Morrell Architects

Working from an office situated on the harbour front in Newcastle, Australia, the boutique practice provides specialised design services for the education sector. Morrell Architects also maintains a studio space in metro Manila, the Philippines.

Considerable expertise has been developed since the practice commenced in 1994 in the design of educational facilities including primary and secondary schools, training centres and child care centres.

The company has an international focus, having completed projects in China and is currently engaged in Papua New Guinea in a consulting role.

The director, Martin Morrell, a registered architect, brings a background of expertise in educational delivery to the design of new facilities and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Unlike many large architectural practices, the principal architect at Morrell Architects remains directly involved throughout the entire process.

We have successfully completed a range of educational projects ranging from minor renovations to $10 million major developments. A key area of interest for the practice is the link between architectural space and learning outcomes.

Where possible, our designs attempt to reflect current educational philosophies in providing spaces that offer variety and flexibility.

Architectural Services

The quality of our projects is the result of providing full architectural services from initial concept to completed project.

We have found from experience that the designer of a project is in the best position to manage that project and ensure adherence to the client’s intentions.

By preparing and administering the contract documents, we can ensure compliance and monitor quality.

The services follow the traditional stages and we seek approval before the commencement of each stage:

• Pre Design — creating the project brief and preliminary investigations
• Schematic Design — preliminary concepts and presentations
• Design Development — developing the concepts and obtaining planning approval
• Contract Documentation — creating working drawings and specifications suitable for tender and construction certificate
• Tendering and Negotiation — calling tenders and assessing and reporting to the client
• Contract Administration — executing the contract, controlling payments, inspecting the works, issuing instructions and certificates

Martin Morrell

Martin Morrell grew up in Forster, NSW before completing a Bachelor of Architecture at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Five years of work in Melbourne with Lawrence Atley and Terence Carey architects was followed by a year in the office of Jean Gasquez in France and then one more year with Bureau Monnier in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Martin obtained a graduate diploma in adult education in 1997 and has had experience teaching architecture in both France and Australia and was recently involved in the implementation of an architecture program for a private college in Iran.

Martin formerly held the position of Conjoint Fellow of the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Martin is a member and sponsor of the South Newcastle Board Riders Association.