Architects in Killara, New South Wales

“On recommendation, I engaged Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) through a phased contract to provide Design, Development Application/s, Certifier requirements that included coordination of all agencies before, during and after Covid19, a difficult period navigated by ZSA to achieve the major renovation of my thirty-year-old home. Primarily, my vision brief was provided to ZSA for the project renovation to consider outcomes of friendly ageing in place, increase in open space additional light to living areas, new internal alfresco with all floor materials/levels equal throughout the house. In addition, considerations for Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL 40) compliance were required and ZSA were forthcoming with relevant solutions and ideas which included newly pitched Colorbond® roofing and compliant windows. In the early stages developing concepts, planning the relocation of kitchen was suggested by ZSA and this turned out to be a key decision, a delight with the expanded living area and light provided with three skylights in a trapezoid void, all on point. The lead up time through the development of detailed plans to construction certification and submissions ZSA supported many changes and updates. As a perfectionist I required exact detail and Lisa and Mel always took my view/requests on for the interest of the project being equally dedicated to achieving the project outcomes. The process through council was relatively painless and this can be attributed to ZSA being thorough in preparations. The builder was engaged by me the owner and there was a seamless relationship between ZSA, Owner and Builder with the very few issues that arose discussed, modifications detailed, solutions provided, and actions all provided by ZSA in a timely manner to ensure builder was not delayed. Communications and collaboration for all matters with Mel & Lisa was positive clear and concise with both very willing to assist which made the renovation journey a good memory. The visions and dreams of open plan living layout reconfigured, kitchen relocation, new alfresco, total bathroom and ensuite reconfiguration all developed by ZSA and were fully aligned to original brief. Without any reservation I can recommend Mel & Lisa’s honest and reliable support to bring together client’s vision, alignment to building standards, modern trends and technologies. With ZSA’s dedication and the builder’s quality finishes the project outcome exceeded my initial expectations and I shall enjoy for many years to come.”

“We used Darren on our recent renovation of a 1920’s Californian bungalow. The result of his work was a great blended design that retained the look and feel of the old original house from the front (something we were keen to keep but enhance) that is then seamlessly integrated with a great modern addition flowing out the back that is flooded with natural light, and more importantly, has an enormous amount of living space, intelligently laid out, that will accommodate and adapt to our different needs over the coming years. This is where the value of engaging an architect really shines through. Darren nailed the design we were after from his first drawing, and we didn’t deviate from that drawing with the completed build apart from some very minor tweaks here and there. His unique style is also evident on the inside as well where he designed stand out bespoke features for key living areas. I couldn’t have been more happier with the final outcome, and when I now reflect on the whole process of where used Darren services, from design, to council approval, and to finding a great builder, I couldn’t recommend his architectural services highly enough.”

“A major renovation which we continue to enjoy 12 years later. Architect designed which was improved significantly by the ideas provided by Neil Turrell. Easy to work with --good communication. All extras were agreed.”