10 minutes with… Pino Dichiera
As the architecture firm Edge Architects – best known for its work in education, commercial, and community projects – turns 20 this year, Business Insight sat down with co-director Pino Dichiera to see how they came to be and how the industry has changed.
How did you form Edge Architects?
My fellow co-director, Peter Spain, and I founded Edge Architects in 2005 after years of working in larger firms. We wanted to do things differently, build a practice that was grounded, responsive, and people focused. We weren’t chasing flashy architecture for the sake of it; we were interested in smart, well-considered design that solved real problems. That’s what Edge has always stood for: practical, high-quality design outcomes driven by collaboration and respect for process.
Tell me about Edge Architects’ first project, 20 years ago.
Our first project was a high-end coastal home which was a beautiful site and had complex constraints. It was a real test of our ability to bring strong design together with practical construction knowledge.
That experience confirmed what would become a core strength at Edge: our ability to take a project from concept right through to delivery with technical precision and creative care.
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What does Edge Architects specialise in?
We’ve carved out a strong reputation in education, commercial, and community architecture, alongside bespoke residential work. Our educational projects span early learning through to tertiary institutions, and increasingly we’re involved in complex master plans that support long-term growth. We also deliver work in aged care and multi-residential, which allows us to apply our experience across sectors.
How did you find this specialty?
Like a lot of things in business, it was a mix of great training, good timing and following our instincts. Early commissions in education opened the door, and we quickly realised how much we enjoyed the layered nature of those projects which includes multiple stakeholders, evolving needs, tight programs and more. We leaned into it and built long-term relationships that shaped our path and are still present and strong.
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What project are you most proud of?
There are many, but I’d say the projects where we’ve maintained ongoing involvement over many years and various sites, like Sacred Heart, Mt Carmel College, St. Michael’s College, Xavier College, Tenison Woods College and many other repeat clients. There’s something deeply satisfying about being trusted to contribute across multiple stages. You’re not just designing buildings; you’re helping to shape a vision.
What excites you most about a project? How do you decide if it’s the right one for Edge?
I get excited by the challenge of pulling all the pieces together, design intent, client needs, consultant input, construction realities, and making it work. We take on projects where we can add value from day one to handover. We’re not interested in overpromising or underdelivering – if we commit, we see it through. And we like working and partnering with clients, earning their trust, especially ones that have the same values and ideals as us.
How has architecture changed in South Australia in 20 years?
There’s been a definite shift toward smarter, more sustainable design, and stronger client expectations around process and value. We’re working in more collaborative environments now, with integrated teams and early contractor involvement. The way we document and deliver has also changed dramatically, thanks to digital tools and BIM. But the fundamentals, good communication, trust, and teamwork, are still what make or break a project.
What does the future of architecture in South Australia look like?
I think we’ll see more cross-disciplinary teams, more data-informed design, and continued demand for spaces that are flexible, inclusive, and future-proofed. Architects need to stay agile, responding not only to environmental and social challenges but also to the way clients operate and make decisions. There’s plenty of opportunity for practices like ours that stay grounded while evolving.
