Interview with Clare Cousins of Clare Cousins Architects
If you’ve been to ACMI lately you would have noticed those incredible bands of colour leading you down from the main entrance down into the exhibition Game Masters? Stunning right! While Charlie was there for the games I just wanted to know what was at the end of the rainbow…
Those of you who have been to the ACMI Game Masters exhibition (finishing 28 October 2012) or visited the Parents Retreat at Melbourne Central already know some of the work of Clare Cousins Architects: colourful, fun and stylish.
We caught up with this amazing mum and below she shares some of her insights about favourite things she does with her family…. and yes, we got her to give us some images of those two amazing spaces to share with you.
Clare please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a mum to Ginger (4) and Ivy (18 months) and have a architecture practice (both keep me on my toes). My husband Ben has a construction company and is a great, hands on dad.
Do you have a favourite family outing?
Sundays are family day (as Ben works most Saturdays). Our last day out was with friends for morning tea at Café Vue at Heide and a walk around the sculpture garden. It was cold, muddy and a gumboot day.
Are your children enrolled in any classes?
Ginger has swimming lessons at Harold Holt and Ballet classes with South Melbourne Dance Centre both with her best buddy Lili. She is all about dance, singing, fairies and princesses. Ivy on the other hand is our little tom-boy. She loves her bike, balls and knocking things over.
What do your school holidays consist of for your family (assuming your children are at school!)
No school yet. Ginger starts Prep next year. Both girls go to crèche and we share a nanny. I’m not quite sure how school holidays will work next year!
You’re going out with the kids for the day – what do you need to do to prepare?
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Drink bottles
- Snacks
- Ivy’s sleep toy
- Pram
- More snacks!!! (I try to pack pretty light)
A family holiday destination – do you have a favourite to share?
We travelled to Fiji last year for the first time. It was so relaxing and Ginger still asks when we are going back. Nothing beats some R&R in the sun with your family.
Do your kids have a favourite iPhone/iPad app?
Ginger loves using the iPhone and iPhone but we’re pretty tough on how often she can use it. She has a few alphabet games and she plays Angry Birds. Her latest iPad favourite, though is the 1982 movie, Annie. She sings along with all the songs.
Any events/activities/travels planned for the near future that you want to share?
Ginger is going skiing this weekend with her Dad and friends of ours. We went two weeks ago and she loved it.
Ivy and I will enjoy a quiet weekend. I’m looking forward to it!
