While there are countless competents residential architects in Melbourne, a few have managed to rise above the rest and prove their excellence. In this post, we’ll explore 26 of the best residential architect firms in Melbourne, listed in no particular order.
26 Best Residential Architects in Melbourne
Note: While an architect and general contractor’s role can seem interchangeable on smaller projects, they are indeed different. If you’re looking for a GC, click read more for relevant tips.
#1. Windiate Architects
Windiate Architects is considered one of the best architectural firms in Melbourne and a glance at their portfolio reveals why. Their residential portfolio is particularly stunning, featuring boutique contemporary homes built to custom requirements.
Beyond architecture, Windiate’s services include landscape design, feasibility studies, and town planning.
#2. Atlas Architects
Atlas Architects is the brainchild of Aaron Neighbour and Ton Vu, the former of which declares a strong passion for environmental design. One of the great things about the firm, however, is that they’re one of the best architectural firms in Melbourne even if you ignore this sustainable focus altogether.
#3. Monia Basso Architects
Another one of the best architects in Melbourne is Monia Basso, who received her Masters of Architecture from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 2013.
In 2017, she established Monia Basso Architects. The firm prides itself on taking elements of traditional Australian architecture and combining them with modern sensibilities.
Monia Basso Architects primary designs in the residential space, including detached homes, townhouses, and multi-unit complexes.
#4. Architest
Architest, befitting of its place on many lists highlighting the best residential architects in Melbourne, places emphasis on helping clients realize not just what the finished space will look like but what it will feel like to inhabit as well.
They offer full-scale mockups of their designs that prospective clients can stand in and interact with — including requesting changes that can be made immediately. Yep, that’s right. Visitors can move walls, change sinks, and much more.
#5. Rebecca Naughtin Architect:
Since 2015, Rebecca Naughtin Architect has received at least one Houzz Award per year. The firm’s namesake, Rebecca Naughtin, graduated from RMIT in 2004 with honours, promptly beginning her architecture career in Victoria.
Naughtin began focusing on the residential sector in 2012, offering start-to-finish support for projects.
#6. Architected
Architected is one of the great architect firms in Melbourne for those seeking highly personalized, one-on-one extension and small renovation services. They refuse large-scale work (such as multi-residential properties) but don’t mistake that for a lack of ambition. Architected’s designs are nothing short of stunning, and their extensions appear seamless.
#7. Minett Studio Architecture and Design
Minett Studio Architecture and Design is headed by principal architect Alisha Minett Johnson. Alisha’s 18 years of experience in the architecture industry have contributed to her becoming one of the most recommended and best architects in Melbourne.
Her process is very plainly laid out on her website, which makes Minett Studio very inviting for those who may be new to having a custom home designed.
#8. Mcmahon and Nerlich
Mcmahon and Nerlich is the brainchild of Rob Nerlich and Kate McMahon, based in South Melbourne. Those seeking architectural firms in Melbourne that don’t shy away from smaller projects will be pleased to know that Mcmahon and Nerlich has received awards for their bathroom and kitchen work.
They’ve done plenty of larger-scale work too, however, including multi-residential and mixed-use buildings. Learn more about their work here.
#9. Jane Cameron Architects:
Jane Cameron Architects is one of the premier architect firms in Melbourne specializing in Passive House. The firm’s founder Jane Cameron is both certified in the discipline and a member of the Australian Passive House Association and International Passive House Association.
#10. RARA Architecture and Interior Design
The term ‘rara’ means “an unusual, uncommon, or exceptional person or thing.” RARA Architecture and Interior Design certainly aims to provide that, even for folks not looking to pour millions into achieving such a unique design.
RARA was founded by Wesley Spencer, an Egyptian-born architect who moved to Melbourne as a child. He has three other architects and three interior designers on staff.
#11. Dean Dyson Architects
Dean Dyson Architects goes beyond many other residential architects in Melbourne by providing a free six-step guide to designing a custom home in Melbourne. While anyone short of Dean himself is unlikely to achieve results on par with this firm, this guide can help inform prospective clients about Dean’s work process and philosophy, which is centered around natural design — maximizing airflow and natural light.
#12. Jarchitecture
Australia’s landscape is unlike that of any other countries’ — and Jarchitecture is one of the residential architects in Melbourne that allows their work to be influenced by this. Befitting of architecture firms of this caliber, they pride themselves on premium material selection.
#13. Bild Architecture
All of the architect firms in Melbourne that we’re featuring on this list have received accolades — and Bild Architecture is no different. Based in North Melbourne, Bild prides itself on having no set ‘style.’ Rather, they try to approach each project with fresh eyes and achieve something great that meets the client’s needs.
Services include project investigation, urban design, sketch design, and contract administration.
#14. RMR Architects
RMR Architects is another outstanding example of the architectural firms in Melbourne capable of working on everything from extensions and renovations to multi-unit developments.
#15. GKA Architects
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GKA Architects was founded by Asher Greenwood in 2013. Their expertise includes residential, community, and commercial buildings. Regardless of what you need, if it’s related to architecture there’s a good chance they offer it; services include 3D rendering, architectural drawings and design, heritage building conservation, and interior design.
#16. Vos Architecture & Design
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If you’re seeking the best architects in Melbourne specializing in residential buildings, Vos Architecture and Design is a prime pick. They work on both small residential buildings and larger scale developments — and everything in between.
#18. Taylor Knights
Taylor Knights is home to several talented architects that have gleaned skills from a variety of disciplines, including carpentry, fine art — and, of course, architecture. They’ve been in business since 2013 and pride themselves on creating enduring designs that are beautiful, sensitive, and engaging.
#19. My Architect
My Architect is home to several of the best architects in Melbourne with a combined multiple centuries of experience. At the helm is Robert Harwood, who created My Architect in 2009 after returning from work abroad to discover a newfound realization of Australians’ taste for good residential design.
#20. Bagnato Architecture & Interiors
Bagnato Architecture & Interiors was founded by Dominic and Marie Bagnato. As their name suggests, they offer services in both architecture and interior design. They are currently working on offering retail and multi-residential services as well.
#21. Nettle Architects
In addition to being one of the best architectural firms in Melbourne, Nettle Architects has a number of interstate projects and a school currently under construction in India.
Nettle Architects is home to John Blamey, Wendy Nettle, and Kati Holding.
#22. Mihaly Slocombe
Mihaly Slocombe is headed by principal architects Warwick Mihaly and Erica Slocombe. The firm is also home to six skilled architects that create remarkably refined contemporary residential architecture.
#23. Byrne Architects
Byrne Architects offers design services for a variety of applications, including fine dining restaurants, workspaces, and — of course — residential spaces. Their offerings include design and drafting, 3D rendering, physical modelling, and project feasibility assessments.
#24. Ed Ewers Architecture
Don’t let some of Ed Ewers’ more adventurous designs scare you; as one of the best architectural firms in Melbourne, they’re extremely versatile. They’ve been in business since 1997, providing their design services to commercial developers and residential developers, among many.
#25. Public Realm Lab
While we’re getting towards the end of our list of the best architects in Melbourne, the professionals here are by no means lacking in quality. Public Realm Lab is a boutique architecture studio that has been in business for more than 20 years. They’re led by husband and wife duo Anna and Phil.
#26. Co-Lab Architecture
Last but certainly not least, we have Co-Lab Architecture. Their work speaks for itself, but also notable is the fact that the Victorian Department of Education and Training engaged Co-Lab Architecture to create an Early Childhood Centre Design Guide. This guide helps architects think beyond the minimum requirements of the government, creating spaces that truly inspire.
