About
Five Mile Radius is an award-winning Brisbane design practice working across architecture, interiors, furniture and fabrication. We make beautiful, distinctive places and objects that are built to last, while using design as a catalyst for a more circular construction industry.
Our studio combines architectural practice with a fully operational fabrication workshop, bringing architects, designers and makers together under one roof. We design at every scale, from furniture and custom joinery to hospitality, workplace and major public projects. Having design and fabrication so closely connected allows us to experiment, prototype and make, carrying an idea from the first sketch
through to realisation.
Material knowledge is embedded in the way we design. We have built long-standing relationships with demolition contractors, manufacturers, recyclers, growers and fabricators, connecting our projects directly to local material and waste streams. This gives us access to unusual resources and an understanding of how to turn them into beautiful, durable architecture and objects.
We work with businesses, brands, government and other design teams across architecture, interiors, furniture and fabrication. Our approach is resourceful rather than restrictive: we use what is available to create work with its own material identity, while reducing waste and demand for new resources.
To date, our work has diverted more than 85 tonnes of construction waste from landfill and contributed to more than $20 million of circular economy-focused projects.
Our name comes from 20th century Gandhian philosophy, which advocates building with materials sourced within a “five mile radius” of a site to support local economy, environment and culture. In Australia that radius often extends, but the underlying mindset remains the same.
Build with what you’ve got.
TEAM
Clare Kennedy
Director
Ellie Farrington
Workshop Manager
Natalie Ruben
Commercial Furniture Lead
Sandy Imeson
Senior Fabricator
Tim Wilson
Design-Fabrication Specialist
Alexander Price
Carpenter
Ben Maher
Workshop Assistant
Belle Valery
Studio Assistant
PRINCIPLES
Material Selection
Prioritise locally sourced reclaimed, salvaged and recycled + bio-based materials.
Material Efficiency
Design to maximise material utilisation and minimise offcuts. Design modular components that can be reused.
Durability
Create products that endure. Use quality finishes to improve durability and longevity. Refine products and processes to maximise lifespan.
Healthy Materials
Select low-tox materials, finishes and processes that are healthier for all
Designed for Disassembly
Simplicy always. Design products that can be disassembled and achieve high material recovery
Product Stewardship
Support products throughout their life by providing care, repair and end-of-life guidance.
AWARDS
2026 Winner Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture, Landing Bakery
2026 Winner Best Art in the Workplace Collaboration, Arup Brisbane HQ
2025 Winner Award for Commercial Architecture, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
2025 Commendation Award for Sustainable Architecture, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
2025 Winner EmAGN Project Award, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
2025 Winner Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
2025 Commendation Award for Small Project Architecture, Tweed Heads Warehouse Fitout
2025 Winner Hayes & Scott Award for Small Project Architecture, Sun Stadium
2025 Winner Art & Architecture Prize, Sun Stadium
2024 Winner Hospitality and Adaptive Reuse, Sustainability Awards, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery
2024 Commendation Residential Architecture Houses Alterations and Additions
2024 Winner Australian Institute of Architects Dunbar Fellowship, Clare Kennedy
2024 Winner Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant, Five Mile Radius
2024 Special Mention Lord Mayor’s Sustainability in Business Award, Five Mile Radius
2021 Finalist National Leadership in Sustainability Prize, AIA
2021 Finalist Design Files Sustainable Design Prize, Five Mile Radius
TEAM
Clare Kennedy
Director
Ellie Farrington
Workshop Manager
Natalie Ruben
Commercial Furniture Lead
Sandy Imeson
Senior Fabricator
Tim Wilson
Design-Fabrication Specialist
Alexander Price
Carpenter
Ben Maher
Workshop Assistant
Belle Valery
Studio Assistant