Passion for Mid-Century Architecture Can Take You Far

A mid-century enthusiast becomes a successful blogger who then turns into a book author. Discover the story of Patricia Callan.

One of the houses featured in the book: ‘The Beachcomber House’. By architect Nino Sydney Photographed by Alicia Taylor courtesy of Modern House Estate

I recently had the chance to sit down with Patricia Callan, the author of The New Modernist House, a book celebrating beautifully preserved Australian mid-century homes.

Although Patricia isn’t formally trained as an architect or writer, her passion for modernist architecture led her to start a blog focused on Australian mid-century homes at risk of poor renovations or demolition, which eventually inspired her to write the book.

Her connection to mid-century architecture began with her childhood home—a mid-century modernist house designed by McGlashan Everist, which set the standard for what she believes good architecture should achieve.

Our conversation covered the unique qualities of Australian mid-century homes and her experience of finding her own mid-century house, which felt like closing the circle. In this house, she rediscovered the elements she cherished during her childhood: large windows, timber details, and a design that resonates with the landscape.

What struck me the most about Patricia are the similarities with our story at Mid-Century Home. In fact, the passion for modernist architecture and design led me to start an editorial project to share the beauty of mid-century architecture with a broader audience, just as Patricia did with her book.

The book is excellent, and talking to Patricia felt like chatting with an old friend who shares your passion. Enjoy.

(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)