Meet Damian, local architect and resident at 15 Thompson Street, Kensington. For him, good design does more than shape the building—it enables community connection too. Over a morning chat, Damian shared what sets living here apart—from the building’s sustainability features to the everyday moments of connection that make a difference.
Tell us a bit about what you do.
Damian: I’m a graduate architect working at a local firm here in inner-west Melbourne. I was drawn to Assemble because it reminded me of the housing typologies found in Europe—medium-density living designed with shared spaces and a strong sense of community. I studied these concepts at university and saw them firsthand while living in the Netherlands, where walkability and well-planned density are part of everyday life.
Natural next question; your thoughts on the design of 15 Thompson Street?
D: As an architect, I was naturally drawn to the design choices made at the project. I love the materiality and passive design elements embedded throughout. The raw concrete and Brutalist, Bauhaus-inspired facade are softened by greenery and the open-air walkways, creating a space that feels both bold and welcoming.
What do you love most about inside your home?
D: I really appreciate the L-shaped layout of my apartment which segments the space quite nicely and offers a great balance of open and private spaces, and the lofty concrete ceilings make the home feel light and expansive.
On the ceilings, the exposed concrete absorbs and retains heat, so I barely need to use the heating during the colder months. In summer, it does the opposite—it holds onto warmth, but with great airflow and a little air conditioning, it stays comfortable indoors.
I’ve also really enjoy induction cooking—it’s energy-efficient, quick, and mess-free, which is always a plus.
Outside your home, where are you spending your time?
D: I am part of the resident gardening group, where we meet regularly to maintain the rooftop veggie beds and keep the space thriving. The rooftop garden beds are a real asset for city living—being able to pop upstairs, pick fresh herbs for dinner, and say hello to the chickens while I’m there. Downstairs, the workshop has been just as handy. Having a space where I can tune my bike or access shared tools is really convenient, especially when you’re living in an apartment.
Beyond the physical spaces, the digital noticeboard on the resident app also keeps everyone linked, whether it’s sharing updates, borrowing ingredients, or staying in the loop on what’s happening in the building or in the community.
As Kensington continues to grow, it’s exciting to see how the community and urban landscape will evolve.
Damian from 15 Thompson Street
What are your local haunts in and around the suburb?
D: I grew up out west in Carolina Springs and more recently lived in Moonee Ponds, so I know this area quite well. There’s no shortage of great spots to eat—Laksa King for laksa, La Tortilleria for tacos, and the Moroccan Soup Bar for something hearty. The location is so convenient and well-connected, with two train lines and the Capital City Trail making it easy to get around, whether it’s heading to Footscray for work or catching up with family and friends in Brunswick.
What are you excited to see next in Kensington’s future?
D: As Kensington continues to grow, it’s exciting to see how the community and urban landscape will evolve. I’m looking forward to checking out the new weekend markets at YoungHusband redevelopment and seeing new green spaces like Chelmsford Park unlock the suburb’s full potential for residents to enjoy.
