Even at the time, Ben’s vision as an architect perfectly complemented the philosophy behind Robinson Man: an uncompromising commitment to quality that endures beyond trends. Ben’s talent, though has its heart in architecture rather than the fashion space.
Over the years, we have watched Ben’s architectural practice, Studio Edwards, become a force in the design world. Ben’s work is defined by a tension between the raw and refined. Ultimately, his practice is powered by a belief that good design goes far beyond aesthetics.
As Ben puts it, “you’re not just designing a space, you’re also designing a way of living.”
Now, as a new father, Ben brings this same balanced awareness to his most important role yet. Fatherhood, Ben explains, has made him "even more aware of the world we’re shaping," and has added a new layer of playfulness and patience to his process.
Ahead of Fathers’ Day, we recently sat down with Ben in the company of his daughter, Elliot, on a chilly Melbourne morning to talk style, fatherhood, and how he manages to make it all look so effortless. Of course, it only made sense for us to meet at Ben’s local cafe of choice, Falco Bakery.
Ben is busily working with Falco Bakery’s owners, The Made Well Group, on a sister project called Hands Down [social bar]. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media for the precise dates of opening. To be located in Greeves St, Fitzroy, it’s a space we’re very keen to visit in the future.
With this space as a background to inspire us, a captivating conversation with Ben flowed over superb coffee. Here’s what we learned from one of Melbourne’s trailblazing and thoughtful architects.
In Conversation with Ben Edwards (Architect, Studio Edwards)
Robinson Man: What’s your daily uniform?
Ben Edwards: My go-to is a pair of comfortable dark jeans, a well-cut T-shirt or jumper, and my favourite sneakers. Simple, functional clothes let me move from the studio to site easily, but I like to break the stereotype that architects only wear black.
Robinson Man: Are there any design principles which you apply to both architecture and your personal style?
Ben Edwards: Honesty of materials and longevity are the common threads. In architecture, we minimise unnecessary partitions to maximise connectivity. Likewise, I favour clothes made from natural fabrics that age well and can be layered. Everything has to work hard.
Robinson Man: What are some of the common symbols or motifs present in your work?
Ben Edwards: You’ll spot a lot of angles, exposed frameworks and a tension between raw and refined materials.
We’ve used OSB, scaffolding and folded aluminium in everything from our Microloft to Finesse, and we often leave structural elements visible because “taking things off to reveal” creates a sense of discovery. A flash of yellow is another recurring motif.
Robinson Man: Minimalism or maximalism?
Ben Edwards: Minimal materials, maximal ideas. A judge once described our work as having “a restrained and minimalist approach to materiality, yet doesn’t lack personality.” We try to do more with less – using a tight palette but letting form and light add richness.
Robinson Man: What’s a non-negotiable in your day?
Ben Edwards: A quiet morning ritual – usually a strong coffee and a few moments of sketching before emails. It sets the tone for the day and anchors me before the inevitable whirlwind of the day.
Robinson Man: What keeps you grounded?
Ben Edwards: Time with family, working with my hands, and being outdoors. Dinghy racing and long-distance running give me rhythm and strategy, and spending time with Gemma [Ben’s partner]. Elliot fundamentally reminds me why we pursue sustainable design in the first place.
Robinson Man: How has being a dad changed your creative process?
Ben Edwards: Fatherhood has made me even more aware of the world we’re shaping. Designing for longevity and reuse isn’t just theoretical – it’s about the kind of places my daughter will inhabit. It’s also injected playfulness and patience; I now test ideas at a pace that allows life and family to be part of the process.
Robinson Man: What do you hope Elliot learns from your work?
Ben Edwards: I hope she sees that design is about curiosity and generosity. We often say that “nobody owns an idea”, and the more you share, the more ideas you have. If she learns to question conventions, respect materials, and collaborate, I’ll be happy.
Ben’s Gifting Guidelines
We asked Ben for his thoughts on what makes a truly great gift. His insights on quality, style, and longevity form the ultimate guide for finding a memorable gift this Father's Day.
“Honesty of materials and longevity are the common threads.”
For a gift that endures, look to pieces built from the finest natural fabrics. We love this approach when it comes to gifting, at any time of year.
A well-crafted cashmere jumper or a timeless field jacket is not just a gift for this Father's Day, but is an item that will function as a wardrobe staple for years to come. At Robinson Man, our commitment to quality sourcing of materials means you can treat Dad at any price point without sacrificing the preciousness and craftsmanship of your gift.
“[She] definitely has opinions. [Elliot] will ask me to swap a plain tee for one with colour or texture…Kids are fearless with pattern and hue, and that freedom reminds me to keep a sense of play in both my wardrobe and my work.”
Sometimes, the best gift is one that injects a bit of playfulness, colour and personality into one’s wardrobe. A cashmere beanie with a rich texture or a cashmere scarf with a flash of unexpected colour can be the perfect finishing touch. Check out some affordable yet playful options for Dad here.
We recommend our selection of James Perse t-shirts for the man who values quality essentials in a range of seasonal colours. Spanning everything from accessories, apparel and even the time-honoured gift of socks, Robinson Man has items made for low-maintenance, as well as high-fashion gifts while remaining cost-conscious.
“Good shoes are like good architecture – functional, well-crafted, and a platform for everything else.”
As Ben puts it, shoes ground an outfit. A pair of impeccably crafted leather sneakers or classic chunky boots are, he feels, foundational pieces for any man's wardrobe.
Whatever Dad’s style, we’ve a range of shoes to provide the ideal foundation for any outfit.
Spoil Dad This Father’s Day
Finding a memorable Father’s Day gift can certainly be a challenge. As our conversation with Ben revealed, the best gifts are not just objects, but are rather reflections of a person's style, values, and the stories they tell.
At Robinson Man, quality is our specialty. With a decade of experience in luxury cashmere and traditional menswear, our team are always pleased to assist you with one of Melbourne’s most personally curated, hands-on approaches to style.
Our motto this Father’s Day? To find a gift that is beautiful not only when viewed on a clothes rack, but is also personally selected to meet the tastes of the man for whom you are buying.
To make the Father’s Day shopping process seamless, we offer a curated selection of gifts and gift cards for every need, plus a complimentary gift-wrapping service to save you time while adding that final touch of sophistication.
Get In Touch With Robinson Man This Father’s Day. Our team knows all too well the challenges of buying a memorable Father’s Day gift, year after year.
Whomever the special man is that you’re buying gifts for this Father’s Day, we know our customers are searching for something that adds a little more functionality, practical value and a sense of luxury to his life. Something he may not otherwise choose as a treat for himself. After all, we all like to be spoiled (even if he insists he doesn’t). Putting that smile on his face this Father’s Day as he opens your gift need not be too difficult.
Sometimes, though, it’s natural to need a little guidance when gifting for the man in your life. That’s exactly where our expert style consultants come in.
To provide you with a no-nonsense look at just some of the gifts you can find at Robinson Man, we’ve compiled three simple, price-conscious gift guides:
When you visit us in-store, you’ll quickly notice that highly personalised style consultations, which incorporate your loved ones’ needs with your budget, are an integral part of the Robinson Man experience.
For those who aren’t located near Prahan and can’t browse prospective gifts in-store: never fear. We’ve digitally replicated our customer-centred, in-store experience of shopping online for Dad on our website.
Enjoy browsing through the new arrivals, apparel, shoes and accessories we have thoroughly, thoughtfully curated for the special man in your life. For any questions, big or small, that you may encounter as you shop, don’t hesitate to call us on 03 9510 0071.
