Generations of Design
Code Architecture was founded by Sebastian Monroe in 2014, however the roots of Code Architecture travel far back through the generations back to the historic home of his family in Silesia, Germany where they were master weavers and tailors.
Our modern family's design legacy begins with the remarkable Maude Violet Shields Macgowan, our great-grandmother. During her tenure as a nurse in World War I, Maude exhibited not only compassion but also a spark of ingenuity. At home, she sketched ideas for an attachment to a vacuum cleaner, which eventually led to a visit to Electrolux in Sydney with her husband. This attachment now forms part of many vacuum cleaners sold worldwide today.
The innovation continued with our grandfather, Ronald Battie Brand, who ran Southern Electrics. In 1951, where he introduced the Rex washing machine, a distinctive appliance featuring a manual gearbox with a unique gear lever, topped with a red knob, making it a standout in both design and functionality. It was one of the first washing machines to have both a wash cycle and spin cycle in a single drum.
Ronald's wife, Beryl Brand (nee MacGowan), continued the legacy as a home economist at Savouries on Rundle Street. Beryl's work caught the attention of Kelvinator, who provided her with one of the first commercially available chest freezer models for testing food preservation. Her dedication extended to a radio segment on 5DN, where she shared insights on home economy for 15 minutes each afternoon.
The torch of creativity passed to Jenny Brand Monroe Tyler, who, with her first husband David, embarked on building a home at Mount Nebo in 1974. Engaging architect Barry Walduck, Jenny actively participated as an unpaid builder's labourer, contributing to various aspects of the construction.
Sebastian's journey as an architect began in a unique way. Nights spent crafting cities from reclaimed timber in the fireplace, a practice initiated by Jenny and her sons, laid the foundation for Sebastian's affinity for design.
One pivotal moment occurred when Jenny, recognizing Sebastian's innate talent, asked him to paint what he remembered of the house's exterior. At the age of four, Sebastian revealed a remarkable representation, sparking a conversation about architects. Intrigued, Sebastian delved into the blueprints of his childhood home, seeking understanding, and discovering the nuances of design, such as the purpose of a widened brick cavity for improved insulation.
Guided by his mother's artistic influence, Sebastian pursued architectural studies at the University of Queensland and the University of NSW, culminating in his graduation in 2000. His professional journey has been marked by significant achievements, including contributing to the winning design of the 'Watercube' swimming pool for the Beijing Olympics and pioneering the testing of AI town planners with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Digital Twin Team, and Archistar.
Our family's legacy is a testament to the intersection of creativity, innovation, and dedication. From Maude's wartime ingenuity to Ronald's entrepreneurial spirit and Sebastian's ground-breaking contributions, each generation has added a unique chapter to the story of design in our family.