“The idea for buck&simple took shape during a hiking trip, and over a quiet drink at the local pub,” says Peter Ahern, when asked about the genesis of the studio that he co-founded with Kurt Crisp in 2013. “Our early work came from the people around us — small renovations that we affectionately refer to as mums and dads, alts and adds’. These were modest beginnings, but each project taught us something essential about good design, construction, and the value of working closely with clients.”
These early lessons formed the essence of the pair’s design ethos and has remained their practice philosophy over the past twelve years of the studio’s rapid growth and development. Their studio tagline – Unique. Adaptive. Enduring – is a potent three word summary of their shared approach. “These aren’t just words for a website,” says Ahern. “As our projects evolve, we continually revisit these principles, striving to create spaces that are clear in intent yet consistently ambitious. We aim for architecture that responds to its environment, resists fleeting trends, and is grounded in fundamental design thinking.”
What is particularly striking about the practice profile at first glance, is the size – or lack thereof – of the team, especially given the scale of the firm’s residential projects. With only two staff members (Clelia and Bogdan), the studio is – and has almost, always remained – a tight foursome (with some flexing in numbers to suit project demand over the years). “We’ve intentionally built the team around complementary strengths, and over time, we’ve grown together — sharpening our skills, deepening our knowledge, and refining how we work.” says Ahern. “The result is a dynamic where everyone contributes meaningfully. There’s mutual respect, a shared drive for quality, and a sense that we’re all invested — not just in the work, but in each other. Culture fit is also paramount. How we spend our days is how we live our lives, so we try to cultivate a studio environment that’s not only collaborative and driven, but enjoyable. Whether it’s a surf before work, trying out a new local bar, or the occasional studio getaway, we make space for connection outside of project deadlines.”
This rationale extends to the team’s attitude to collaborative design and the construction process. “Our approach — both within our team and with external partners — ensures that ideas are not only well considered, but well executed. It’s in that balance of ambition and pragmatism, creativity and communication, where we believe our real strength lies,” adds Crisp. However, his sentiments don’t fall into the category of “archi-speak.” Quite the contrary. The team’s deep expertise in “how things go together”, often sets the practice apart from others whose projects often remain within the vagaries of concept and philosophy, inevitably resulting in budget blowouts and unnecessary construction complexities. “We can have a high-design conversation about spatial ambition and materiality, then translate that into clear, accessible language for clients — and into practical, on-site dialogue with builders. That ability to bridge design vision with everyday realities is something we value deeply. We draw on years of hands-on experience to design with buildability in mind from day one.” The team’s knowledge of construction techniques and high-end detailing allows them to make smart, informed decisions that respect the budget without compromising on quality or intent. “It’s about knowing where to push and where to pull back—how to make every dollar work harder through clarity of design and efficient use of materials,” adds Crisp.
Ultimately, the studio has become known for being design-driven but also acutely solution-oriented. It’s in that balance of ambition and pragmatism, creativity and communication, where we believe our real strength lies. Clients often come to us for our ability to simplify the complex, to make the design process feel approachable while still delivering exceptional outcomes.” It’s particularly noteworthy that local builders have come to buck&simple to design and detail their own home projects – a testament to the practice’s skill in moving from idea to execution. The art of communication – a fundamental – yet often overlooked – skillset, is one that past clients repeat over and over again when asked about their experience working with the pair. “We don’t see ourselves as sitting above the process—we’re right in it, working alongside builders, consultants, and trades to bring a shared vision to life,” adds Crisp. “Whether it’s through hand sketches, on-site discussions, or direct verbal communication, we focus on clarity and responsiveness – and we always avoid an adversarial mindset. Too often, the industry sets consultants and builders at odds, but we believe the best outcomes happen when everyone is pulling in the same direction.” When asked about their primary challenges and successful projects the team’s response covers our inquiry into both. “Our most successful projects are those where we’ve been trusted to take the lead— where clients value the design process and see the benefit of a unified vision across architecture, interiors, and landscape. That level of trust allows us to make decisions with clarity and confidence. It’s what ultimately elevate a project from good to exceptional.”
