of this career working internationally in countries including China and England. In the last two and a half years at Scott Carver in Australia, Jan has been involved in some inspiring projects such as Marina Square at Wentworth Point and The Rosenthal Project in Lane Cove. For Jan, collaboration with his work colleagues at Scott Carver is what he values most – he regards these strong relationships a pivotal part in the success of the company. We caught up with Jan to find out what he’s most passionate about, what first inspired him to study architecture and his love for minimal, no-fuss architecture.
Tell us about when you first started at Scott Carver?
I commenced working for Scott Carver in October 2015, after gaining experience both in Australia and overseas. I was working on Sirius, a residential project at Wentworth Point, for a couple of months before joining the Scott Carver retail team. Currently I’m working as a project leader on Marina Square.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about great design outcomes for projects - both for our clients and Scott Carver. Outside of work I’m passionate about cooking - I love the process of researching new recipes and testing them out. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't - very much like architecture!
What does good design mean to you?
The key to good design for me is keeping it simple with no bells and whistles, attention to detail and materials which are relevant for the end user.
Tell us about your retail design experience - what is it about retail design which you are most interested in?
Retail design is all about the interaction between people and the evolution from traditional store formats from the past, to creating unique urban shopping experiences, quality food destinations and community hubs. It's important to stay on top of the current trends and to always be forward thinking in the retail space. Some of the current retail trends which are interesting include smaller tenancies and incorporating food into retail in unique ways.
To date, what projects are you most proud of at Scott Carver?
Marina Square, which is currently under construction and will be completed within the next few months. It’s great to see the hard work of the Scott Carver team paying off - from the earlier stages of the project, through to construction. The team maintained their design commitments, without being massively compromised by value engineering.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my wife and daughters.
What brand values do you admire the most at Scott Carver?
I value working as an interdisciplinary team from diverse fields in a coordinated fashion towards a common goal. It ensures the best outcome for each project.
What do you love most about what you do?
The challenge of providing the best design outcome from an architect’s point of view -versus what is feasible from a commercial (client's perspective) and finding the right balance.
And the best thing about working at Scott Carver?
The work culture that allows us to push boundaries and to test ideas.
What first inspired you to study architecture?
I have always had an interest in buildings and design. However, I didn’t trust my intuition and decided to study industrial engineering, (interdisciplinary study, engineering, economics and legal content), before finally following my passion for architecture in my mid-twenties.
What design elements are the most important in a retail space?
Creating an urban destination that is context appropriate, using style and emotion to enhance a unique customer experience.
What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your work day?
Definitely a coffee, my sketching paper, Adobe Acrobat and Aconex.
Your favourite thing about your workspace?
Our environment is very sociable – it’s so great to have like-minded people to share ideas and feedback with.
Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learnt since working at Scott Carver?
Working in architecture is not just about beautiful drawings. You have to be an engineer, a coordinator, a businessman, negotiator and sometimes even an accountant. As an architect you need to think outside the square and be open minded.
Share
Related
For all media enquiries please enter your name and email address and our team will be in touch.
NEVER MISS OUT ON THE LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM SCOTT CARVER