When six architecture graduates shared a studio space in Richmond, Melbourne, in the early 1990s it marked the genesis of Six Degrees. The group collaborated on small residential and commercial commissions, public sculpture and architectural competitions. As they debated a name for the practice, the temperature on the nearby iconic Nylex clock read an icy 6°. The name stuck and Six Degrees was born.

As a practice built on good relationships, care and longevity, Six Degrees' founding manifesto (below) from 1992 carries the same significance today.

At the very heart of Six Degrees is the idea of connection to place and community through the built form.

The early formative period of working in hospitality, learning and studying social behaviours, enabled a deep understanding of what brings people joy and makes them feel connected. An empathetic design response which prioritises the social impact of our projects, paired with leadership in sustainable design informs Six Degrees’ approach towards projects of any scale.

“Melbourne’s strength is the small bars and restaurants that don’t announce themselves. It’s the opposite of branding. Melbourne’s subtle, a city of discovery. Very early on we were saying ‘let’s not be obvious, let’s encourage Melbourne solutions’. One of the first little laneway bars was in Meyers Place, by Six Degrees Architects. They were the first recipients of the Melbourne Prize for projects that enhanced the real character of Melbourne because that’s exactly what they did. Discovering bars and cafes has become part of Melbourne’s experience, the harder to find, the more the desire.”

— Urban Choreography, Central Melbourne 1985 – ___, by Rob Adams, City Architect at the City of Melbourne