Melbourne design studio Ritz Ghougassian was founded in 2016 by designers Gilad Ritz and Jean-Paul Ghougassian. They are focused on the language of architecture as a means to express volume and define habitation. They see architecture as a medium to translate the external environment, interiorising the positive externalities present in a landscape to enhance and contextualise the users experience.
Jean-Paul pilots the interior design Project. His experience within the realm of design is unique and extensive having worked across a number of sectors. His oeuvre illustrates a high level of critical thinking and controlled spatial composition. Gilad leads the architectural discourse within the studio. His interest in architecture and the built environment stems from a focus in field studies and phenomenology. In 2012 he completed a Master of Architecture at The University of Melbourne.
Ritz Ghougassia is dogmatic in how they ascribe unique experiences to their creation of reductionist environments. Resonating with the philosophical frameworks that underlie the habitation of space, Gilad and Jean-Paul see architecture as a medium in which they can transcribe the external environment, facilitating the most contentment into internal spaces. the duo are visionary in their creation of environments that influence connection.
Gilad and Jean-Paul use less to achieve more and are consistently reductive when it comes to choosing structural composition, materials, tonality and texture. “Our projects talk to ideas that are sometimes intangible about capturing light, volume and moments in time. A reduced palette allows the physical composition to recede backwards to create atmospheric conditions.”
Gilad and Jean-Paul want people to feel their best in their spaces, regardless of the amount of time they can spend there. The reach and influence of architecture is argued to be highly impactful on society and well-being at large. Gilad and Jean-Paul believe everyone is exposed to architecture through civic endeavours, and they would like architects to have a strong voice in the design of the built environment because they see value in architectural principals. Cities are always improving and with the right and careful planning they can be adapted to population growth and technological change.
