FAQs

• What does it cost to work with you?

  My fees are based on the scope and scale of the project. I don’t publish a rate card because every project is different, but a quick conversation is usually enough to give you a realistic picture.

  If your project isn’t the right fit, I’ll tell you upfront.

• What kinds of projects do you take on?

  I work on residential renovations, extensions, knockdown rebuilds, and new homes in Melbourne, typically for projects with construction budgets of $1M and above.

  I’m usually not the right fit for small cosmetic renovations, commercial fitouts, or projects where the main priority is building as cheaply as possible.

• When should I speak to you?

  Early.

  Ideally before you’ve committed too far to a design, builder, planning pathway, or budget assumption.

  The earlier we can look at the site, brief, council requirements, and likely construction cost, the more room there is to make smart decisions before the project becomes expensive to change.

• Do I need council approval?

  Almost certainly, yes.

  Understanding what council will and won’t approve is one of the first things I look at. Planning overlays, heritage controls, vegetation protections, and other site constraints can have a significant impact on what’s possible, how long it takes, and what it costs.

  Knowing this from day one saves a lot of pain later.

• Do I really need an architect for my project?

  Not always.

  For a small cosmetic renovation, such as a new kitchen or bathroom refresh with no structural work, a building designer or experienced contractor might be all you need.

  But if your project involves structural changes, planning permits, a significant budget, or a site with overlays or constraints, the case for an architect gets stronger.

  The question isn’t just whether someone can draw it. It’s whether they can help you find the cleanest path through planning, budget, documentation, and construction.

  If you’re not sure, get in touch. I’ll tell you honestly whether your project needs me or not.

• What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer?

  An architect is registered under the Architects Act, which means they’ve met minimum education and experience requirements, they’re required to hold professional indemnity insurance, and they’re subject to a professional code of conduct.

  A building designer is not registered in the same way. That doesn’t mean they’re not good—many are excellent. But the training requirements, legal protections, and accountability structures are different.

  For projects of significant scale, cost, or complexity, I’d usually suggest working with a registered architect. Not because of the title, but because of what the registration requires.

• Is an architect worth it if I’m building to live in?

  If you’re building to sell, an architect can look like a cost you weigh against margin.

  If you’re building to live in, it’s different.

  The right architect helps shape the home around the way you actually want to live: the light, the layout, the site, the brief, the approvals, the build, and the decisions you’ll live with for years.

  That’s not just a drawing expense. It’s an investment in the home and the process that gets you there.

• Can I see examples of your work?

  Yes. Fill in the form below and I’ll share relevant examples with you.

• Do you only work in Melbourne?

  Yes. I’m currently registered in Victoria and work with Melbourne-based projects.

• Why are you different to other architects?

  I don’t ask you to fit into my aesthetic.

  I start with what you want to build, how you want to live, what your site allows, and what your budget can support.

  My project management background means I think about the full path to construction, not just the design phase: planning, cost, consultants, builder input, timing, risk, and what happens when something changes on site.

  The goal is simple: a home that works for you, and a process that doesn’t leave the hardest questions until it’s too late.