Milford Planning | Counterpoint Architecture with George Milford

Milford Planning | Counterpoint Architecture with George Milford | Photographer: Monsoon Studio

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

Milford Planning | Counterpoint Architecture with George Milford

Traditional Land Owners

Wulgurukaba People

Year
2025
Chapter

Queensland

Region

North Queensland

Category
Commercial Architecture
Builder
CitiBuild
Photographer
Monsoon Studio
Media summary

The Milford Planning workplace transforms a semi-abandoned 1880s building into a dynamic, modern office, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can enrich the city’s fabric. By preserving its historic character while integrating contemporary design, the project fosters connection between past and present.

Transparency, activation, and historical storytelling guided design decisions. A revitalised façade enhances the streetscape, prioritising public engagement and connection. Thoughtful interventions, including a translucent awning and landscaping, improve pedestrian comfort and enrich the streetscape.

Internally, exposed brickwork, original timber ceilings, and a striking perforated steel staircase create a rich, textural environment. A collaborative approach between the owners, architects and builders saw the retention and repurposing of materials, functioning to minimise waste, maximise functionality and preserve the historic fabric of the building.

The result is an inviting, flexible workspace that seamlessly blends old and new, serving as a model for urban renewal and responsible design in Townsville’s CBD.

This project has afforded us and our clients a beautiful space in which to work and meet. Its efficient plan provides an open layout that successfully fosters collaboration and social exchange, yet accommodates semi-private spaces for quiet conversation, focus and meetings. Its attractive open facade and ‘greener’ rear lane give our firm a strong, positive identity that ‘rubs off’ on our team.

The history of our building, evident through its fabric, parallels the story of our City – and for us (as town planners) the real success of Counterpoint’s design is how it provides for this story to be shared.

Project Practice Team

Mark Kennedy, Project Architect
Nicola Inskip, Architect
Lucia Donato, Team
Vrushali Mahindrakar, Team

Project Consultant and Construction Team

George Milford, Design Collaborator
McClintock Engineering Group, Electrical & Mechanical Consultant
Northern Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Parker Hydraulic Designs, Hydraulic Consultant
The Building Approval Company, Building Surveyor

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