We have received greatest direction in the past from two of the world’s most influential figures in building services and indeed Total Architecture – Jørgen Varming and Sean Mulcahy.

Jørgen Varming, the son of a distinguished Danish Architect, was born in 1906 in Copenhagen.  He studied in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the U.K. graduating with Bachelor of Science degree in 1931.  With his friend Niels Steensen, he founded the practice of Steensen & Varming in 1933 in Copenhagen.

Through his charm, technical expertise and his understanding of architecture he became a mentor for many of the younger partners of the practice, which has expanded through Dublin to London, Edinburgh and eventually Australia.  He was an accomplished cellist, playing chamber music often featuring on Danish radio as one of a string quartet.  Jørgen Varming was a great ambassador for Building Services Engineers, known personally and respected by most of the prominent Architects of his day,  he was invited to give the Yerbury Foundation lecture to the RIBA in 1959.He remained active in the various practices until his death in 1996 but remains an inspiration to this day.

Sean Mulcahy was born in Ireland in 1926.  He graduated from University College Dublin with a Double Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He joined Varming’s practice in Dublin as a young Engineer of 21 before spending a year in the Copenhagen office working on the Free University Berlin, On his return to Dublin, he formed a partnership with Varming which quickly flourished.

He adapted Varming’s sensitive approach to Building Services, taking it a stage further with a commitment to broaden the education of both Architects and Services Engineers for better understanding and co-operation between building designers. He began lecturing to Architectural students in University College Dublin and Edinburgh University and inspired the other partners to do likewise. Together with his mentor Jørgen Varming the influence on the thinking of Architects and Engineers alike was profound.  Sean Mulcahy retired from practice in 1990 but still remains in contact with Steensen Varming offices world wide as well as continuing his involvement as a prominent patron in the Dublin art scene.

People and knowledge are the best assets that Steensen Varming possesses and invest in. Today in Australia, Steensen Varming is directed by two very different but equally passionate people in Barry Tam and Dan Mackenzie. They, combined with the rest of the group, form a great team who share the Steensen Varming ethos and commitment to continuous improvement.

Dan is a qualified building services engineer, educated in Newcastle England in the steps of Jørgen Varming. He joined Steensen Varming in 1983, originally working in the London Office. Dan’s interests are in collaborative design, Total Architecture, quality and detail. He is a founding member of the Australian Architecture Association and represents the Australian and New Zealand region of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers on ASBEC (Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council)

“I have found Dan to be knowledgeable and innovative in his approach towards the design process, both in his particular field of expertise and generally as part of the project development.  Dan works well within the design team process contributing in a positive way in any issues that arise, ensuring that all avenues of innovation are addressed.”

Incoll RGA

Barry is a multi award winning mechanical engineer, educated in Canada. As a Director he is inspirational with the quality of his strategic thought. His strength and success come from his ability to provide simple solutions for challenging problems.  Barry has spoken at a number of conferences on sustainability and design issues and is vehement about our role in society and the responsibility that it brings.

“Barry’s opinion was always considered, accurate and provided in an extremely professional manner which will always endear him to any project team that he is involved in.”

Southland District Health Authority

Barry and Dan have been joined by Chris Arkins and Steve Hennessy to form what must be the strongest internationally experienced team in this specialist field. Steensen Varming promote a Studio approach to design, problem solving and service with a very select team of individuals. Most have been with Steensen Varming for many years or since graduation and appreciate how we are different. Steensen Varming continually strive to identify, develop and retain people of the highest calibre. We nurture our team by selectively applying our resources on worthwhile projects for quality results.

Chris has a driving passion for sustainable design and is able to use his creative skills to develop innovative design solutions. Chris is a qualified mechanical engineer who joined Steensen Varming in 1992.   He is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia, technical working group for the development of the Green Star Health and Education tools.  Chris has several published articles and  he regularly presents at conferences on sustainability topics.

“Chris Arkins is a rare talent.  His fundamental respect for the profession of architecture and its possibilities grounds our collaboration, and gives me the confidence to involve him as early as possible in the design process.  Chris’s commitment, tenacity and sensitivity make for a seamless fit with our approach.  In fact, working with Chris never feels like working with a "consultant” – rather he engages as if he is a member of our own practice and as such has earned the respect and friendship of staff from every level of our office.”

Terroir

Steve has risen through the ranks to become a well respected building services engineer that specialises in ‘whole of life’ issues such as maintenance and energy efficiency. Steve completed a building services degree at Liverpool University, UK and has gone on to complete a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Steve is an accredited Australian Building Greenhouse Ratings assessor, past Chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Region of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, and present Chairman of the Property Council of Australia, NSW Building Services Committee.

“Steve works hard to keep abreast of the latest developments in building services design, here and overseas, and is equally at home presenting to senior executives or maintenance contractors. He also brings a passion for sensible building services design and operation, a healthy sense of humour, and a personal commitment to tackling climate change through energy efficiency improvements.”

Big Switch