O pen
In Conversation with
Christopher Boots
A Note from Projects Director Ross Hams
Welcome to Issue 13 of Open Projects.
In this issue, we spotlight the people, places and projects shaping how we live — now and into the future.
As a Director at Marshall White Projects, I share my favourite local haunts in Prahran East.
We visit Milan Design Week 2025 with Robert Davidov of Davidov Architects to explore the global conversations driving the next wave of design.
Tom Hywood, Co-Founder of Apartments & Developments, shares smart insights in Your Guide to Off-the-Plan Success, helping buyers secure a premium residence with confidence.
We also sit down with acclaimed lighting designer Christopher Boots to talk craftsmanship, creative legacy, and the power of wonder.
And finally, we explore Grandview — a bold architectural statement redefining elevated living in Melbourne’s east.
We hope you enjoy the issue.
Ross Hams
646 High Street, Prahran East Grandview
Explore Prahran East with Ross Hams Industry Insight Your Guide to Off-the-Plan Success Lifestyle Inside Milan Design Week 2025
Marshall White Projects Current Projects
Society — Armadale
Audrey — Auburn
White & Weston — Balwyn
Laurel — Bentleigh
Bright — Brighton
Frith & Howarth— Brunswick
Cookson — Camberwell
Parlington Street — Canterbury
Fabric — Caufield
Drummond House — Carlton
The Address — East Melbourne
Bakehouse Terraces — Fitzroy North
P.05 - 06 P.07 - 08
P.09 - 10 P.11 - 12
P.15 - 16
P.17 - 18
P.19 - 20
P.21 - 22
P.23 - 24
P.27 - 28
P.29 - 30
P.31 - 32
Hawthorn House — Hawthorn
Denmark Gardens — Hawthorn East
Arteur — Kew
Montview — Kew
Malvern Gardens — Malvern
Central Park — Malvern East
Malea — Malvern East
Waterfront Residences — Port Melbourne
Prime — Prahran
Grandview — Prahran
South Kingsville Place — South Kingsville
First Light — South Melbourne
Grandview
Grandview offers an elevated lifestyle in a prime location. Expansive layouts, lush gardens, and breathtaking city and bay views create the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
Kierra Hagedorn, Marshall White Projects Director
646 High Street, Prahran East
Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by
Grandview redefines boutique luxury in Prahran, combining sophisticated design with sustainability. Designed by Carr Architects and built by Manresa Construction, Grandview features soaring ceilings, double-glazed windows, and premium finishes. Smart home tech, Miele kitchens, and expansive balconies enhance living, while rare rooftop terraces and garden courtyards create seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
This all-electric building features EV readiness, thermal efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and a cooling green roof.
Located on High Street, Grandview offers premier access to Prahran’s best dining, shopping, and transport. Now selling, with stamp duty savings up to $419,000. Secure your place today. ■
2 A B C 2 2 $1,400,000
3 A B C 2 2 $2,150,000 Penthouse $6,500,000
EXPLORE PRAHRAN EAST
We spoke to Ross Hams, Director at Marshall White Projects, about his favourite spots in Prahran East — a neighbourhood he knows and loves. From lazy Sunday mornings to tailored experiences and cosy dinners, Ross shares what makes this pocket of Melbourne so special.
What does a Sunday morning look like to you in Prahran East?
Sunday mornings usually start at Morning Market in Prahran. It’s a small café and grocer from chef Andrew McConnell, and it’s become my go-to. I’ll often grab a fresh fruit plate or pancakes (if I’m treating myself), and a perfectly made skim latte under the sun-dappled trees. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that sets the tone for the whole day.
Where do you usually find yourself heading afterwards?
Next stop is often the tailor, P. Johnson. I’ve had quite a few suits made there, but honestly, it’s more about the experience. The space is calm and refined, the team is knowledgeable and welcoming, and there’s something about choosing fabrics over a great coffee that makes the whole process feel just as rewarding as walking out in the suit.
What’s your pick for a great dinner out in the neighbourhood?
When my wife Jo and I head out for dinner, Osteria Renata is always at the top of our list. Adam D’Sylva and his team have created a space that’s both cosy and stylish. The pasta is consistently excellent, but it’s the great energy that keeps bringing us back. It feels familiar and relaxed, yet special — like a proper night out, without the fuss.
What do you love most about the area?
That’s the thing about Prahran East and its surrounds — everything feels considered but never overdone. It’s a pocket of Melbourne that balances style and substance, and it still feels like a neighbourhood. That’s what makes it great, and that’s why I love it.
And with our Grandview project just around the corner, future residents will be perfectly placed to enjoy all of this from the moment they move in. It’s more than just a great location — it’s a lifestyle made for those who value the little things. ■
with Ross Hams
From $3,190,000
83 Wattletree Road, Armadale
Architecture by Gardens by Developed by Interiors by
Tapware by
Architecture by Developed by Gardens by
From $845,000
Located in the Balwyn High School zone and opposite Balwyn Park (Walk Score 90), this building features a 655sqm approx. private Jack Merlo-designed garden and BBQ area, secure parking with number plate recognition, and a BESS rating 10% above industry average.
259-281 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn
Designed by Gardens by
Balwyn
Developed by
Designed by Gardens by
Bentleigh
INSIDE MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025
Established in 2011 by Robert Davidov, Melbourne-based Davidov Architects is known for its refined, understated architecture. Fresh from Milan Design Week 2025, Robert shares what inspired him and how the experience is shaping the studio’s next steps.
What were some of the standout trends or ideas you noticed at Milan Design Week 2025?
Milan Design Week is massive - beautifully chaotic. It’s like an endless scavenger hunt across the city. So, to stay sane, I went in with a bit of a strategy: chase what I already love but leave room to be surprised.
Some definite themes kept popping up: brutalist shapes, brushed stainless, aluminium, and then softer moments - natural textiles in sandy or smoky tones. That contrast was really compelling.
Some favourites:
• Lambert & Fils: Sculptural, handcrafted light fixtures from Canada
• Fomu Studio: Chairs and tables in raw aluminium by the Australian designers
• Ryuichi Kozeki: Japanese minimalist furniture and lighting
• Ranieri: Italian design company known for working with volcanic stone
• Studio Utte: Monolithic furniture shown in their Milan office
And that’s barely scratching the surface.
Were there any innovative materials or techniques that caught your eye and felt relevant to your work?
Yes - and some weren’t even new, just reimagined. A lot of brands dug into their archives, pulled out forgotten '70s pieces, and refreshed them with sharper geometry, crisper detailing, or new materials and colours.
I noticed a real confidence in using heavy-gauge stainless steel, thick plates, strong grids and pattern featured in lighting and furniture design. There was a boldness to it, almost architectural in scale. And the joinery! Simple, robust, very intentional.
Was there a particular installation or designer that really left an impression?
Interni Venosta's installation at Phillips Gallery was wild - in the best way. Imagine a punk rock apartment with brushed metal walls, Venetian blinds, and a full-blast soundtrack. And then inside, a furniture collection so composed and sculptural it felt like it had just landed from a future where everything is resolved.
The pieces were bold, geometric, and beautifully formed. Each one stood its ground, like a little monument. What I loved most was the contrast: the chaos of the environment made the clarity of the work stand out even more. It was like the furniture had transcended the noise. Or maybe it had created the noise, just to prove it could rise above it.
How did Australian design fit into the broader international conversation?
It’s always interesting seeing the global design scene with your Australian goggles on. We’re very connected to the conversation, but Milan reminds you just how vast the design universe really is.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see all the Australians who were showing - timing wasn’t on my side - but they were there and represented brilliantly. We are big fans of Ross Gardam, who debuted his latest lighting collection.
There’s something distinct about Australian design: it’s clear, unpretentious, confident.
Where do you see Davidov Architects heading next? Did Milan shift anything for you?
Milan gave us a jolt - in a good way. That sheer concentration of design thinking, aesthetics, and obsession - it’s contagious. Oddly, it made me want to return to Japan. After Milan’s theatre, I’m craving the discipline and quiet mastery of Japanese architecture. At the studio, we’ve been leaning into material honesty and spatial restraint. Milan reminded me that’s not just a personal preference - it’s part of a bigger conversation. And that’s energising. We came back with sore feet, a full camera roll, and more than a few ideas we are already folding into new work. ■
From $2,455,000
Sculpted from Brighton's textured coastal landscape, these palatial residences illustrate exceptional craftsmanship and an undeniable sense of grandeur, an ode to the streetscape's heritage residences.
34 Black Street, Brighton
Managed by Gardens by Designed by
From $845,000
Opposite the newly created Yubup Park, this all-electric building offers green spaces, a communal garden, and easy access to Brunswick’s cafés. With a 7.5-star NatHERS rating, double glazing, solar power, and rainwater harvesting, it’s highly sustainable. EV charging, smart storage, and secure parking add convenience. Apartments are 21% larger than Brunswick’s average.
288-290 Victoria Street, Brunswick
Developed by Landscaping by Designed by
3 A B C 2 2
From $1,650,000
Innovatively designed by award-winning architects DKO, Cookson Camberwell balances timeless, carefully considered architecture with a sensitive appreciation of its urban context. Inspired by historic examples throughout Camberwell, the building offers a sculptured presence in an elevated streetscape.
15-23 Cookson Street, Camberwell
Architecture by Developed by Interiors by
Developed by Designed by Landscaping by
Appliances by Tapware by
From $504,000
Situated in the heart of Caulfield, right next to Elsternwick and designed by renowned architects Cera Stribley, these residences offer an impressive 8.9-star energy rating. Features include EV charging, double glazed windows, breathtaking city and bay views, ultra-fast internet (faster than the NBN), convenient Click & Collect storage, all supported by extended builder guarantees of up to 6 years, providing added peace of mind. 679-683 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield
Designed by Developed by Built by
Caufield
Off-the-Plan Success
As co-founder and managing director of Australia’s premier off-the-plan listings. portal, Apartments & Developments, Tom Hywood and his team have played a key role in connecting thousands of buyers with premium off-the-plan properties across Australia.
Tom shares his insights on what to consider when purchasing a premium apartment, townhouse or penthouse. Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne’s inner suburbs offers a unique opportunity: access to brandnew homes in some of the city’s most desirable locations, often with greater flexibility around design, finishes and settlement timelines.
Whether you’re after an apartment with uninterrupted views, a generously sized townhouse with a high walkability score, or a luxe penthouse in a boutique development, buying off-the-plan lets you secure the property ahead of market growth and tailor it to suit your lifestyle. To help you make an informed decision, here are some practical tips—and the key questions worth asking.
1. Look with the team behind the project
One of the best indicators of how your experience will unfold is the track record of the developer and builder. Take time to review their previous projects, check completion timelines, and ask how buyers responded to the finished product. A strong reputation is always a good sign.
Ask your agent: Can you show me examples of the developer’s past projects? How have they been received?
2. Consider the design beyond the surface
Design is about more than just finishes—it’s about how the home will feel to live in. A well-planned layout, good natural light, generous proportions and quality materials all make a lasting difference. Great design should support your lifestyle and stand the test of time.
Tip: Ask your agent to walk you through the floor plan so you can understand why certain design decisions were made.
3. Clarify what’s included
Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the base price, and where there may be opportunities to upgrade— whether that’s appliances, stone surfaces, flooring, lighting or outdoor spaces. Most developers provide a detailed schedule of finishes, so ask for this and clarify any available options to customise and personalise your home.
Ask your agent: Can I see the full list of inclusions? Are there any customisation options available?
4. Review the contract with expert guidance
Off-the-plan contracts typically include elements that differ from those in standard purchases. Your solicitor should be experienced in these types of agreements. Key items to check include timelines, deposit structure, how changes to the plan are handled, and what to expect after settlement.
Tip: Ask your solicitor to walk you through the process from contract to completion, so you know exactly what to expect.
5. Understand how the neighbourhood is evolving
Even in the most established suburbs, the local landscape is always changing. Premium areas often see ongoing development, such as knockdown rebuilds or boutique infill projects, which can subtly shift streetscapes, outlooks and levels of privacy over time. Ask about any nearby planning applications or changes that could impact the future appeal of the area.
Ask your agent: Are there any upcoming developments or planning changes in the area that could affect the outlook, access or amenity in future?
6. Keep track of timelines and progress
One of the key advantages of buying off-the-plan is having time to plan your move or manage other property transitions. Make sure you understand the expected timeline, how updates will be communicated, and when decisions around customisation and settlement will need to be made.
Ask your agent: When can I expect completion, and how will I be kept informed during the construction process?
Final thought: lean on your expert agent
Purchasing off-the-plan gives you access to quality homes in premium neighbourhoods - often ahead of the curve. It’s a rewarding process when approached with the right information and support. Ask questions, do your research, and focus on what matters most to you - whether it’s space, outdoor entertaining, views or walkable surroundings. Finally, lean on your agent who has intimate knowledge of not just the project they’re selling, but also of the local area in which they’re selling it. ■
From
Developed by Architecture by Interiors by
From $3,500,000 Some of the world’s best residences embrace iconic gardens in their respective cities, from Central Park in New York City to Hyde Park in London. The Address will deliver a new legacy for Melbourne, fronting one of its most beloved gardens, connected to the city in just a heartbeat.
Developed by Design by
From $1,995,000
Bakehouse Terraces, located at 390A Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, offers 14 architecturally designed terrace homes in one of Melbourne’s most desirable inner-city suburbs. Once the site of a historic bakery, this development combines heritage charm with modern living.
Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
390A
Developed by Architecture by
Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by
Hawthorn
From $1,630,000
Discover the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural serenity just steps from Camberwell Junction. Designed by Cera Stribley, these meticulously crafted homes feature cutting-edge design and technology. Residents also enjoy exclusive access to a beautifully designed 170sqm communal garden, where innovation meets exceptional craftsmanship. 14-16 Denmark Hill Road, Hawthorn East
Built by Gardens by
Designed by Developed by Hawthorn East
In Conversation with
CHRISTOPHER BOOTS
by Nic Gossage
We spoke with Christopher Boots, Founder and Creative Director of his namesake studio, about the origins of his practice, the power of collaboration, and how light can transform not just a space – but the way we feel within it.
Photography
How did the Christopher Boots studio begin? What was the moment or idea that started it all?
The idea wasn’t so much a lightning bolt as it was a slow burn – a lifetime of collecting, questioning, and refining. Rocks in my pockets as a child, sketchbooks stacked high, ideas scribbled in the margins. The studio was born on 11-11-11, but its origins trace back to those early walks along the beach with my mum, collecting quartz and wondering about the stories held in stone. In truth, it began with curiosity – about how light can shape space, how objects can hold meaning, how we might honour the natural world while creating within it.
What role does collaboration play in shaping each piece, especially with artisans like glass blowers or stone masons?
Collaboration is the heartbeat of what we do. No piece is born in isolation – it emerges through dialogue, friction, and rhythm. A glass blower might teach us something about breath, a metal worker about tension, a stone mason about patience. We work with artisans whose hands carry knowledge passed down over generations – their touch, their intuition, becomes part of the piece.
How does working with architects and designers influence the outcome of a collection or custom piece?
It’s like responding to a poem mid-verse. Architects and designers present a context – a rhythm, a palette, a set of constraints – and within that, we explore. Sometimes they come to us with a clear vision, other times with a question. Either way, it’s a conversation. The pieces we create are shaped not just by materials but by the spaces they’re destined for –spaces imagined, drawn, or detailed by others. When someone truly understands space, form, and feeling, it allows us to create something more nuanced and attuned. It becomes about resonance – emotional, spatial, even spiritual.
In what ways does your work transform a space beyond just lighting it?
Light is the most subtle sculptor. It can soften or sharpen, quieten or amplify. But beyond that, the objects we create carry presence – they’re not passive. They draw your eye, invite touch, and stir memory. The way they interact with space isn’t just functional – it’s emotional. They create mood, tempo, a sense of occasion. Sometimes, a piece anchors a room; sometimes, it lets the architecture breathe. I often say we’re in the business of making future relics – things that feel like they’ve always belonged, even when they’re brand new.
What does the future look like for the Christopher Boots studio? Are there new materials, ideas, or directions you are excited to explore?
We’re always looking forward – but with a deep reverence for what’s come before. There are new materials on the horizon, particularly recycled and repurposed glass, which is a beautiful paradox: waste transformed into wonder. I’m also interested in furniture again and how we might translate our material language into different typologies. But more than anything, we’re seeking to create experiences. That might take the form of a Salon dinner series, a publication, or a piece of sound. We’re building a world – slowly, intentionally – one object, one collaboration, one moment at a time. ■
Developed by Designed by Gardens by
Designed by Gardens by
Developed by Architecture by Built by Gardens by Managed by
From $3,495,000
Perched above the verdant canopies of one of Melbourne’s most prized public gardens. 385 Wattletree Road, Malvern East
Developed by Architecture by Gardens by
Managed by
In collaboration with
From $2,195,000 A boutique collection of seven exclusive residences opposite Central Park features spacious and sophisticated interiors with natural stone, timber finishes, refined metal accents, and serene spa-like main suites. 94 Burke Road, Malvern East
Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by
From $2,950,000
With panoramic and never-to-be-built-out views of the sea and city, 103 Beach Street, Port Melbourne celebrates the splendour of its unique location at every turn, redefining world-class waterfront living.
103 Beach Street, Port Melbourne
Architecture by Built and developed by Interiors by Appliances by Tapware by
From $1,545,000
Beyond the statement façade and the spacious interiors, it’s the philosophy of the design that stands apart: intelligent, private, healthy and sustainable. For those drawn to the pulse of Prahran and everything it offers, this is the ideal place to shape a new future. 66 Williams Road, Prahran
Developed by Design by
Prahran
From $1,450,000
Grandview offers luxury 2, 3 and 4-bedroom residences in Prahran East Village, near Hawksburn and High Street. Designed by Carr Design, these homes feature 3m ceilings, bespoke joinery, smart home tech, and city views. The exclusive Penthouse is $19M. Customisable floor plans, with a display suite available. Construction starts mid-2025. Secure now for significant stamp duty savings.
Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by
Prahran East
Developed by Designed by Gardens by
From $1,995,000
In Melbourne’s coveted Domain Precinct, First Light will soon unveil a groundbreaking fusion of art and architecture, promising to redefine the concept of luxury living through its innovative design and unparalleled attention to detail.
28 Albert Street, South Melbourne
Developed by Designed by Interiors by
Ross Hams Projects Director
With his unwavering client-centred focus on selling Melbourne’s most luxurious off-the-plan residences, Ross Hams is recognised industry-wide as the go to agent for some of Australia’s largest public and private companies.
Known for his ability to create sales at the highest level, over the last decade Ross has been involved in some of Melbourne’s most iconic and successful off the plan residential developments.
Outside of Real Estate, family and sport are Ross’ driving forces. Ross, a former gym owner, and lawyer wife Jo have three beautiful children, and they are all sports and fitness fanatics. Basketball is number one sport at the Hams’ Warrandyte family home, and Ross plays, supports and coaches his kids’ teams and is an avid fan of SE Melbourne Phoenix and the LA Lakers.
Ross Hams 0410 160 151 ross.hams@marshallwhite.com.au
Invest in your luxury lifestyle
Secure your place in the future of contemporary living with off-the-plan developments represented by Marshall White Projects, showcasing unparalleled design and innovation. We partner with Australia’s most trusted and established developers, builders, and designers to craft exceptional residences that redefine luxury and style.
Contact Marshall White Projects to explore all opportunities.
