Kim Irons — Principal
Kim Irons is the founding principal. Her skills range from creative design thinking, to detailed on site problem solving and contractual management. She has extensive experience on institutional, residential and community projects, managing multiple clients and stakeholders across a range of urban and regional settings.
After leading design teams in local and international design studios Kim moved to Barwon Heads to establish Irons McDuff Architecture in 2006.
Kim is committed to sustainable design, rigorously pursuing design that connects people to place whilst being environmentally responsible. She has a strong interest in buildings which provide a positive contribution to the community and the public realm.
Kim is Regional Chair and member of AIA Victorian Chapter Council, and provides independent design review and procurement to state and local government authorities to achieve high quality architecture.
When not in front of her laptop you will find Kim going for a sunrise ocean swim (no wetsuit even in winter!), cooking up a storm much of which comes from her own garden, having coffee with friends and she also makes a seriously good lemon cordial.
Brett Stonehouse — Principal
Brett Stonehouse joined Kim at Irons McDuff in 2014 and the studio transitioned to Stonehouse + Irons Architecture in 2019. He relocated from Melbourne where he had been a director at a leading Melbourne architecture studio, to Barwon Heads to embrace the coastal lifestyle.
He has extensive experience in design and delivery of institutional, educational, and high-end residential projects. Many projects have been recognised through various institute and industry awards.
Brett has a number of years’ experience in Project Management for the educational sector which demanded complex stakeholder engagement including reporting to government funding agencies as well as various university committees.
Brett is an excellent listener and communicator, he works closely with his clients to ensures project directives are understood and realized. He understands that collaboration between client, architect and builder is paramount to a successful outcome and this must be built and nurtured from the earliest discussions.
Away from work Brett loves to kick the footy with his sons, landscape design and construction, making furniture and you will often find him going for a surf at 13th Beach.
With a strong design focus, we are motivated to carefully design effective and sustainable solutions to achieve appropriate conditions, both environmental and social.
Awards and Recognition
Architeam 2017 Award Commendation, Sustainability Medal
Ramp House (Anglesea)
Melbourne Design Award Residential Interiors 2013
Manningham Alterations & Additions
Finalist City of Port Philip Design & Development Awards 2012
Best Heritage Re-development
Shortlisted for Melbourne Design Awards
Residential Constructed 2012
Winner of Housing Industry Association Regional New South Wales
Award for Custom Designed Home 2002