Architelle Architecture & Interior Design

We found Margaret Skilbeck of Architelle on the Houzz website back in late 2018. We saw the testimonials and noted her experience on heritage design in the Ku-ring-gai area. This was particularly important as we were seeking to submit a DA for a demolition and detached dual occupancy in a Heritage Conservation Area. The replacement dwellings had to be sympathetic to the design of the original and recycle original materials such as sandstone foundation blocks, sandstone capping blocks, leadlight windows etc. Margaret developed designs with heritage features that were acceptable to Council at the first attempt. However due to the proximity of the smaller dwelling to a significant tree, adjustments had to be made to the positioning of the dwelling on the site, its footprint, and changes to elevations to clear the shallow surface roots. While the DA and subsequent (successful) Appeal were a challenging period for us, Margaret delivered and kept delivering, even when last minute changes were necessary. Margaret was very approachable and had solutions to issues that we had trouble even visualising. We are more than happy to recommend Margaret and indeed Architelle to others seeking a highly professional and personalised experience. Further we are happy for her to direct any potential clients to us should they wish any further information.

Margaret was recommended to us by a friend. Since we engaged Margaret we have found her to be very professional and honest. She has always listened to our requirements and incorporated them into her designs. She has provided us with a design to our house renovation/extension which will meet our needs for the future.

We engaged Architelle, or Margaret, as the architect for the renovation of our terrace. It was a very comprehensive renovation in heritage conservation area. Margaret also acted our our heritage architect with the City of Sydney. I have nothing but praise for the work Architelle have performed for us and I can absolutely recommend Margaret. I'd be happy to provide anyone interested with a more detailed record of our experience to anyone considering to engage Margaret.

Margaret is brilliant with clever ideas and great use of space. She adapts easily to the client's needs. She also knows where to buy which is so helpful. Her eye for detail is amazing.

Choosing an architect when deciding to start a major renovation of our own Victorian house was straight forward. - The choice fell on Margaret Skilbeck, owner of Architelle. As an interior designer I know the importance of working with professionals who are reliable, good communicators, strong collaborators, who can push the boundaries of design and still keep the integrity of a building.

Margaret had been highly recommended by a friend and the successful outcome of the renovation and extension project on my 1920s home in Earlwood proves this was well-founded. I'm now enjoying a comfortable and attractive 'new" home. At every stage Margaret's proposals were practical while also taking my needs and wishes into account. She provided clear documentation of her estimated costs from the start and was very supportive when dealing with the inevitable issues with Council. Her colour-scheme recommendation was perfect and saved me a lot of time. My builder was also very impressed with her professionalism.

We have worked with Margaret over many years, and recommend her for the excellent work she has done in translating our requests into plans for our old and heritage listed house in North Sydney. She has always been 100 % helpful in anything we have done together. Her designs for us are simple solutions to complex building shapes and old building practices. Our thanks to her again.

In May 2016 we engaged with Margaret based on a glowing recommendation from a local builder in our area. From our first meeting we knew that Margaret knew exactly how to transform our home into what we had been envisioning. Due to the age and the location of our home, over the years it had been subject to various sub developments and renovations. It lacked consistency with overly large open spaces with an aspect that had turned 180 degrees. Keeping both budget and design in mind, Margaret did a wonderful shuffle of our floor plan (plus a few new rooms) to create a space that flowed, reflected the age/characteristics of the home and made it much more usable. Margaret created an extension of a living room and master suite, as well as reconfiguring our existing home to include a new foyer, bedroom and laundry. This new layout ensures that we will be able to use the house to it's full potential and much better street appeal. With lots of questions and input from us, Margaret incorporated everything we were looking for into the space, and brought a savvy know how to her recommendations that we never would have thought of. She was always very quick to respond (both during the process and after we finished) and made us feel at ease at all times. Margaret was a pleasure to work with, and we would not hesitate to recommend Architelle to anyone looking to work with a talented architect.

Since the 1950s our late Edwardian home has undergone a number of extensions and renovations. About seven years ago we began searching for a design which would combine the various add-ons into a cohesive whole. After several unsuccessful attempts, we were introduced to Margaret in 2014 whom we asked for help. Margaret impressed us from the start with her excellent communication skills, no-nonsense practical approach and superior ability to solve problems creatively, many of which had stumped other consultants for years. We wish we had found Margaret earlier. Margaret designed an exterior façade for our second storey addition which has transformed our tired house into a very attractive home sympathetic to the period in which it was built. Internally Margaret rearranged the living areas so that all the spaces now work together well. Her design and relocation of the staircase has turned it into an eye catching and elegant feature. We would be pleased to recommend Margaret Skilbeck to anyone in need of high quality architectural design.

Margaret helped us make our dream of renovating our small 1940's bungalow into a reality She designed our new family room and kitchen, bathroom, laundry, first floor bedroom, study/4th bedroom, and new deck with outdoor dining area. Margaret was very knowledgeable and highly skilled , and also very reliable and easy to deal with. She came up with creative design options which evolved into our final plans and specifications following helpful discussions and amendments. Our builder was easily able to work with the final plans and we would not hesitate to highly recommend Margaret to anyone .

Margaret assisted us in redeveloping our large block, including renovating our Heritage home, designing pool and external entertaining areas, subdividing the lot and designing an adjoining new home on the subdivision. Margaret was a delight to work with, professional in manner and ability. I have no hesitation in recommending her services.

We engaged Margaret Skilbeck to design a first floor addition and renovations to existing areas in our home in 2011. Margaret interpreted our build goals and provide us with a design. She was willing to listen to our feedback and ideas and incorporated them into revisions whilst retaining good overall design. She provided us with a realistic guide to build cost. Margaret then produced construction drawings and specification of a high standard. Margaret receives a 5 star rating from us because: 1. Her great design means the first floor extension looks like it was always part of the house: functional result + enhanced home value = happy client. 2. Complete and accurate drawings and specification meant that our builder was able to build the home as designed without the need for costly variations due to errors or omissions in the spec: cost control = happy client. 3. Good construction knowledge - we had a tricky interface between the new addition roof and the existing roof. Margaret's solution for the roof design got a big tick of approval from our builder of many years experience. The equation for all builds is a combination of time, quality and cost. Margaret helped us maximize our result in all three areas. We would use Margaret again without hesitation.

My husband and I were recommended to Architelle through a trusted friend. We immediately liked Margaret and after a couple of meetings to discuss our ideas and where Margaret could take us, we commissioned her professional services to design a large renovation for our older style home. We have now known Margaret for a couple of years and continue to have a positive and rewarding professional relationship. We value Margaret's strong work ethic, her ability to turn a set of drawings around in a timely fashion and her integrity. Would very much recommend Margaret to anyone.

We engaged Margaret Skilbeck to help us with a major renovation and extension of our family home in Warrawee. Architelle was recommended by a local builder who gave us the names of a few architects that work in the Area. He told me Margeret Skilbeck was conversant with Kuringai council regulations and her turnaround time in submitting work was also good. We were very happy with the design and final result. One of the best things we did was engage Margeret to supervise the building project which included weekly site meetings. it took away a lot of the stress involved in building work. She gave us very good advise along the way and helped in choosing materials and fittings. She was professional, capable, efficient and very pleasant and we have no hesitation in recommending Her. She was able to work well with the builders & coordinate the other professionals. Her fees were reasonable and good value.