[GROTTO] Studio is dedicated to designing spaces that harmonize beauty, structure, and function. Guided by traditional values and contemporary insights, the studio prides itself on creating captivating spaces. Drawing inspiration from both ordinary and extraordinary elements, we seek to shape buildings that enhance lives, culture, and landscapes.
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Grotto Studio is driven by a profound respect for Architecture, blending traditional elements with sustainable, forward-thinking design. We emphasize practical simplicity, ensuring ease in construction and maintenance. Our projects prioritize environmentally responsive spaces, guided by evidence-based principles.
We champion adaptability, longevity, and ecological stewardship, while leveraging physical and digital model-making (BIM) to optimize efficiency across diverse building types. Our approach is marked by curiosity and open-mindedness, drawing inspiration from both the commonplace and the extraordinary. We craft structures that resonate with contemporary needs, without losing sight of timeless values.
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We design spaces, places, and things that make our world a little more meaningful, aspirational, and useful. We achieve this by balancing beauty, structure, and function — making sense of people, place, and belief.
LANDSCAPE
Architecture is the constructed continuation of our landscapes. Through thoughtful arrangement and selection of materials, we strive to leave a conscious mark that enhances the natural world. Our designs foster human well-being by connecting people with nature, embodying the principle that what's good for people is good for the planet. This symbiotic relationship not only regenerates the ecosystem but also enriches the quality of life for those who inhabit our spaces.
ATMOSPHERES
Atmospheres host our emotions, influencing the way we react to the world. We strive to create conscious spaces that are honest and empathetic to their purpose. By utilizing natural light, raw materials, and connections to nature, we craft positive atmospheres that enhance well-being. These elements work in harmony, fostering environments that resonate with the human spirit and contribute to a sense of comfort and contentment.
INTENT
The intent in our designs originates from a collaboration between you, us, and the collective vision we share. It's the driving force that shapes our work, where ideas find their ideal form through careful consideration and good intent. Exceptional architecture is born from skilled, passionate, and dedicated individuals working together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and perseverance. We value our relationships with our clients, fully committed to understanding and fulfilling their vision, ensuring a transparent and enjoyable design process that leads to a meaningful and lasting outcome.
HELLO,
Meet Craig — Director
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CRAIG NENER
MArch. (Dist.) — Director
Craig Nener, a Perth-raised designer with international design perspective, is the founder and director of GROTTO. His architectural education began at TAFE and was enriched by scholarship opportunities in Denmark, Portugal, and Spain. Craig's distinguished graduation from UWA in 2017 and subsequent work with acclaimed local architect studios and international powerhouses like [Herzog & De Meuron], reinforced his design rigour, efficiency and methodology.
Passionate about crafting environments that uplift the human spirit, Craig combines determination with design skill, working tirelessly until the best solution is found. One client has fondly referred to him as 'quietly influential and incredibly talented’.
Craig has earned numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland Architectural Award, several Vice Chancellor Awards, and has been involved in numerous award winning projects. His latest achievement and the culmination of his effort and experience — featuring his first completed work [Shadow House] on the cover of Habitus Magazine.
In his role as a tutor at UWA, Craig's passion and practical approach have resonated with students. They have praised his ability to blend modern tech with traditional architecture and admire his approachable style that simplifies complex concepts.
Adept at both intricate architectural theories and practical 'brick-and-mortar' discussions, Craig bridges the gap between lofty design principles and everyday practicality. Having grown up in the urban sprawl, Craig is passionate about enhancing our urban spaces and structures, with the belief that good design should be for everyone and that beauty shouldn’t be a luxury.
[PERTH STUDIO]
ADDRESS — 1/14 LEURA STREET — NEDLANDS 6009 WA
PHONE — +61 400 800 968
EMAIL — EMAIL@GROTTO.STUDIO
INSTAGRAM — @GROTTO.STUDIO
LINKEDIN — COMPANY/GROTTO-STUDIO
[ABOUT]
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We offer design services that span both domestic and commercial fields, inside and out, covering all scales within relative capacity. Whether you're seeking our Comprehensive Design Service for a full-scope engagement or our Sketch Design Solutions for targeted assistance, we provide tailored solutions to meet your unique needs and aspirations. Explore our offerings to find the perfect fit for your project.
Comprehensive Design Service
Our Comprehensive Design Service is tailored for clients seeking a full-scope engagement from beginning to end, concept to construction. This service is designed to guide and serve you throughout the entire process, ensuring alignment with your unique needs and aspirations to create special works of architecture.
Sketch Design Solutions
For those who may be outside the budget of a full-scope engagement or need targeted assistance, our Sketch Design Solutions offers innovative design thinking at a lower cost. This service is akin to a simple meet, sketch, and off-you-go consultation. It may include third-party design reviews, pre-design feasibility, and other unique design challenges. Our team's expertise ensures that even in a brief engagement, we can provide valuable insights and direction to help you achieve your design goals.
ARCHITECTURE
Whether it's a new structure, renovation, or revitalization of existing structures through historic preservation, adaptive reuse, or building expansions, from homes to warehouses we focus on creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Our collaborative approach enables adaptability for project scale capacity, ensuring alignment with clients' unique needs and aspirations.
INTERIORS
Our interior design services are tailored to both residential and commercial spaces. We carefully consider spatial planning, furniture selection, lighting design, and bespoke furniture crafting to create captivating environments that enrich occupants' experiences and reflect the company’s brand identity.
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TANYA [SHADOW HOUSE]
We engaged Craig to develop a visionary yet achievable concept to remodel and extend our 1900s weatherboard cottage in Bayswater. From the moment he stepped into the space, Craig was immersed in the design process, taking cues from the history of our home, it's materials and surroundings, and the modern Australian way of life. Craig is exceptional - both in his ethic and in his approach to design. He is not only passionate about architecture, but in moving the discipline forward and driving better outcomes for society through considered, sustainable design. Craig supported us through the owner build process and was flexible in slight adjustments where they were needed. We are beyond happy with our home - #shadowhouse is amazing, often admired by neighbours and people walking by, and is exemplary of modern design with a nod to the past + respect for the future. Thank you, T+P
HANS [ROUX STUDIO & RAUBEX OFFICE]
Craig at Grotto is an immensely talented Designer. Very few in my opinion understand space(s) and creativity the way Craig does, and that while delivering a very professional service.
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MICHELLE KAR
JAMES RUSSELL
JOEL BENICHOU
JORDAN POL
SIOBHAN MCQUEEN
IAN STRANGE
DILLON GORTON
FERNANDO ALONSO
QINGYIN YANG