Director of Insite Architecture, James Bate is the hospitality specialist for the Melbourne based practice.  James has been an integral part of Victoria’s hospitality scene since the 1980s when he designed the Caufield Racecourse grandstand, preparing him for the arrival of Gaming to Victoria in 1991 which blossomed into a long, successful career designing for hotels and clubs all over Australia.

THE HOTEL CONVERSATION spoke with James, looking back at his career designing for the hospitality industry, his current plans with Insite Architects, and his future; holding the torch for the next generation of new talent.

img_1036.jpg

Image: Caulfield Racecourse Grandstand.  Source: James Bate

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

Resolving the ever-changing parameters of design, the social contexts, and the challenges of meeting the needs of pubs and clubs.

With over 40 years in hospitality and commercial architecture, I have the satisfaction and enjoyment of developing deep friendships with suppliers, venues, consultants and clients. Many from the 1980s are well retired but there are some that I hit the town with who have shared the whole journey.

1982_kialua_trinity_beach.jpg

Image: 'Kia Lua'Trinity Beach    Source: James Bate

Who has been your greatest influence?

Reg Grouse from Grouse Fleming Bate. As a young boy, he was a family friend who inspired me to become an architect. He was elegant and considered, with a refined design sense. He taught me to look broadly at the world, saying “Design knowledge is not found in books, it is out in the world, find it, and make it work.”

How would you describe your attitude towards perfectionism?

My father used to say “There is no divine inspiration and you can never achieve perfection. You seek perfection, and you’re just interested in the degree you miss it by.”

You look to perfection in the way you resolve all the problems, be it the set up of contracts or the building design, knowing it will likely be imperfect, yet always seeking to improve as your career builds.

1977_jamesstirling_leicester_engineering.jpg

Image: 1977 James Stirling Leicester Engineering.   Source: James Bate

Architecture is rife with conflicting circumstances and demands, the design process is an organized compromise.

Looking back at a collective of briefs you can be satisfied with the outcome and learn from them, more importantly, you can be satisfied in your own eyes but it’s more important to be sure the client is pleased. 

After four decades of design, are there some projects you are most proud of?

There were houses in Wheelers Hill with stunning kauri pine stairs and gallery spaces that a client wanted to use for their private art collection and my first for a doctor in Mont Albert whom I still see out on the golf course.

Bentleigh RSL, the manager Glenn, is a real forward thinker, he has a vision and is using us to achieve it.

newspaper.png

Image : Caulfield Contact May 4 1989.   Source: James Bate

Apollo Bay Hotel, winner of the AHA Awards for its bar and of course Caufield Racecourse Grandstand. A highlight which took my career on a different path. Also, from technological and project management I’d say it was a successful project from design through to resolution, over five years from start to finish, that I am very proud of.

There was the Rathdowne food store, which won the best café makeover in The Age 'cheap eats' awards and The Lydiard Hotel, which had very complex heritage detailing, with the need to bring it up to current regulations without destroying the look and feel. It created an upmarket attraction in Ballarat that won a 'Golden Spoon' award which was a bonus.

apollobay_facadepano_1601203.jpg

Image: Apollo Bay Hotel façade.  Source: James Bate

What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?

Midlands Golf Club in Ballarat is an exciting one, with various competing needs and activities; creating a country club by merging a golf club with an RSL and bowls section.

With my father writing the town's history I have a strong connection to Ballarat. It has connected me to the narratives of the rapid urban expansion of Victoria on the back of gold and the wealth of young migrant talent that created Marvelous Melbourne in the 1800s.

It will be interesting to create some beautiful spaces to support access to local history through the RSL, pioneer and whole sporting offer and feature local artisans, food and wineries in the bistro and bars.

eureka1_0015.jpg

Image: Eureka  Source: James Bate

What advice would you give to a newly graduated architect or someone thinking about architecture as a career?

You’re doing it because it’s exciting. You’ve got to be someone who loves solving problems and that’s where you get your jollies. It’s a lot of hours and hard work which may not deliver the financial reward of a top-flight QC or hedge fund manager, but at dinner parties, people want to hear what I’ve been up to over their accounting friends.

What trends have you noticed emerging in architecture, and are there some specific issues that need to be focused on?

There is a real need to focus on sustainability within the built environment. Back in the 70s, we realized there was going to be an oil crisis, 50 years later human beings have been slow to act. It is up to us to ensure these practices are upheld by educating our clients on the possibilities of low energy, versatile buildings and the value of appropriate design.

reunion_cafe-2.jpg

Image: Reunion Cafe.   Source: James Bate

The environmental psychology of buildings is also very important. Architects are about creating meaningful spaces to reduce physical and mental stresses, a relief from the pressures of daily life, and to bridge the gap between the franchised and disenfranchised. Creating a greater connection in communities that has been lost, especially after the last few years.

1998_homage_dechirico.jpg

Image: DeChirico homage 1998.   Source: James Bate

Do you have any advice on how someone might find inspiration when they feel their passion waning in either their work or studies?

Probably just sleep on it. Drink wine, eat good food, and talk it out.

What are your plans to progress and pass on the batten to your current and future colleagues at your workplace, Insite Architects?

We have some great up-and-comers in the business We try to appreciate and mentor, listen and adapt to innovation. 

For me, it is about passing on my industry relationships with clients that have been built over a 40-year career, so next generation can continue to serve our community with consideration, skill, flair and confidence.

melb_uni_hockey.jpg

Image: Melbourne University Hockey.   Source: James Bate

Related reading:

Baillie Lodges Team Breaks Ground on the Southern Ocean Lodge Rebuild

Carr Director Chris McCue on design that caters to the core function of daily ritual

Hyatt announces plans for the world’s first FILA-branded lifestyle hotel in Shanghai