Studio Ester

We engaged Studio Ester for the design of our North Fitzroy project, and Anna was involved from the initial concept stage right through to the completion of the build. What stood out from the beginning was Anna's professionalism and collaborative approach. Unlike some architects we have worked with in the past, she genuinely welcomed client input and was willing to explore ideas and alternatives. At the same time, she was not afraid to be firm when suggested changes conflicted with the overall design vision. Looking back, this was one of her greatest strengths, ensuring the integrity of the project was maintained throughout. The project faced significant challenges when neighbouring properties objected to the development, resulting in a VCAT hearing. We asked Anna to represent and defend the design, and she handled the process with professionalism, clarity, and confidence. Her preparation and presentation were highly effective, and the judge ultimately ruled in our favour. As an engineer, I initially questioned whether we would need Anna's involvement during the construction phase. I assumed that once the drawings were complete, the build would be relatively straightforward. This experience completely changed my perspective. The amount of coordination, oversight, problem-solving, and design guidance required during construction was far greater than I had anticipated. Anna's ongoing involvement proved invaluable in resolving issues as they arose, maintaining design quality, and ensuring the original vision was delivered through to completion. The finished project exceeded our expectations. Anna combines strong design capability with practicality, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome for her clients. We would not hesitate to recommend Studio Ester to anyone looking for an architect who can successfully guide a project from concept through to completion.

After purchasing our Federation Style home in Fairfield mid-Covid, we started our search for an Architect to work with who could retain the original part of the house, while introducing a modern feel to a new living area - and bring it back to its former glory. The house had good bones - but had not been maintained and was very run down and ripe for renovation. As first-time renovators, friends in the area recommended Studio Ester. From the first time we met with Anna - we knew she was the right person for job. She really listened to what we wanted - was patient and guided us through the process from design, tendering, finding the right builder and then completion. As with any renovation, we had a number of unforeseen issues that had to be worked through. Anna's experience with Council and our builder helped us navigate challenges and make the right decisions. If you're embarking on a renovation or a build and are looking for Architects who are amazing designers with an enormous amount of expertise and have the patience to discuss options, your ideas and different ways to approach things, who are reasonable priced and also able to project manage your build, I could not recommend Studio Ester highly enough.

Anna and Kathleen delivered a beautiful design that met our family brief for our inner city Victorian. They collaborated well with our builder to finish on time. We love the finished renovation.

I have no hesitation in recommending Studi Esther. We worked with Anna and Kathleen over a two year period when we renovated a very old Melbourne terrace and are extremely pleased with the result. We praise their skill on almost a daily basis as we go about living in the new and very beautiful spaces they brought into existence. In addition to being greatly impressed by their exceptional talent and design skills, we were very grateful for the professional commitment Studi Esther made to see every stage of the work through to the highest standard.