About Us

Forgan Smith Architects is based on a core of senior architects with broad experience in design, documentation and contract administration in architecture and urban planning.

While the capacity exists to offer a complete architectural and urban design service, the office specializes in medium and high density residential development, urban planning and commercial projects, including clubs, mixed comprehensive developments, and resorts.  The company has completed work in most states of Australia, China, Malaysia, Myanma, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Recognition from Royal Australian Planning Institute

The office has received recognition from the Royal Australian Planning Institute for its design of residential subdivisions and “Green Street” planning.  It received an Award of Merit in Residential Development Category for 'Woodland Park' Hervey Bay 1991 and Award of Merit in the Residential Development Category for 'Heritage Park' Benowa 1992.  In February 1997 it received an award for excellence from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for the new airport terminal building at Hervey Bay.

The Company is a leader in the field of subdivision design, particularly in high yield subdivisions with the integration of medium density mixed use development.   In 1993 the Company achieved second place in the prestigious National Housing and Urban Design Competition associated with the Multi Function Polis in Adelaide.

Award winning design

The Queensland Master Builders Association has made numerous awards to our clients for our designs of low to medium density housing.  In 1999 the 103 unit “Palladian ” project on Hope Island was Queensland’s Project of the Year.

The practice has established the reputation of having a high standard of documentation produced within a limited time schedule.  The reputation includes the ability to create effective design, sensitive to both the urban environment and marketplace while at the same time being cost effective.  A design process is employed which value manages the client's brief to ensure that all solutions are constructionally efficient and relate to the users' needs.  A Quality Assurance system is in place and has been incorporated into aspects of the operation of the company.

The Company’s director is the regional chairman of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (4 years) and a founding member of the Gold Coast City Council’s Urban Design Advisory Committee.  He has also been recognised for his work in the preparation of Queensland Residential Design Guidelines and contribution to the Australian Building Codes Board.