0 years of enduring architecture

Founded in 1853 by Joseph Reed, Bates Smart is one of Australia’s oldest architecture firms. Over the decades, the practice has been responsible for some of Australia’s most well-known and loved buildings.

Bates Smart has continued to thrive under strong and innovative designers, an overarching belief in design excellence and an ability to create enduring architecture.

As we move further into the twenty-first century and under the leadership of new architecture innovators, Bates Smart continues to intelligently explore the issues and influences that impact modern life.

Bates Smart is proud of a 170-year legacy. When we look back at that legacy, our architecture and design was always at the cutting edge. Our places and spaces transformed Australian cities and regions, and will continue to do so.
Philip VivianManaging Director, Bates Smart
Redefining Density

Creative solutions empower our cities and facilitate environmentally and socially sustainable growth.

ICI House, Melbourne (1958)

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Craft + Materials

An integrated approach to architecture and interior design creates holistic and considered outcomes, with emphasis on materiality and craftsmanship.

Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne (1956)

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Citymaking

Design shapes our cities and encompasses the finer grain of our streetscapes and our ever-changing skylines. The capacity to positively impact the public realm and create a sense of place is at the forefront of design.

MLC Building, Sydney (1938)

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Transformational Design

Curiosity and innovation has the ability to create design that is truly transformational. By intelligently exploring the issues which impact modern life, good design can improve the way in which we live.

Collins Place, Melbourne (1980)

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Environmental

Sustainable design needs to consider both environmental performance, but also longevity and the enduring impact on the public realm.

ICI House, Melbourne (1958)

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1853
Bates Smart founded by Joseph Reed
Joseph Reed | 1853-1862
1864
Melbourne Public Library
Reed & Barnes | 1862-1883
1866
Independent Church
1867
Melbourne Town Hall
1869
Rippon Lea, Elsternwick
1873
Scots Church
1880
Melbourne International Exhibition Building, Carlton
1882
Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne
1913
Reading Room, Melbourne Public Library
Reed, Henderson & Smart | 1883-1890
1932
AMP Building
Reed, Smart & Tappin | 1890-1905
1932
Buckley & Nunn Men’s Store
Smart, Tappin & Peebles | 1906-1907
1938
MLC Building
Bates, Peebles & Smart | 1907-1922
1956
Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne
Bates & Smart | 1922-1926
1957
MLC Building, North Sydney
Bates, Smart & McCutcheon | 1926-1995
1958
366 St Kilda Road
1958
ICI House
1969
Australian Embassy
1969
AMP Square and St James Building
1978
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Headquarters
1980
Collins Place
1992
Melbourne Central Building
1997
Crown Entertainment Complex
2000
Pier 8/9, Walsh Bay
2001
The Melburnian
2002
Federation Square
2006
55 Miller Street, Pyrmont
Bates Smart | 1995-2024
2010
420 George Street
2010
Crown Metropol
2011
The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville
2013
171 Collins Street
2013
Dandenong Mental Health Facility
2014
180 Thomas Street, Haymarket
2014
The Kensington Colleges, University of New South Wales
2015
School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales
2015
Canberra Airport Hotel
2017
35 Spring Street
2018
The Club Stand, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington
2018
25 King
2019
Collins House
2019
One30 Hyde Park
2021
Constitution Place
2023
Australian Embassy