Milestones
1985
Neometro is co-founded in 1985 by Jeff Provan and Barry Ludlow as a development, design, and construction company. Although from differing backgrounds (Barry was a professional photographer and Jeff had civil engineering qualifications) they shared a passion for design (particularly Japanese design and architecture) and had complementary skills: Barry having an eye for innovative materiality and bold use of colour (an early Neometro trademark), and Jeff with aptitude in experimenting with building form and spatial qualities. Neither had extensive building experience but they did have a background in construction—both their fathers were builders, and they had grown up around building sites.
1988
Neometro gained early recognition with publication in Belle, and Herbert Ypma’s emergent iconic magazine Interior Architecture, and received the inaugural Dulux Colour Award in 1988.
1991
The in-house practice, Neometro Design (later Neometro Architects) is formed. Initially providing design and documentation services to Neometro, the practice soon expands to include ‘outside’ residential and commercial clients. In that first decade Neometro survived challenging economic times as the high interest rates of the late 1980s were followed by the 1991–1992 recession. While many developers faltered and large numbers of architects were out of work, Neometro‘s ‘self-generated’ projects and flexible structure allowed survival of the roller coaster ride.
1991–1999
The early Neometro model began with finding a site—often in back lanes, where the lack of street frontage made land cheaper. The first developments, on adjacent sites in Bolger Place, Coppin Street and Lyndhurst Street in Richmond, explored the idea of ‘mini’ warehouses: lofty townhouses and terraces that offered the advantages of warehouse living—generous, flexible open-plan floor plates and high ceilings. Neometro became synonymous with this archetype, pioneering a model that would define much of its early work.
1999–2000
Described in Wallpaper Magazine as ‘exemplars of mixed-use development,’ Luxe St Kilda receives several awards, including the 1999 Port Phillip Design and Development Award and the 2000 Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) Sir Osborne McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture. Luxe's live/work arrangements and commercial spaces were forward-thinking for its time—not only changing the neighbourhood it inhabited, but also setting a new benchmark for high-quality property development in Melbourne.
2012
Built on a former tennis court in South Yarra's Domain Precinct, and set behind a layered façade of greenery, Airlie Bank Lane wins the 2012 Houses Awards: Apartment/Unit. With more than 40 projects completed across the city, we’ve garnered a reputation for delivering enduring buildings of uncompromising quality. Many of our projects have received awards for their architecture and design. We’re heartened by these accolades and humbled by the value our peers place on our work.
2014
Neometro's commitment to progressive practice extends beyond design and into how the business itself operates. In 2014, this commitment is formalised with B Corp certification, placing Neometro among a global community of companies that balance profit with purpose. Neometro was the first property developer globally (TBC) to receive B Corp status and was instrumental in introducing this progressive model to Melbourne.
2021
Collingwood Yards officially opens on 13 March 2021 after years of development. Among those involved in its inception is Neometro Director James Tutton, a founding board member of Contemporary Arts Precincts (CAP), the not-for-profit behind the project. This marks one of several roles that reflect James’ longstanding support and leadership as part of Melbourne's design and cultural community.
2022
Neometro partners with Merri-bek Council to develop the Design Guidelines for Merri-bek—a design guide focused on creating high-quality, climate-resilient, and community-focused medium-to-high density housing (TBC).
2026
9 Wilson Ave, Brunswick is awarded the highest honour at the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards, winning the Best Overend Award in the Residential Architecture (Multiple Housing category). An excerpt from the the Jury Citation states: ‘Nine Wilson Avenue is an exemplary model for contemporary apartment living, distinguished by the clarity and generosity with which it addresses the everyday experience of residents. At its core is a rigorous and highly resolved spatial strategy: the twin-building arrangement ensures every apartment enjoys dual aspects, maximising cross ventilation and thermal comfort while creating homes with pleasing amenity and liveability.’
Good Design Guide
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