Talking drive and determination with James Pilcher

When James Pilcher became hearing impaired at the age of two, the way he saw and interacted with the world changed. He became hyper visual, entranced by the built environment and passionate about drawing. He started reinterpreting the buildings and structures around him on paper, a hobby that became a career.

“I was never really inspired by nature, or drew cars or furniture, always buildings,” says James. “There was a house being built on our street when I was a child, and as I watched it come together I just thought it was so cool.” James recalls his parents taking him to a grand hotel lobby as a child, a place where he would marvel at the marble columns and architecture. Naturally, as James grew older, he turned his attention to architecture.

His friend’s father, Rick McEwen, owned a business called Architectus, and as James grew up Rick would share old architectural plans and models with him. “I did a bit of work experience there and Rick became a bit of a mentor to me,” says James.

After school, James pursued architecture at the University of Sydney, then undertook roles at a few firms following the completion of his education. However, when James and his brother decided to build some investment properties, James was exposed to the greater process of building, an experience that reshaped the way he thought about architecture and the design journey of his clients.

James explains that while building the investment properties, his mind turned to the traditional role of master builders, professional tradesmen of yesteryear who would not only design a structure, but would project manage and execute its construction. However, in today’s industry, the role of the architect, builder and manager are often separate. “I wanted to take back that role of architect, builder and project manager and be involved with the entire design journey, from design to building to completion. It made me want to become a builder,” says James.

Despite already being well into his architecture career towards the end of his twenties, James undertook the necessary training to obtain the qualifications to become a licensed builder. He completed his skillset by returning to building sites as an entry-level builder, starting from the very bottom, sweeping floors and cleaning tools, before working his way back up the building ladder.

“It provided me with a sense of freedom, the opportunity to create my own path,” says James. “I was frustrated by the constraints that were imposed upon me by others and I thought I could do better on my own.” James then founded MILEHAM in 2020, an architecture and construction firm where he now presides as principal architect.

While it wasn’t easy launching a new business at the start of the pandemic, James’ dedication to his calling has grown the firm from a one-person show at a desk in his home, to a multi-personnel business that offers end-to-end customisable services for its clients. “I had to have a lot of belief in myself, and confidence in building the business in those early months, before we started gaining traction,” says James. “I had to keep at it, but eventually the business began to take off. Then, the next challenge was learning how to prioritise time and resources, and learn how to delegate to the team, and training the team to deliver the services I wanted and needed them to.”

Mileham went on to win a Master Builders Award for Excellence in Housing in 2022, an experience James describes as an incredible confidence and profile boost, and emotional rush that lasted for months. “To win that award just two years into the business, to be recognised by my industry and peers, it was amazing.”

To facilitate further growth and expansion of his business, this year MILEHAM will be moving into their very own offices where they can welcome clients. “I remember in 2020 sitting downstairs in a room on my own, with no one working around me, and now we have a team and office and projects currently under construction – that’s an achievement in itself,” says James.

The key to MILEHAM’s success is in their holistic approach to the design and construction journey. Given that MILEHAM often works on additions or extensions to existing homes, James believes in making the best of what a house has, rather than trying to change it into something it isn’t. He and his team aim to create architectural solutions that are timeless, adaptable and versatile, offering clients longevity and flexibility in the process.

“We’re not about trying to create the most amazing design, We’re about common sense design, focusing more on fundamentals – such as size, scale, proportion, light and flow – over trends,” says James. “We want to create a design pathway or journey for our clients where they can realise their ideas and dreams through to a completed project, in an enjoyable way.”

MILEHAM allows clients access to services in a way that best suits a clients’ situation. They can engage MILEHAM to execute every aspect of their project from design to finish, or they can singularly utilise the design or building branch of the business. MILEHAM aims to shake up and change perceptions of architecture, and break down the belief that architecture services are only available to those with deep pockets. MILEHAM prioritIse delivering a project that meets the brief, within budget and with utter transparency.

“As architects and builders we can impart construction practicality into the design at early stages, and when carrying out construction we can do so without compromising the design intent,” says James. “It isn’t just a case of handing a drawing off to a builder. Our teams work hand-in-hand to ensure the best experience for our clients.”

James explains that his clients are his biggest inspiration in terms of design, and that assisting clients’ articulate their design vision is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. “We want to make the design journey enjoyable, transparent and honest – as it should be. It’s a journey that can waste a huge amount of money and stress, and cause relationships to break up, but that shouldn’t be the case!” says James. “I do this everyday and I love it, and I want to pass that on to my client.”

See work by MILEHAM on ArchiPro.