CRAIG NENER
MArch. (Dist.) — Director
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CRAIG NENER
MArch. (Dist.) — Director
Craig Nener, a Perth-raised designer with international design perspective, is the founder and director of GROTTO. His architectural education began at TAFE and was enriched by scholarship opportunities in Denmark, Portugal, and Spain. Craig's distinguished graduation from UWA in 2017 and subsequent work with acclaimed local architect studios and international powerhouses like [Herzog & De Meuron], reinforced his design rigour, efficiency and methodology.
Passionate about crafting environments that uplift the human spirit, Craig combines determination with design skill, working tirelessly until the best solution is found. One client has fondly referred to him as 'quietly influential and incredibly talented’.
Craig has earned numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland Architectural Award, several Vice Chancellor Awards, and has been involved in numerous award winning projects. His latest achievement and the culmination of his effort and experience — featuring his first completed work [Shadow House] on the cover of Habitus Magazine.
In his role as a tutor at UWA, Craig's passion and practical approach have resonated with students. They have praised his ability to blend modern tech with traditional architecture and admire his approachable style that simplifies complex concepts.
Adept at both intricate architectural theories and practical 'brick-and-mortar' discussions, Craig bridges the gap between lofty design principles and everyday practicality. Having grown up in the urban sprawl, Craig is passionate about enhancing our urban spaces and structures, with the belief that good design should be for everyone and that beauty shouldn’t be a luxury.
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PROFESSIONAL
Herzog & de Meuron — 2020 - 2022
Basel, Switzerland & London, United Kingdom
549 — RESIDENCE; CONFIDENTIAL
566 — COMMERCIAL, TRANSPORT & HOTEL; CONFIDENTIAL
504 — PENTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION
One Park Drive, Canary Wharf, London
GROTTO Studio — 2019 - Present
Perth, Western Australia Associate of Architecture, Director
Private Residential, Renovations & Additions, and Commercial Fitouts.
MORQ — 2020 - 2020
Graduate of Architecture
Private Residential.
NIC BRUNSDON (Formerly Post- Architecture) — 2016 – 2019
Graduate of Architecture - Associate
Multi-residential, private residential, hotel resort, hospitality, industrial design and presentation.
Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects [IPH] — 2015 - 2016
Architecture Student
Rural indigenous public works buildings, single residential design and documentation, primary education concept design and presentation. Office model maker.
Meyer Shircore and Associates Architects — 2010 – 2015
Architectural Draftsman Commercial, industrial, multi-residential design and presentation. Development applications, building permit submission, construction documentation and consultant co-ordination.
The Water’s Edge — 2007 - 2020
Pools & Landscaping [Family Business] Assistant Landscape Designer Concrete pool & landscaping design presentation and documentation. General labourer - carpentry, stone masonry & concrete form / casting
TEACHING
Tutor — 2023
Semester 1 First Year: Design Studio - Bachelor of Architecture
University of Western Australia
Unit Co-ordinator: Kirill de Lancastre Jedenov
Tutor — 2020
Semester 2 Second Year: Design Studio
Bachelor of Architecture Curtin University WA
Unit Co-ordinator: Justin Owen
Tutor — 2019
Semester 1 Second Year: Design and Small Constructions Unit - Bachelor of Architecture
University of Western Australia
Unit Co-ordinator: Emiliano Roia [MORQ]
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture — 2015 – 2017
MArch. [with Distinction] GPA: 6.813
University of Western Australia 2016 - Summer Studio [Lisbon, Portugal] Lisbon Triennial Pavilion Design Winner 2017 - Summer Studio [Olot, Spain] RCR Architects
Bachelor of Applied Science [Architectural Science] — 2012 - 2015
BApSc.Arch Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia Vice Chancellor Member [2013 + 2014]
Constructing Architect — 2009 - 2010
VIA University College, Horsens, Denmark Meyer Shircore and Associates Architects Scholarship Winner for Student Exchange 2009
Diploma of Building Design and Technology — 2008 – 2019
Central Institute of Technology, Western Australia
Herzog & de Meuron — One Park Drive
Herzog & de Meuron — One Park Drive
Herzog & de Meuron — One Park Drive
Post Architecture — The Tiing
Post Architecture — The Tiing
Post Architecture — The Tiing
Post Architecture — The Tiing
Post Architecture — East Freomantle House
Post Architecture — East Freomantle House
Post Architecture — East Freomantle House
Post Architecture — North Perth House
Post Architecture — North Perth House
Post Architecture — North Perth House
Tawarri
UWA / RCR — Santa Margarita
Musing 01
Musing 02
GROTTO — Tent House
GROTTO — Shadow House