About Wood Architecture
Award Winning Design, Construction and Development Professional with Over 35 Years of Experience
A Legacy of Thoughtful Design
Wood Architecture is founded on over 35 years of experience in architecture, construction, and development. Led by award-winning architect Murray Wood, our practice is dedicated to creating enduring spaces that merge innovation with a deep respect for context. With a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, civic, and heritage projects, we craft designs that balance aesthetic refinement with practicality—ensuring architecture that not only inspires but also functions seamlessly in its environment.
Mid-Century Modern Influences and Coastal Connection
Growing up on the southeast coast of Sydney, Murray developed a deep affinity for the coastal landscape, an influence that continues to shape his architectural approach. His love for the ocean extends beyond Australia, with frequent surfing trips to Indonesia providing further insight into coastal environments, local construction techniques, and the resilience required to build in these settings. Inspired by the principles of Mid-Century Modern design, Wood Architecture embraces clean lines, timeless materiality, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces—creating homes that feel both contemporary and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Port Stephens Architect – Serving Coastal and Regional Areas
With a strong presence in Port Stephens and a broader reach across coastal and regional areas, Wood Architecture specialises in designing homes and public spaces that embrace the unique conditions of these landscapes. Understanding the impact of salt, wind, and extreme weather, our designs prioritise longevity, craftsmanship, and environmental sensitivity. Whether crafting a family home by the water, a public space for community connection, or restoring a heritage building with contemporary functionality, we approach each project with precision and care.
Connection to Country and Respect for Place
Murray’s early years growing up in the La Perouse area immersed him in the culture and traditions of the Kamay people. Learning from his First Nations friends about their deep respect for the land and open-house philosophy left a lasting impression, shaping his approach to architecture. Today, that ethos translates into a commitment to designing buildings that ‘touch the earth lightly’—responsive to the land, culturally aware, and designed with longevity in mind.
WOOD Architecture Provide over Three Decades of Tailored Design Excellence and Personalised Architectural Solutions
Collaboration, Craftsmanship, and Award-Winning Work
We believe the best outcomes are achieved through close collaboration—with our clients, builders, and other design professionals. Our practice has been recognised with regional, state, and national awards, including for projects such as the Maitland Athletics Complex, where community engagement grew from 40 to nearly 1,000 users in just a few years. This success reflects our belief that great architecture should not only be visually compelling but also enrich the lives of those who experience it.
Sustainability and Enduring Design
Sustainability is at the core of our practice, not as a trend but as an inherent responsibility. We strive to create carbon-neutral buildings that harness passive design principles, locally sourced materials, and innovative construction techniques. Our designs are informed by a deep connection to the land, integrating elements that respect and celebrate Australia’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes.
At Wood Architecture, we craft spaces with soul—where Mid-Century Modern influences, environmental sensitivity, and a deep respect for place converge to create lasting and meaningful design.
Murray Wood
Director nominated architect, reg# 6320
Murray Wood is an architect with more than 35 years in the design and construction industry, receiving numerous awards in his own practice and as a team member of firms such as FJMT and Dawson Brown (now Casey Brown). Murray not only has extensive experience as an architect but was also a partner in a development and construction company for six years in the early 2000’s.
His experience covers a vast range of project types including low, medium and high density residential, commercial, civic, government, high security facilities, performing arts, conservation / heritage, sports facilities, aged care, interior design, furniture design, tourism, religious and education.
Skills and expertise cover all aspects of project work with budgets up to $600 million and ranging from initial brief analysis through to client handover. Skills also include project management, office management, construction and property development.
Murray values the significant role architects play in developing rich urban and architectural experiences. He is committed to achieving innovative design and deliver solutions that create spaces that have a positive influence on users and the environment.
Murray was elected to the Property Council of Australia – Hunter Chapter Committee in 2017, which represents a wide spread of expertise in both public and private sectors within the region’s industry. A key focus of the committee was to continue to implement the initiatives for the Lower Hunter reform agenda and the review of planning controls for major councils.
He has represented clients at the CTTT (now NCAT), local and district courts, provided expert evidence to NCAT and made formal submissions to the Building Professionals Board on behalf of Strata Committees.
