Fortis 1 banner Steve chrono Banner 2 Banner 2

Category Archives: Lifestyle

“Limited Edition Watches Book”

feature-image-2

Approximately eighteen months ago I had the privilege of attending the world watch fair in Basel, Switzerland. Even though I had to pay for the trip out of my own pocket the experience was definitely worthwhile. As well as trying on an exquisite range of timepieces  (that I could only dream of previously) I also met some of my watch industry heroes. Most of them were very humble, gracious and genuine. They even spared the time to inspect the watch I had designed in collaboration with Frank Heydrich. Certainly I would recommend that anyone who is passionate about horology in general to visit Baselworld. This event is presented on a grand scale and is a true spectacle. » Read more

DARWINmachine Hammerhead FMR989

Feature Image

After I left university in 1989 I became a freelance illustrator and was represented by a prestigious artist agency. I vividly remember working to exceptionally tight deadlines and normally working for 48-hours straight to complete an artwork. Thirty years ago illustrations had to be hand delivered or sent by a courier service. They also had to be mounted on a board with an acetate sheet cover. Obviously these days everything is done digitally and can be sent worldwide with the click of a mouse. » Read more

IL Hoon Roh Vela

Velo (7)

One of my great passions in life is watching a good movie. Rather than big blockbusters with extraordinary CGI (computer generated image) effects I gravitate towards smaller indie pictures. Without sounding too pretentious I am more interested in the narrative and quality of acting. This is why (when a friend recommended it) I rushed out to watch the Australian cult classic called The Castle. This iconic film features a working-class family from Melbourne who struggle to save their cherished family home from being demolished to allow infrastructural expansion. Even though I wouldn’t rate this as one of my favourite flicks I could relate to the overall message. Large or small we all consider our homes to be our sanctuaries and will do anything to protect them. » Read more

SAOTA Beachyhead

Feature Image

Recently there has been an influx of TV shows featuring a range of exclusive properties from around the world. Probably my favourites are programmes like Grand Designs (U.K, Australia, New Zealand) and the highly impressive American Series Extreme Homes. Really what makes these shows so interesting is that they focus on the ingenuity of the architecture, rather than the building cost. Obviously in a lot of cases these exquisite residences cost a fortune to build. However, this isn’t always the case as highlighted in my recent article featuring Patrick Bradley Architects ‘Grillagh Water’. » Read more

Rangr Studio Casa Kimball

Feature Image

Like most people I really love my holidays and in particular spending time with my family. There are so many places I would love to visit overseas and in Australia. That is why I really enjoy searching the internet for ideal destinations. Some of the accommodation on offer is absolutely spectacular. In fact, clients are now commissioning prominent architects to create these havens. A great example is Casa Kimball, which was conceived by Rangr Studio. » Read more

Harman Kardon Aura

Feature Image

Recently I visited the Apple shop in the city centre in Adelaide, South Australia. Even though I have owned several of their products over the years I had always purchased them from authorised retailers. All of their stores are virtually carbon copies and are laid out in a particular way. In some respects, they look like fashionable cafes or even a modern art gallery. They also attract a lot of trendy hipsters because it is the coolest place to congregate on a Saturday afternoon. As well as selling official Apple merchandise like Mac’s, iPads and iPhones they also sell compatible devices from other manufacturers. A great example is the wonderful Aura from Harman Kardon. » Read more

Prosoft Engineering BlackOps Hard Drive

Feature Image

As I have mentioned previously one of my great passions in life is films. In fact, whenever my wife and I get the chance we love to visit the cinema. However, with a young child sometimes the choice of movies can be restrictive. One of my favourite modern day films is the 2004 classic ‘Sideways’, which is essentially the story of two friends bonding through fine wine tasting journey of all things. Even though the protagonists have many unresolved personal issues the back drop of the Napa Valley is absolutely spectacular. Certainly it paints a beautiful picture of the Californian lifestyle and why people choose to reside there. It also explains why innovators like Apple, Facebook and Google have established their headquarters here. » Read more

Thunderbike Unbreakable

Feature Image

As I have mentioned in several articles I have never experienced the sensation of riding on a motor bike nor have I any desire to do so in the near future. However, I can really appreciate the time, effort and research involved in building these magnificent machines. Certainly the custom made bikes have a sculptural appearance and are built by some of the worlds finest craftsmen. This is why motoring enthusiasts will pay enormous amount of money to collect them. From a writer’s perspective the design process is also fascinating to write about. » Read more