Paul Couch, Field Studies

Paul Couch has long been an elusive figure in Australian architecture. For over six decades he has busied himself creating substantial works, rarely stopping to document his achievements, or to speak of them in public. As a result, his built works have gone largely unrecognised. Paul Couch, Field Studies seeks to redress this, introducing readers to one of Australia’s most significant and enduring architects. The book focuses on four major residential projects spanning the breadth of Couch’s career, from his own family home in 1975, to the Kew House completed in 2019. Each of the four projects is represented by Couch’s original hand drawings, a written essay and a photo essay. In addition, accompanying extracts from a series of interviews introduce the reader to Couch’s voice, distilling the ideas, images, memories and dreams that animate his aspirations for architecture. Paul Couch, Field Studies includes essays by Juhani Pallasmaa, Philip Goad, Michael Roper and James Mugavin, a photo essay by Tom Ross exploring the influence of local rock formations on Couch’s architecture, and a brief meditation on concrete by the architect himself. All of this is brought together in an exquisitely presented hardcover book, designed by multi-award winning book designer, Stuart Geddes. Publisher: Uro Publications, 2025; Authors: Michael Roper, James Mugavin; Design: Stuart Geddes; Photography: Tom Ross.