Architest Pty Ltd

We deeply regret working with Simon and Natalie, let alone even coming across their website. We asked them to help us with a small simple renovation extension. 2.5 years later we still have nothing to show for it, for no particular reason apart from Simon's delays. He lied to us from the start, the communication was minimal, he didn't listen to our requests, and made dozen of mistakes that cost us repeatedly having to resubmit the plans for approval. We are now 2.5x over budget and 8x over time, for basically just a kitchen and a lounge. We would be calling and begging him to finish, he would tell us "we're almost there, another 2 weeks", which we heard from him about a hundred times. We are first home buyers and he has ruined our dreams.

My wife and I engaged Architest to design and project manage the extension/renovation of our worker’s cottage in Northcote. Simon and Nat have been fantastic every step of the way. They are patient and practical, and have come up with an excellent design for the limited space we have available. The project has stalled somewhat as our neighbour appealed the grant of the planning permit to VCAT. However, Simon and Nat have been extremely good with that process, going above and beyond in helping us with the mediation and hearing. We highly recommend Architest to anyone looking for an architect!

I would like to give a huge shout out to Simon and Nat at Architest! My wife and I engaged Architest with some very specific ideas for our dream home and they brought it to life with an incredible design that we both absolutely love. Broadly speaking, we are both novices when it comes to the design and build process. Simon was very patient with us and generous with his time, ultimately providing us with a structure and process that was easy to interpret and follow; we felt very comfortable and confident with their service every step of the way. At the end of our engagement, we were presented with an extensive set of drawings and with their help have now secured a builder and are ready to build! In fact, we were so happy with the servive, we engaged Simon to project manage our entire build and I could not recommend that enough. For example we have had a tough time getting our permit and have had a very tricky experience with our local council. Simon navigated us through a few snags to ensure we had our drawings endorsed and building permit issued. If you are looking to bring your design dream to life and are looking an architect that is down to earth, easy to deal with and provide a lux product and service, give the team at Architest a call!

KATANA worked with Architest on a particularly challenging design which required intense collaboration, and teamwork to complete. We found them to be fantastic to deal with, as they always worked through the onsite decisions both quickly and intelligently, and found the best outcome for all parties involved. Architest really care about the finish and style of the project for their clients, and are very well organised and detailed, which is very important to a Builder. We would highly recommend Simon and Natalie's Team, and look forward to building for them again

We absolutely loved working with Simon and Natalie to bring our family home to life. Architest took over our project at a really critical juncture and kicked it into overdrive. Natalie was able to nail the style of interiors we were after- she really listened to what we wanted and was flexible when we made some changes during construction. Her designs were beautiful but also practical- understanding we were not building a home for Pintrest or Instagram but a functional family home. We utilised Architests’ mock up service to test out our kitchen design, which was incredibly helpful. I highly recommend using Architest as project managers. They handled any issues that came up on site- reporting back to us with solutions rather than problems. With busy jobs, two young children and being first time renovators, we needed someone to help and guide us through the process and that is exactly what Architest did. From careful management of invoicing, to structural matters on site, to time management- Simon handled this superbly. He built a great relationship with our site foreman and was able to navigate all the tricky situations that came up. Simon and Natalie are lovely, caring people and that shows through in how they run their business. We are so glad we found them and are more than happy to recommend them!

Its great working with Simon from Architest, its his attention to detail that makes for an excellent outcome upon completion, Thanks again, from CTM Electrical.

My wife and I employed Architest to design the renovation for our home and help get us ready for sale. We had a very tight time frame and limited budget and the entire process with Architest was fantastic. Through design, budgeting, permits, managing trades and dealing with issues on site, they handled everything in a professional and timely manner. It was a fantastic experience and we would recommend Architest, Nat and Simon to anyone looking to renovate or build their dream home. We will definitely be using them for our new home when we find the right site!

It's been delightful working with wife and husband team Natalie and Simon Castle for the substantial renovation of our 100+ year old Victorian house. During a rigorous tender process, Architest emerged as a clear winner: excellent communicators, they quickly were able to understand our equal priorities to restore period detail and grandeur, and seamlessly add on liveable space with modern comforts to meet our large family's needs. Importantly, their strong communication skills gave us confidence in doing this project remotely i.e. while living overseas for the majority of the project. We engaged Architest for the design (they provided from memory 10 options); interiors and landscaping; tender process and for the project management of the build. Currently we are halfway through construction with a builder known for fine work quality, who has collaborated with Architest before - and with great results. Our project's completion is scheduled for April 2019, so I'll update this review when we've moved in. Consummate professionals with a meticulous eye for detail, the house designs reflect creative and practical solutions to maximise useable space both functionally and aesthetically. Nat and Simon have been responsive in handling issues like hidden structural problems only revealed during construction, while ensuring the project stays on track. They have been organised and patient, with no request too difficult to meet. One example is that Simon made significant efforts to discuss the plans with our dear neighbours, who: were mostly not at home; are elderly, and who needed a translator. Billings are timely and amounts are as expected. Overall, we couldn't be more pleased with the experience to date, and could not recommend Architest more highly.

I hired Natalie and Simon to design and project manage a renovation of an investment property. They were very professional, always returned calls and emails very promptly. I was very conscious of cost for this project, Natalie and Simon were always looking for areas where I could save money. I will definitely use them again!

We worked with Architest for both architectural advice drawings and project management for the renovation. At all times Natalie and Simon were responsive to our needs and gave excellent advice about implications and alternative options when necessary.It has been a pleasure working with them and we would highly recommend them.

The team at Architest have been amazing during our renovation. No query is too small, they listen & constantly add value to the project. They helped us source builders & products, nothing was a problem. They made the entire process run smoothly, I could not recommend them highly enough! Louise

We have just completed a renovation of our Californian bungalow in Glen Iris, and we engaged Architest from the initial design stage of our project through to completion. Simon worked with us throughout the renovation as Project Manager. We are really happy with the end result. Architest helped us realise the full potential of what our home could be and with their expertise were able to assist us with the many challenges that occurred throughout the build. We would highly recommend their services,

We were really nervous about building our new home in Mont Albert North, but with Architest on board it was such a fun and stress free experience. We love our new home, they did an awesome job.

Brilliant work from the team at Architest. They lead a full redesign and renovation for our property in Camberwell. Outstanding project management from Simon. Check it out here: https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-camberwell-126870498

After considerable research in planning for our major renovation project we made the best decision in the appointment of Architest. Their vision for our home, design skill, attention to detail, understanding of our requirements, project management and professionalism were all incredible. It really made the process so enjoyable from beginning to end. Architest were involved all the way through design, throughout the build, and we even took advantage of their mock up service to make sure we got everything 100% right before we even went out to tender, which they also helped us with. We absolutely love our home, and absolutely loved working with Architest. We could not recommend them any higher. Amber Mellos

We worked with Architest from project concept through the full pcocess of building including design, council approvals, permits and project managemt for construction. They were incredibly professional, responsive, well networked and have excellent subject matter expertise.

After significant research Architest was whom we chose to design and assist us with the build of our dream home in Warranwood. This is a complex build and it was paramount to us that we retained the services of an architect whom would be able to understand and implement our stringent design requirements. Architest has exceeded our expectations in all aspects of the design criteria and has been providing fantastic knowledge and service in assisting us in bringing the design to its implementation

Couldn't recommend Architest any higher!! Great company and even greater people! We worked with Architest on a renovation of a house in Ivanhoe east. We did a Kitchen facelift, all new Bathroom Vanities and a new Walk in Robe. They approached this job very professionally, never delayed us in any way. They liaised with the clients very well, and were always quick to give us feedback or information we needed. All round great communication!

Simon and Architest have put together an awesome design which is currently coming to fruition. Attention to detail has been wonderful, and the design choices are looking awesome. Simon has responded in a timely fashion when additional information has been required on site, and the builder has been very happy working with him.

We used the services of Architest when renovating our home recently. They looked after everything from actual bathroom, wardrope and kitchen designs to sourcing quotes for building work to then overseeing the actual project on our behalf to finally providing on-going interior design consultations. We could not be happier with the results and think they did a beautiful job. Simon and Natalie were a delight to work with. Extremely personable, professional, honest and genuine. I believe they charge a very fair price for an outstanding service. I could not recommend them more!

The best way to start a build is with Architest! Architects, graphic designers, builder contacts (optional) but the best thing is seeing your Reno/new build before you even dig a hole. You get to walk through your house and work out spaces, if the window would look better over there etc. The people at Architest are so easy to work with and full of fantastic ideas. Highly recommended if it's your first Reno/new build of your 10th!

Our dealings with Architest were extremely positive. The team at Architest were professional and understanding to our needs. Having the opportunity to see the actual size of rooms and areas such as kitchens and bathrooms allowed us to renovate the home of our dreams. Key to Architest success was their willingness to listen to our needs and then guide us with their expertise.

Architest are a unique company who built our new home's floorplan to scale in their warehouse using foam blocks. It was a brilliant way for someone like me to visualise what our new home would look like in terms of spatial awareness, positioning of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, windows, doors and even our staircase. It really bought our potential renovation/build to life. The 2 walk-throughs of our home allowed us to change some ideas and tweek some rooms we weren't sure about before we submitted our final plans to Council. Thanks to Simon and his team for having the initiative to develop such an impressive service that is sure to be a winner for all future renovators. Can't believe it has never been thought of before.