Recent Posts

  • Scharp VCAT success with Dimmey’s RichmondJanuary 27, 2012

    Posted by Johnny Wilkinson

    Scharp recently assisted Richmond Icon Pty Ltd in its planning success over Yarra City Council. Working closely with Armsby Architects and Rob Deutscher, senior associate at Woods Bagot, Scharp produced six views of the new development, from various different viewpoints in and around the site and neighbouring surrounds.

    Scharp prepared a Visual Amenity Statement in conjunction with Best Hooper Solicitors and Planned F.X. planning consultants outlining the methodology that went in to creating the photomontages, as well as ‘Before’ and ‘After’ variations of each of the 6 photomontage views.

    The development, approved by Heritage Victoria, received the successful ruling at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal late last year.

  • iPad Apps – changing the way we marketJanuary 26, 2012

    Posted by Malcolm Schapel

    The release of Apple’s iPad has completely changed how the next (and some of the older) generations are communicating digitally. Whether it be surfing the web, reading the news, emailing friends or business colleagues, watching movies or simply organising your life, the iPad is here and here to stay.

    So what does the popularity of the iPad and its rival tablet devices mean for you? Well in the world of marketing, we’re in the midst of huge change. Future marketing will be more and more targeted towards these lightweight portable tablets that can go anywhere, particularly now that high speed WiFi is widely available and being taken up more and more.

    Over the last 12 months Scharp has been researching and developing iPad apps for property developments as varied as Skoda Stadium (the home ground for new AFL team the GWS Giants), international defence projects and residential campaigns.

    Indeed, apps are proving to be a more than capable alternative or addition to the now traditional website. Instead of using your browser to access your website, now you download the app instead – a much more powerful solution than what can be broadcast over the web.

    From both a public and a private point of view, the advantages of this are clear to see. You have the ability to broadcast your app to the world easily via iTunes and Android Market, or have it securely contained on only those tablets that you wish the app to be played on.

    In the case of a competition or tender bid, simply have your entire bid housed within the iPad. The device will contain a digital copy of the actual printed bid as well as a presentation that contains movies, 3D content and many more interactive features. It will not only get your message across, but will be completely secure, unable to be removed or transferred to any other device.

    Travel anywhere marketing is now the name of the game. At Scharp we see these tablet devices and their apps getting more and more powerful in the future and becoming an integral part of any marketing campaign.

  • One Stop ShopJanuary 25, 2012

    Posted by Amanda Schapel

    We come in all different shapes and sizes at Scharp but when you put us together we’re a highly talented broadly skilled creative bunch.

    Our “under-the-one-roof” approach means we’ll seamlessly integrate the full suite of traditional and digital design services to deliver everything you need for your property and development.

    We have cut out the middle man. Throughout the duration of your project, you will have absolute confidence in dealing with a professional team at Scharp and under one roof. We minimise your risk and eliminate project management complications.

    We are the technicians. Our team has technical expertise in all facets of creative project delivery; research and strategy, branding and graphic design, images, movies and interactive. We take great pride in working together with our clients to translate ideas into successful outcomes that deliver results.

    We are thought leaders in a space that is rapidly changing. Our studio is equipped with state of the art technology and fosters innovative and creative expression.

    We’d love to hear from you to discuss how our in-house creative specialists can generate results for your next project.

  • Focus on La Trobe – the future of city livingJanuary 25, 2012

    Posted by Malcolm Schapel

    The future of city living will be showcased in this new residential apartment development located in the heart of Melbourne’s Law precinct.

    Just released and in registration phase, Scharp is leading the entire marketing campaign and facilitating all services in house, inclusive of strategy, branding, visual identity, digital and printed media, as well as 3D imagery and the design of the marketing suite.

    Visit the website at www.focusonlatrobe.com.au

  • Going SocialJanuary 20, 2012

    Posted by Johnny Wilkinson

    It would be hard to deny the impact that social media, and in particular social media marketing is having on the world around us today.

    Looking at it from the point-of-view of running a business, whilst many of us are still utilising traditional forms of marketing, there is a sense that social media and the different opportunities that arise from its use, is slowly establishing a foothold. Recognising these opportunities and the challenges that go with them, Scharp has taken the plunge into the 21st Century and “gone social”.

     

     

    Social media opens up a whole new world to a design studio like Scharp. We can now stay up-to-date with all the latest design and architectural news from all around the world, and can easily share our latest work, news, social events and thoughts with our clients, colleagues and collaborators. With a growing presence on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube, and backed up with frequent blog articles and a regular Newsletter, we plan to make the world sit up and take notice of Scharp.

    We’re not just a group of people sitting behind some computers. We’re a living, breathing creative studio which has just become part of a worldwide digital and design social community.

  • Westpac on the move as tower controversy continuesDecember 19, 2011

    Posted by Johnny Wilkinson

    Westpac Bank will be the anchor tenant in a new glass office tower that will dwarf the heritage-listed Scots Church and surrounding buildings at the top end of Collins Street.

    Construction giant Grocon, in a joint venture with APN Property Group, will begin demolishing several buildings behind Scots Church at 150 Collins Street next month and replace them with a new $220 million headquarters for Westpac.

    Only the facade of Melbourne’s first multi-deck car park built in 1938 will remain after it, and the Scots Church Hall, are pulled down to make way for the ”climate-responsive” office.

    The 12-storey building designed by architects Peddle Thorpe will have a 6-star green rating and an address at the “Paris” end of Collins that will set the bank apart from Melbourne-based rivals National Australia Bank and ANZ whose headquarters are located in Docklands.

    Much of the new office will face Russell Street but it gets a premium Collins Street address from a laneway between the Presbyterian Scots Church originally built in 1873 and the neighbouring Congregation Hall.  Several years have elapsed since the controversial development was first given approval after being ”called-in” by former planning minister Justin Madden in 2007 when Heritage Victoria opposed demolishing the car park because of its historical significance.

    Pulling down Victoria Carpark and Scots Church Hall was ”arrogant and disrespectful to the history of Melbourne,” said Rupert Mann from Melbourne Heritage Action Group.

    ”The developers and owners should investigate creative ways of incorporating these buildings into their development and not just propose to totally demolish them and rob Melbourne of a significant part of its streetscape,” he said.

    But APN managing director David Blight said the development honoured the area’s heritage.
    Westpac will lease nine levels – about 70 per cent of the 20,000 square metres available – and is expected to move from its current headquarters at 360 Collins Street in 2014.

    Further along Collins Street at 171, another stalwart is also getting a makeover.
    BHP Billiton will be the main tenant in a new office to be built behind the 100-year-old heritage-listed Mayfair building.

    This story was originally found at: http://www.theage.com.au/business/westpac-on-the-move-as-tower-controversy-continues-20111216-1oxi9.html. Author Simon Johanson.

  • Scharp host Plus Architecture for a Foosball ChallengeDecember 14, 2011

    Posted by Johnny Wilkinson

    In 2011, as part of a new initiative to get to know some of our clients and collaborators a bit better, Scharp launched the Foosball Challenge. Sure, some may argue that it’s just a chance to have a bit of fun and share a beer on a Friday evening after work, but we all know the real reason is to build networks and foster positive relationships…. isn’t it?

    The latest round in the Foosball Challenge saw a strong team arrive from Plus Architecture. They were confident and the trash talk starting flowing (Stuart Tehla anyone?) even before the first match kicked-off. The two-man teams for each company were quickly formed, the draw was made, and the first match kicked off…

    Check out our Facebook Page to see more photos that were taken on the night…

  • Mythical Moustaches at Scharp this MovemberDecember 14, 2011

    Posted by Johnny Wilkinson

    Every year November comes around and strange things start sprouting up around the Scharp studio! To be fair to the guys, we always get a good participation, and the girls (and yes, that does include those blokes who made some lame excuse as to why they wouldn’t join in) in the studio get to have a good laugh at our expense.

    And the eventual winner was Magnum PI, oh sorry, Sam Blake! Scharp’s newest team member takes the prize for this year’s best Mo! Thanks to Claire Davies for doing such a great job organising the whole affair.

    Please visit our Facebook Page to see the full range of photos that were taken and the office during Movember, showing the wonderful myriad of mythical moustaches that were on show…