The homes we live in and the spaces we prescribe to keep us safe, comfortable and sheltered, should be just as responsive and adaptable as the inhabitants that occupy it. Which is why we take the view that any residential home or dwelling (town house or apartment etc.), be built as if it is a living entity with the ability to naturally ‘breathe’. These homes which we reside in, should be constructed in a manner that affords opportunities to breathe, adapt, contract, and become alive. Essentially an extension of ourselves. Above all else, we enjoy the ability to create wonderment for our clients, and their guests, in the hope that these whimsical ideologies transcend into their daily lives, transforming their future projection and outlook on life.
About A&M
Alcorn Middleton is an Architecture and Interior Design practice founded on creativity, integrity, and belief that every project has a story waiting to unfold. Founded by Joel Alcorn in 2013, and with Chloe Middleton joining that same year, the practice matured and evolved when Chloe was elevated to Director in 2019, rebranding as Alcorn Middleton. Their work balances structure and intuition, crafting spaces that invite both interaction and quiet observation. Some captivate instantly, others reveal themselves over time-layered with mystery, texture and experience. Playfulness is key, shaping how spaces are explored, felt, and discovered. Each with a background in Architecture and Interior Design from Queensland University of Technology, Joel and Chloe see each project as an opportunity to create something meaningful-shaped by it’s surroundings, those who dwell within, and those drawn to it’s presence. Above all, they are committed to doing right by their clients, ensuring every decision is made with care, consideration, and a passion for creating spaces that linger in the memory.
About Alcorn & Middleton
Joel Alcorn Registered Architect (NSW & QLD) Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies)(Hons), QUT Diploma of Architectural Technology, GCIT Australian Institute of Architects (AIA): A+ Member Design Institute of Australia (DIA): Practice Member Creative Director Joel Alcorn is the Creative Director and co-founder of Alcorn Middleton Architecture Office (AMAO), having previously established and headed other design studios with mentors of his. Joel’s early experience with builders, building designers and architects in the design industry has fuelled the passion, depth, and diversity in his work ethic. With more than 19 years industry experience Joel has worked on a vast array of projects, revelling in the challenge and commitment to producing design work of a high and creative standard, be it large scale commercial projects, or refined boutique spaces. During the initial discussions surrounding a new project and brief, is when Joel is tuning into the descriptive and emotive conversations, to begin formulating a creative vision in his mind, drawing upon several innovative measures to achieve the required design brief outcomes. Joel does not confine his thinking to fads, fashion, or pre-existing architectural designed solutions, but garners inspiration and delight from items, materials and solutions that are grounded and individualistic to each project.
Chloe Middleton Registered Architect (QLD) Master of Architecture, QUT Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies)(Hons), QUT Australian Institute of Architects (AIA): A+ Member Design Institute of Australia (DIA): Practice Member Managing Director Chloe Middleton is a Director and co-founder of AMAO. Chloe undertook a Bachelor of Design in Architectural Studies (with Honors in 2011, second majoring in Interior Design) and completing her architectural studies with a Master of Architecture (2012) at Queensland University of Technology. Chloe’s beginnings in the industry started with Bernard Penhey, of Maxwell Penhey, an architectural practice that harmonised both architecture and interior design throughout every aspect of a project. The invaluable knowledge Chloe gained in this role, saw her assisting alongside the registered Architect and sole business owner, in projects such as large-scale office and educational fit outs; smaller consultancy tenancies; commercial, retail, and real estate refurbishments; and residential property developments. Chloe’s experience gained in these early years, has exposed her thinking and mindset, to satisfy the assorted needs expected of small practices. This has greatly enabled her in solidifying a key role, as Managing Director for AMAO.
Awards
2021 AIA Brisbane Regional Commendation – Houses (Alterations & Additions), Toowong Lighthouse.
2021 Australian Interior Design Awards Shortlist Residential Design
2020 AIA QLD State COLORBOND Award for Steel Architecture, Peakaboo House.
2016 BDAQ State Award New Home ($500-750k), Nundah House.
2014 QANTAS Competition winner, Community Garden HQ.
2012 AIA National William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year, Murphy’s Creek Real Studio.
2012 AIA QLD State Award for Small Project Architecture, Murphy’s Creek Real Studio.
2012 AIA QLD Darling Downs Regional Commendation, Murphy’s Creek Real Studio.
Press
architecture au – Walan Apartmnet, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD Curvaceous forms combine with warm-toned custom joinery and thoughtful transitions in this delightful adaptation of an open-plan Brisbane apartment.
yellowtrace – Toowong Lighthouse, Toowong, Brisbane QLD A surprising textural tableau unfolds at the rear of this classic California Bungalow home.
A celebration of indoor-outdoor living, delivers resort-style living in inner-city Brisbane HUNTER & FOLK – Toowong Lighthouse, Toowong, Brisbane QLD
Houses Magazine – Walan Apartment, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD AMAO’s clever ideas for injecting colour, introducing “delightful obstacles” through joinery and fine-tuning the adaptability of functional spaces demonstrate the power of subtle design shifts and strong signature moves.
Australian Institute of Architects – Q+A with Alcorn Middleton Architects Find your mentors and begin building that foundation of contacts that you can rely on to ask the hard questions. These people are generally seniors in the industry, and come with a plethora of knowledge, experience and unbelievable stories.
Queensland Homes Magazine – Nundah House, Nundah, Brisbane QLD Using a curated range of materials and colour, Alcorn Middleton borrowed traditional elements and applied them in an imaginative tour de force. This home has a powerful but understated presence which mixes the very best of old and new.
A Grecian-Inspired Update For A California Bungalow The Design Files – Toowong Lighthouse, Brisbane QLD
Real Living Magazine – Walan Apartmnet, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD Issue October 2021
Houses Kitchens + Bathrooms – Toowong Lighthouse, Toowong, Brisbane QLD As the conversation settled on the family’s close ties to Mykonos in Greece, the team was inspired by visions of blue-topped cathedrals, white cement-render walls and strong ocean and sky connections. “We really tuned in to that,” Joel explains. “And we found a connection to a distant place that the family is tied to.” While avoiding pastiche, the architecture creates a “resort-style” setting in the subtropical, suburban landscape.
The Local Project – Walan Apartmnet, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD Through an alternate approach, Walan Apartment beautifully navigates the issues of space creation without the need for more permanent or significant structural changes.
Houses Magazine – One to Watch Joel Alcorn and Chloe Middleton, have followed a less conventional route.
Grand Designs Australia Magazine – Nundah House, Nundah, Brisbane QLD