SOLD OUT | Paul Couch, Field Studies

Join us at Walsh Street for a discussion exploring the making of the book Paul Couch, Field Studies and the under-recognised work of Australian architect Paul Couch. The talk will feature Michael Roper, Tom Ross, Stuart Geddes, and James Mugavin—each reflecting on Couch’s influence on their contributions and the conversation will also consider Robin Boyd’s impact on Couch’s practice. Convened by Maitiú Ward, the event offers insight into an architecture shaped by place, material, and thoughtful collaboration.

Paul Couch has long been an elusive figure in Australian architecture. For over six decades he has busied himself creating substantial works, rarely stopping to document his achievements, or to speak of them in public. As a result, his built works have gone largely unrecognised. Paul Couch, Field Studies seeks to redress this, introducing readers to one of Australia’s most significant and enduring architects.

Paul Couch, Field Studies is available to be pre-ordered as a part of the ticket bundle. Please select the “Book Included” ticket option to receive your copy, which can be collected at the event.

The book focuses on four major residential projects spanning the breadth of Couch’s career, from his own family home in 1975, to the Kew House completed in 2019. Each of the four projects is represented by Couch’s original hand drawings, a written essay and a photo essay. In addition, accompanying extracts from a series of interviews introduce the reader to Couch’s voice, distilling the ideas, images, memories and dreams that animate his aspirations for architecture.

Paul Couch, Field Studies includes essays by Juhani Pallasmaa, Philip Goad, Michael Roper and James Mugavin, a photo essay by Tom Ross exploring the influence of local rock formations on Couch’s architecture, and a brief meditation on concrete by the architect himself. All of this is brought together in an exquisitely presented hardcover book, designed by multi-award winning book designer, Stuart Geddes.

Publisher: Uro Publications, 2025; Authors: Michael Roper, James Mugavin; Design: Stuart Geddes; Photography: Tom Ross; ISBN: 9781922601384, Format: Hardback, 210x280mm, 192pp

Speakers:

Michael Roper is a founding director of Architecture architecture. He has taught extensively both in Melbourne and abroad and was the founding Program Manager at the ANCB Metropolitan Laboratory in Berlin. He is chair of the University of Melbourne’s Architecture Advisory Board, serves on the AIA Victoria Awards Committee and was a founding member of Nightingale Housing. He has written for architectural journals, served on several juries for the Victorian architecture awards program, and is a regular guide for Open House Melbourne. Michael is a co-author of Among Buildings, reflecting on significant Melbourne architecture through photography and poetry.

Tom Ross is a Melbourne-based Australian photographer working across architecture and editorial. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and Massachusetts College of Art, and keeps a speculative practice on the side—making photos and books about the built world.

James Mugavin is the founder and director of J.A. Mugavin, Studio (formerly Löyly Studio), an architecture and design practice specialising in environments centred on bathing, water, and wellness. His approach is informed by periods of living and practicing in Finland, Spain, and coastal northern New South Wales, alongside ongoing work in Melbourne. He studied architecture at the University of Melbourne and business at Monash University, and originally trained as a furniture maker under his father.

Stuart Geddes is a graphic designer working mostly with books, he is also a lecturer, researcher and PhD candidate at RMIT University. Together with Žiga Testen he is part of Graphic Design Work Pty Ltd, a design studio focused on book design and publishing for arts and culture. Stuart’s work has been awarded, collected and exhibited in Australia and internationally, in 2016 his practice was the subject of a Reputations profile in Eye Magazine, and in 2020, with Trent Walter of Negative Press, Stuart was an invited artist of the 22nd Biennale of Sydney. Stuart is also one of the Australian members of Alliance Graphique Internationale.

Maitiú Ward is journalist and publisher with a special interest in architecture and design. In 2017, he opened Australia’s only specialist architecture and design bookstore, Bookshop by Uro, which he currently co-owns and manages alongside his publishing business, Uro Publications.

This event is generously supported by Brickworks Building Products, Konpira Maru Wines and Yumbo Soda.

Doors will open at 6.30 pm to allow attendees to explore the Walsh Street house – the iconic modernist residence designed by Robin Boyd in 1957 – and enjoy refreshments in the courtyard.

We offer discounted tickets to RBF Friends and Boyd Circle members – support the Foundation and join today.