I’m driven by a love for what we do—design and the process of managing projects from an initial scribble into successful buildings. Listening and understanding is a large part of the journey. Our buildings are people buildings. They strive to have positive outcomes for all who use them. They contribute to their site and surroundings. We can’t underestimate the importance of ESD—responsible design must continue to grow. Effective management is vital, otherwise the grandest schemes remain drawings. Good design takes time, but the investment is worth it.
Andrew Armstrong
Andrew Armstrong RAIA
Position
Director
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science (Built Environment) (QUT 1988)
Bachelor of Architecture (QUT 1993)
Registrations
Registered Architect, NSW
Registered Architect, Qld
Specialisations
Education
Aged care
Multi-residential
Cultural
Commercial
Affiliations
Member of the Australian Institute of Architects
Member of the Qld Chapter AIA Sustainability Committee
Member of the Council of Education Facility Planners International (CEFPI)
Member of the Green Building Council of Australia
Work history
1995 – present Director, Fulton Trotter Architects
1993 – 1995 Associate, Fulton Gilmour Trotter Moss
1988 – 1993 Student/Graduate, Fulton Gilmour Trotter Moss
Who am I …
My loves: my family, my work, great design and all of life’s ponderings.
Home
The most amazingly exciting place, from the fabulous beaches and picturesque coastline, to the seemingly endless sea of cane fields, to glimpses of Mt Warning and how they can change in a second. Where else is there?
Significant others
One unbelievable wife, three terrific young fellas all showing much more sporting prowess than Dad ever did … must get it from their mum.
Why I do what I do
I like to scribble on real paper with real pencils and build things out of Lego.
When I decided to be an architect …
The Brady Bunch was always a fave, and the groovy 60s architecture in the Thunderbirds.
If I wasn’t an architect, I’d be …
A Tunisian camel jockey.
What else I do …
Lots of great stuff with the family—a second childhood is a wonderful opportunity. Kids’ weekend sport.
Surfing (poorly/infrequently).
Perpetually Injured Member of Tweed Coast Buccaneers Golden Oldies Rugby Club
Cycling/triathlon (when not used as a speed bump)—Newbie Member Twin Towns Triathlon Club
Painting & photography
Friend of the Tweed Regional Art Gallery
Member of the Tweed Heads Coolangatta Rotary Club
U8 Blue’s Soccer Manager
U10 Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School Rugby Coach
Enjoy all things of great design + gadgetry
I did that!?
The unbelievable feeling of seeing your babies arrive — amazement, fear, joy and head shaking. My beginning of life.
My gangs
Rotary Club of Coolangatta/Tweed Heads
Tweed Coast Buccaneers Golden Oldies Rugby Club
Kingscliff Wolves Under 8 Soccer Club
My heroes
The other fellas, my partners in crime.
People who battle great adversity and still continue on.
The Phantom
My Family
Architects who are passionate about what they believe in, despite all the rules.
AKA
Lance (has-been bike rider … I wish)
Stumpster (an old boys school nickname because of my towering and lean athletic build)
Signature quote
It’s easier to change a line on paper than a wall when it’s built.
You don’t have to catch every ball that’s thrown.
Once upon a time … in a galaxy far, far away …