Green Building Services in Steiglitz, Victoria

“Sam from Goldby Architects is a fantastic architect who understood our design brief from our first consultation. The firm is professional, progressive and creative and was responsive to our questions. Was pleasure to deal with and wouldn't hesitate to work with this firm again. Highly recommended!!”

“We wanted a garden studio that could also provide extra accommodation when necessary; we have a seaside location which draws family and friends at holiday time. Our house is a traditional 50's stone place so we wanted something to blend in but to also add some contemporary pizzazz. Jane listened carefully to our needs and not so definite brief but came up with a very interesting, practical design which we really liked. She also linked this space design wise to an enclosed courtyard and pergola; unifying the north facing and sheltered back yard. This was probably the only real specification that we provided, that all would function as a whole with scope to add through planting of coastal and indigenous plant species. Jane's creative flair certainly has achieved this, she was always responsive and efficiently came up with practical solutions when we had questions. It has been easy to work with her because of her willingness to focus on the task at each step of the way; keeping us on track in our meanderings! The builders have been impressed with her attention to design detail.”

“Enduring Domain are project managers and designers of our new house, on a sloping country block with specific restrictions imposed by the water authorities. They have faced all challenges with imagination and humour and we are very much enjoying watching the project unfold. Having originally planned to design it ourselves, each time we see the clever design ideas included in this small structure we tell each other "that's why you need an architect". Highly recommended, especially for their concern for environmental sustainability and experience in :"green" building and design.”

“Peter is an excellent architect. We have used him for two projects: a renovation of a large terrace in Surry Hills, Sydney (2002) and a renovation of a family house in Camberwell , Melbourne (2006). Peter listened carefully to our needs and created beautiful homes for us. He also managed both projects. He is experienced, creative and practical (brilliant bathrooms and kitchens). It is unusual to find a someone who has clever, ‘big picture ideas’ (eg. orientation of rooms, how to maximise light) while also being good with details (eg. a carefully positioned nightlight in our hallway, dimmers in the right parts of the house). He was respectful of our budgets. We highly recommend him.”

“Peter developed the plans to renovate and extend our Californian bungalow in Melbourne. He was great to work with - he listened well to our needs and created a considered and thoughtful floor plan. It was also great having the input of an interior designer who works with Peter, as this helped provide the creative input to finishes and fixtures throughout the house. I would recommend Peter to others!”

“We have been involved in two major residential projects with Eric, from Green Point Design, one a new build and the other a major renovation of a Victorian residence. As indicated by the fact we used Eric's services twice, we were extremely happy with both projects and in all our dealings with him and Green Point Design. He is an excellent communicator, as well as a good listener and unflappable in the face of change or challenges. He is both a creative and practical architect, committed to meeting the requirements of his clients and working alongside them in a partnership over the course of the project and beyond. His commitment to and knowledge of the environmental factors of building and design is immense and we are certainly reaping the rewards of a more sustainable house because of this. He was a pleasure to work with, always responding quickly to queries, unfailingly polite and respectful and a excellent working partner for builders and other professionals involved. I would recommend him highly.”

“I have known Marina on a personal and professional level. I have found her to be very profesional and innovative.”

“Our 146m² home is part of what was once a factory. It was converted into townhouses about 20 years ago and when we bought it, it was due for a complete refurbishment. We spent 12 months thinking about the changes we wanted to make and gaining building approval. Then, we started to look for a construction company that could provide a well-organised construction process, with high quality workmanship, for the right price. After we had had several unsatisfactory meetings with other potential builders, one of our daughter’s friends recommended we meet with Gareth Owens. Gareth is a builder and had just gone into partnership with architect, Elena Cazacu. Together, they have created Evissa, a company that focuses on design and construct projects. We were impressed with them from our first meeting onwards and even more so after talking with some of their previous clients. People consistently spoke of their professionalism, enthusiasm and reliability. Watching the project begin and develop towards completion was a very happy experience. Communication was easy and honest. Elena and Gareth were always approachable, provided us with regular and detailed progress reports and dealt with any issues or concerns in a timely and professional manner. The Evissa design and construct model was ideal for what the refurbishment we planned – two new bathrooms, a new kitchen, new flooring, windows and doors plus some reconfiguration of the internal space. Significantly, as building work evolved and revealed previously hidden possibilities, the Evissa team was quick to bring these to our attention and show us how these could contribute to our underlying goal of bringing more light into what had been a rather dark ground floor area. These changes to the design along the way added considerable value to our property and a vastly improved outcome. There was a good continuity of trades so the project kept moving. The work site was orderly, clean and, importantly, happy. The renovation was completed on time, within budget and to a high standard. Evissa provided the team and expertise that you always hope to find for a building project. We are pleased to have this opportunity to recommend them. Maureen and John Sidoti Brunswick”

“Luke was selected to design and project manage our modest renovation (The Plinth House). From Day 1 we were impressed with his design ideas, his detailed research and his comprehensive understanding of the brief. He brought fresh, well considered ideas to the table that were simple, elegant solutions that we had not previously considered. It was refreshing to see well imagined and well resolved ideas and we had total confidence in Luke's design judgement from the earliest stages. He seemed to really 'get' what we were aiming for and had an obvious strong interest and affinity with the project. Though it was a relatively small renovation, Luke developed solutions to a range of issues (room sizes, storage, amenity etc) that fitted within our budget, were entirely respectful of the existing character of our home, and amplified our enjoyment of the property. His advice throughout the project was spot on. He created a seamless transition from existing character to improved amenity, through his considered choice of materials, colours, fittings, finishes and scale. We asked him to design and project manage as if it were his property, and as if it was his budget. We couldn't be happier with the result. At every point he checked with us, advised of our options and provided valuable professional advice. Every aspect of Luke's work, including project managing a (very good) local builder, has enriched our enjoyment of our little "Plinth House". Luke met every deadline, provide constant feedback (including product options, progress of works etc) and our budget. Most importantly he met, then exceeded our expectations and was a pleasure to work with.”

“Creative, attentive, efficient, hard working, totally professional and focused on great creative outcomes, these young architects have been a delight to work with. From creative schemes to detailed plans to working with councils, statutory authorities, builders and tradesmen, they couple a youthful innovative approach with a practical hands on attention to building, construction, planning , timelines and budgets which gets the job done. They are conscious of budget and value and have over- delivered at every step of the client architect relationship and Project. Young minds and old heads. We would work with them again in a heartbeat. And I would unhesitatingly recommend them to anyone.”