archimarathon studio
Archimarathon Studio is a collaborative space for architecture and interior design students in Melbourne. Built to support university study, it’s a 24hr creative hub for passionate learners to to deepen their understanding of coursework, enhance their skills and prepare for professional practice. The studio was established by Kevin Hui and Andrew Maynard in 2022 in an environment where university education was becoming increasingly online, and design studio environments were a lower priority. At Archimarathon, the design studio survives, and the focus is on in-person collaboration, mentorship, growth and community.
Archimarathon Studio welcomes students from diverse tertiary institutions, and is open to a limited cohort each semester at only $19 a week. Apply now to be considered for the next intake.
who is it for?
Archimarathon Studio is for students who are enthusiastic about design and eager to engage, those who want to excel, who may be confused by university jargon and course requirements, and those seeking a clearer understanding of how a design firm works.
Archimarathon Studio does not assign work; it’s a place for students to develop university assignments, learn from each other, share ideas, build confidence and work efficiently. This peer-driven environment offers a space to work, and a space to feel at home. Here, students are surrounded by like-minded individuals who share their passion, providing a supportive atmosphere and community where they can exchange feedback, refine ideas and gain clarity & confidence in the direction of their projects.
preparing students for the workplace
Whilst architecture and design schools should not be about vocational training, the disconnect between students and design practices is becoming greater. This extends from core skills such as drawing conventions, understanding scale drawings, interpreting plans and sections, to soft skills such as people skills, social skills, strategic thinking, time management, the ability to work cohesively in a team and asking questions.
Under the guidance and support of Kevin Hui and Andrew Maynard, students develop both their technical and soft skills, creating the foundation for working in a design studio. This framework gives members the confidence to step into a professional setting and thrive. The Studio is physically connected to the office of Austin Maynard Architects, allowing students to learn via osmosis in a professional practice environment, gaining invaluable insight into how design practices operate.
our resources
The Archimarathon Studio is equipped to support learning and networking. Conveniently situated in the heart of the CBD, the location offers excellent public transport access, along with a variety of nearby shops, dining options, and amenities. At the heart of the studio is the ‘Magic Wall’. A 4.8m x 2.6m magnetic whiteboard wall for pin up discussions, projection of photos, videos and for drawing on or over projected images. Capitalising on Kevin’s extensive photo library of buildings he has visited and the power of internet, it is a valuable tool for teaching and learning architecture and design. Enjoy a living room to break out for discussions or rest, a generous meeting table for collaborative work, and desks for personal work. More resources are listed below.
24/7 studio access
High speed internet
SketchUp Pro license + guidance
Free coffee
Microwave
Shower
Tracing paper
Fundamental architecture books
Storage for physical models
Architecture events
Social gatherings and meeting architects
Architecture movie nights
Employment reference from Kevin Hui and Andrew Maynard
Free Archimarathon Draw tour sessions
Access to site visits and client meetings at Austin Maynard Architects
hear more from the community
We had the pleasure of hosting Sydney content creator and architecture graduate, Alvin Zhu, at Archimarathon Studio. Alvin spent a day filming in the studio and sat down with Director Kevin Hui to discuss the program's establishment and its vision for supporting students. The feature also includes insights from studio members, sharing their experiences and reflections on being part of this unique community.
location
Level 1, Suite 2, 458 Swanston Street,
Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
apply now
Archimarathon Studio welcomes students from diverse tertiary institutions, and is open to a limited cohort each semester at only $19 a week. (the price of a few coffees - and at Archimarathon - the coffee is free) Apply now to be considered for the next intake.
