Mihaly Slocombe

We could not recommend Mihaly Slocombe more highly. From the beginning, their design process was clear, structured and easy to understand. Everything felt upfront: what would happen, how decisions would be made, what our role was, and what their role was. That clarity made the whole process feel calm, collaborative and trustworthy. What they did exceptionally well was act as the interface between us as clients — people with strong ideas, feelings and hopes for the house — and the actual discipline of architecture. As clients, it is easy to come in with fragments: “we want this material,” “we want this kind of bathroom,” “we want the house to feel like this.” Their gift was that they listened carefully to all of that, understood the underlying experience we were trying to create, and then turned it into architecture. The relationship felt genuinely collaborative. We could ask questions at every stage. We felt heard, but we also felt guided. There was real trust in the process, and that trust was rewarded again and again. They kept an eye on the prize, protected the quality of the design, and were deep advocates for the house throughout the process. The end result is fantastic. It is not just a beautiful object - though it is certainly that - It is a space that creates the conditions for experience to happen: family life, quiet, light, movement, rest, beauty, and a sense of being held by the building. Because of their work, we now have something that feels as though it will outlast all of us. A truly beautiful house, and a wonderful architectural relationship from beginning to end. Five stars without hesitation.

We have been fortunate enough to build four projects for Mihaly Slocombe. There are a few key things that set them apart: 1. The clients are ALWAYS chuffed by the house / extension / space that has been designed for them. 2. They are always calm and measured throughout all stages of the process. 3. They are respectful and mindful of budget.

From the first meeting with Erica of mihaly slocombe I felt confident that this is the company I wanted to work with. And it was a process of ‘working with’ that I was looking to achieve. Time was spent getting a clear picture of what aesthetics I appreciated, my interests, my goals for the space. I felt listened to, was given options and choices throughout the entire process. Throughout the entire build I was kept well informed about the building team and contractors all of which were professional, respectful and kept to a timeline. This project was to build a unit in a very small confined space however any visitor to it is, like me, completely blown away with the expansive sense of space and light when entering. Cleverly designed storage spaces are concealed behind paneled walls giving a streamlined uncluttered environment. A high pitched ceiling with the skylight facing the sky brings the outside in. I could never have envisioned how much this unit could transform our home life, it’s a restful functional, beautiful place that feels expansive, light and calming.

Mihaly Slocombe did an amazing job transforming our period house in Brunswick. We wanted to update our kitchen and bathrooms, improve the overall functionality and the thermal qualities of the house as well as create something beautiful. Mihaly Slocombe delivered! They created a harmonious aesthetic by balancing materials, colours and proportions. The team were particularly talented at making small spaces work effectively and creating storage solutions to make life easy. Every day we appreciate the beauty and practicality of our home - we love it!

Having spent the past few years going through the design process, planning approvals, builder selection, build and then defects, I cannot recommend Mihaly Slocombe highly enough. The collaborative approach, attention to the brief, patience and precision all add up to what has been a really delightful process. Even with covid, lockdowns and various obstacles thrown in, their dedication was unwavering. The resulting form and function of our renovation / part rebuild suits our family perfectly. Thank you to Erica and Sinead for being such a wonderful team to work with.

I am absolutely thrilled with the services provided by Mihaly Slocombe! In this land of DIY and owner builders (I'm a civil engineer), we couldn't be happier that we ended up going with an architect and builder. And we specifically had the pleasure of working with Erica, Sinead and Aimee from Mihaly Slocombe and Leo from Nardo Constructions. The team at Mihaly Slocombe truly went above and beyond throughout the entire process, providing exceptional guidance and support for 2 novice renovators from start to finish. They were incredibly thorough in working with us to scope out the project brief, ensuring that our vision and needs for a renovated weatherboard forever home for a multigenerational family of four, were fully understood before moving forward. One of the most impressive aspects of working with Mihaly Slocombe was their upfront and honest approach to dealing with all our wants, and providing feedback and realistic compromises during the tender process whilst always keeping the focus on the architectural components which were so dear to us. We always felt that we were in capable hands, knowing that any challenges that arose would be dealt with in a clear and efficient manner. Communication was given top priority as well. We were never kept in the dark regarding the progress of our project, and the team at Mihaly Slocombe was always available to answer our queries and concerns. Even better, they were flexible with our scheduling and regularly worked around our busy lifestyle. In the end, we couldn't be happier with the results of our renovation, and we owe it all to the teams at Mihaly Slocombe and Nardo Constructions, especially when you factor in the chaos created by COVID restrictions and supply chain issues. Their expertise, dedication, and professionalism have truly made all the difference, and I confidently recommend their services to anyone considering a renovation or building project. Thank you Mihaly Slocombe and Nardo Constructions for exceeding our expectations in every way!

We recently completed our home renovation designed by Mihaly Slocombe, we worked with Warwick and Sinéad who were very personable and professional with excellent communication skills. They listened carefully to our needs and presented us with creative and innovative design options where needed. Warwick and Sinéad really understood our style and from our initial meetings we felt comfortable and confident in the process moving forward. A stand out for us was the attention to detail and thought given to every decision. They provided us with different options and allowed us the time to decide on the best solution whilst always conscious of our budget. We found Warwick and Sinéad were always patiently available, helping to guide us regardless of how minor the query was. Throughout the build they provided outstanding project management, this really put our mind at ease as we had never worked with a builder or completed such a big project. Regular communication meetings with Warwick, Sinéad and our chosen builder left us trusting the process and we felt very much supported. To our surprise we found the process was seamless from start to end. We appreciate the time and care both Sinéad and Warwick took designing our wonderful home, we feel grateful everyday and are continually delighted with our stunning renovation.

We have recently completed a two storey extension designed by Mihaly Slocombe (Warwick Mihaly and Sinead Lim). Mihaly Slocombe also oversaw the construction of the project on our behalf. On a very tight site, the architects were able to utilise all of the available space to create a fantastic living environment - with wonderful design flair. Mihaly Slocombe were always keen to accommodate our needs and wants, while helping us remain consistent to the superior design concept. They approached the whole project with professionalism and diligence. We would not hesitate to recommend Mihaly Slocombe to anyone seeking a quality architecturally designed extension or new build.

Great overall process: Warwick really got to know us, how we live now and would like to live into the future; they designed the entire build (including finishes) to ensure that everything throughout the house tied together; they constructively responded to feedback to ensure that the end result was loved by all; and they guided us throughout the entire journey, even celebrating with us on completion day. Not only was the design creative and beautiful, Warwick made the experience fun and exciting (even through the unexpected moments, like the onset of a global pandemic). We are so happy with the end result, our perfect family home.

As our family expanded to the next generation [of grandchildren], we decided to return to the Architects who designed our family home, to create a suitable extension. The brief had been to create something complimentary to the existing design, be playful, functional, environmentally efficient and still aesthetically compatible with the existing home. To our immense delight, despite the obvious challenges and complexity to meet all aspects of the brief, all our expectations were not only met – but superbly exceeded. The project was implemented with a deft efficiency and professionalism and remained on budget and true to brief. What more could we ask for? Whilst I can’t imagine a further extension being required – if it was, I know exactly where I’d go!

During the period of engagement (from initial designs through construction management) Warwick and his team were consummate professionals. Providing timely advice without making us feel like they've taken ownership. They made the largest purchase of our life a smooth journey and carried a lot of the stress involved to ensure the end product was what we envisioned

Warrick and Erica were recommended to us by a friend while they were mid-project on her house in Eaglemont. We loved the creative things they did in her renovation which entirely suited the period of the house but made it into a modern, liveable space that blended the kitchen and dining with an enticing outdoor area covered by a spectacular canopy. Despite all the bad stories we have heard about renovations our friend appeared to enjoy the whole process and never had anything negative to say about Erica and Warrick or their builder. The renovation was finished on time and continues to delight them. We approached Erica and Warrick after we checked their other projects on the website and liked what we saw. We had been planning to renovate for years, and finally had found the team that we could trust to create something special without any “renovation stress”. They produced a concept plan after visiting us in our house and drawing up a list of major objectives- take advantage of views of the park at the back of our property, open up access to our large side deck which we had to enter via the laundry, create privacy from the towering house next door, bring lots of light into the house and convert downstairs from a predominantly storage area into a living space with a bedroom, study , bathroom, wine room and a place to snuggle and read books and play with the grandchildren. We moved from concept plans, to a spectacular 3D model to the final plans within a few months and were delighted with their professionalism. We were lucky to get the same builder as my friend who was very pleased with the quality of his work and indeed he and his team were outstanding. They stuck to budget and to time. Our forty year old house sprung a few unpleasant surprises largely because it is perched on a steep slope and drainage and access were challenging issues. We were never stressed because the builder, Erica and Warrick were always calm and came up with affordable and effective solutions. We were presented with all options, associated costs and very good advice. We moved out for 10 months during the renovation and had regular site visits with the builder and architects every 2 weeks to see the progress and discuss any issues. Furthermore we had a site manager who was there most days co-ordinating all the contractors and ensuring that the work was completed on time as agreed. We moved back in 11 months ago and are enjoying the space with the interesting features that only a good architect can create. Everyday my husband and I say, why didn’t we do this years ago, but we didn’t know Erica and Warrick then.

We engaged Mihaly Slocombe to design a renovation for our Victorian weatherboard home. Despite the state of the house, Mihaly Slocombe took to the challenge like a duck to water. They were professional, energetic and thorough throughout the renovation, whilst providing interesting yet practical ideas for our 'forever' home. Thank you!

I have worked on a number of projects with Mihaly Slocombe, the most recent being a significant renovation in Keilor. As a builder specialising in architectural work I have worked with many architects. Mihaly Slocombe stand out for the quality of their design and the their comprehensive approach to the construction documentation. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.

Mihaly Solcombe are passionate, inventive and dedicated architects with a vision for achieving high quality environments that respond to the needs of their client. We have worked alongside Warwick Mihaly and have rarely come across a professional with as much commitment to achieving great architecture. Highly recommended.

I had the pleasure to work with Warwick Mihaly on the occasion of photographing their project Canopy House. Warwick is a super nice guy, very smart, very knowledgable and not afraid to get his hands "dirty". On the day he put on his stylist hat, pulled his sleeves up and helped out with making the place look even more amazing which helped me tremendously to achieve the harmony and balance of the final shots. I'm very pleased with my experience working with Mihaly Slocombe and I hope there is more amazing designs to be photographed in this year.

We engaged Mihaly Slocombe to renovate our 1930s era house which badly needed updating having last been renovated 30+ years ago. The brief was to modernise and open up the house, bring in light, connect with the garden and provide more storage and display options for our beloved books, art and ceramics. Warwick involved us in the creative process at every stage discussing possible strategies after getting to know how we use the house, the problems that we wanted to address, preferences for materials etc. in order to achieve the desired outcome. It was wonderful to work with a professional who really listened to us as clients and who was able to offer creative and beautiful solutions to not only enhance the functionality of our house but also make it an amazing place to live. Our builder, Sargent Constructions, joined the project relatively early, before the final detailed drawings were complete. There were definite advantages to doing this as it allowed the builder to add his expertise to the process. It was a successful approach and the build went extremely well with ongoing dialogue between architect, builder and clients ensuring that any decisions that needed to be made were addressed promptly with no or minimal effect on the scheduling. As time a time poor couple we appreciated the suggestions for finishes, hardware and materials which, unsurprisingly, we loved given that Warwick had explored our likes and dislikes at the start of the project. Warwick has achieved an effective ‘extension’ within the existing walls of the house by reconfiguring the layout and without having to sacrifice garden, something which was very important to us. Our previous back terrace is now a decked outdoor room protected from the weather by a spectacular faceted roof, connecting us with the garden and oriented for privacy. The end result was a light, modern and cohesive whole which looks stunning but which respects the 1930s details. We plan to enjoy it for a long time but, if in the future we plan another project, we will certainly be knocking on the door again at Mihaly Slocombe.

When I spend some time photographing a project for an Architect, it's generally a short and intense experience. You quickly begin to feel and understand the space and decisions that an Architect has made. At the Chamfer house, it became immediately evident the adventurous respect that the Mihaly Slocombe team had for the work of the original architect Kevin Borland. Memories of Kevins work were cleverly celebrated rather than hidden (marks on the ceiling of the second living room). They took queues from his original 45-degree plan to shape other aspects of the design. In doing so, the team maintained a consistent of approach to the new work on a variety of scales, from new walls, to handles on the cabinetry. The overriding feeling within the Chamfer house was one of easy comfort and occupation. Movement through the spaces was fluid felt natural, with each room being a pleasure to be in. I know that the rigor that Mihaly Slocombe put into getting to know a client and understanding their needs plays a big role in the buildings they design, and I look forward to each that I get to experience - if even only for a day!

I photographed Mihaly Slocombe's Glendearg Grove project last year. What I really liked about this project is how much light it captured and how the indoor space communicated with the space outside. As soon as I walked inside, it felt open and homely at the same time. I was particularly impressed with the level of detail Erica and Warwick put into the kitchen design - not only was it aesthetically beautiful, with it's contrasting tones and materials, but it was a pleasurable kinaesthetic experience, one of tactile functionality. After the shoot I wanted to get in there and cook a meal, just so I could touch everything! Working with Mihaly Slocombe on photoshoots has been a smooth collaboration - we both have great care for detail and getting it right. They are true professionals and their passion for great architectural solutions is evident.

I first met Mihaly Slocombe when they commissioned me to photograph The Hill House in 2007. The house design beautifully complements the sloping site and embraces the view across the vineyard and valley. The house is serene, light and loved by the owners, with spaces designed for family sharing or individual solitude. Mihaly Slocombe then engaged me to photograph The Kid's Pod, an addendum to The Hill House, in 2014. By contrast, this "pod" is playful, adjustable and acts as a separate yet connected space for visiting children and grandchildren. The use of openable, laser cut panels along the facade transforms a seemingly simple building into a child's magic box. Mihaly Slocombe are engaging and enjoyable clients with whom to work, and who enthusiastically participated in the photography of their projects.

Throughout 2014, 15 and until mid-2016 we engaged Mihaly Slocombe Architects to extend our original Edwardian home into a larger family space with open plan living. With a small 500 square block and a family of 5 that likes to spend time outside, space was scarce, and with a minimal budget, a design that wasn’t going to blow out costs was very important. Other factors that also needed to be considered were that the house was facing the north making a need for natural light and with a narrow block the need to build on both boundaries. Warwick and Erica met with potential builders from the very beginning of design. This allowed builders to give their opinions on how the design could come together. This proved to be a great relationship with the engaged builder- Little Constructions. The cost of the build was kept much lower due to this original relationship as there was no unknowns for the builder and he had also been able to give his tips on cutting costs but to still get the amazing design that we have. Mark commented that ‘they were the best architects that he had ever worked with. They were respectful and worked with him on any concerns’. We have very busy schedules and Mihaly Slocombe were able to manage and deal with arising issues without too much input from us. A highlight was a cardboard model of our house to show us the completed design in 3D. I’m sure the builder would have also liked one of these for his office as well. Our large family was definitely taken into consideration and we have a very functional house that suits our needs including a large laundry coming off our large kitchen- which is where we spend majority of our time!! Our favourite part of the house is definitely the large decking space with screening. We look forward to a lot of entertaining on this fantastic usable space. I would definitely engage Mihaly Slocombe for any further work we may have in the future and would highly recommend them to others. A great small family business.

We were engaged by Mihaly Slocombe to construct a complex renovation/extension project. It was a very challenging project, but Warwick was always approachable and excellent to deal with. By engaging us prior to completion of the drawings, we were able to 'brainstorm' different construction types/methods. This enabled him to not compromise on the finished product, but employ slightly different techniques to give the Clients better value for money. During construction we found the drawings to be very accurate and clear. It was a very good project to be involved with, and the finished product speaks volumes of the value of a good relationship, where both parties have the same vision/goals.

I first met Warrick Mihaly of Mihaly Slocombe through his active social media presence. Mihaly Slocombe’s projects explore many of the same interests as my own Sydney based architect and building practice, CplusC Architectural Workshop. Each individual project is well orientated with passively ventilated light-filled spaces that support indoor/outdoor living. Kitchens and bathrooms are well-resolved and show the attention to detail which is critical to ensuring functional spaces which are used frequently are also enjoyable places which will continue to delight for many years. Many of Mihaly Slocombe’s projects have explored the opportunities (and challenges!) that come with working with natural materials, which lends their projects an additional richness. I will continue to follow their practice and career with great interest in the years to come.

My company was engaged by Mihaly Slocombe Architects, to be the builder to complete a complex extension / renovation. The two stand out features to Mihaly Slocombe's design on this project were: 1. Their ability to blend old with new. 2. Working with the natural environment. Their consideration of room orientation, external window opening positioning and shading elements, etc. all captured the natural environment very well. As we executed their design, their involvement as superintendent to the project was consistent, fair to all parties and reasonable. The project was certainly a very rewarding experience for all involved.

Mihaly Slocombe are managing a major renovation of our family home. The brief was to "tell a story" throughout the house by redesigning bathrooms, kitchen and refreshing all other spaces. They listened to us and presented a detailed concept that was both exciting and practical which was perfect. For example, we live near the beach so the design uses materials and colours that a relevant. Being able to have detailed information on all proposed materials and exact samples was invaluable in helping us. They listened to us. Selection of all fittings was so easy having detailed recommendations, even the supplier contact details. They even recommended a builder who so far is very capable, listens to us and on time! Mihaly Slocome have a creativity and artistic flair that we sought and although we haven't finished yet to date they have well and truly metour expectations. Mike Zervos

MIhaly Slocombe are an excellent team of architects that can deliver a fantastic project. I worked alongside Warwick previously and I saw first hand that he is meticulous and extraordinarily detailed. They work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients and they are also very passionate about high quality architecture. I would be happy to live in any of their finished projects.

Erica designed our kitchen renovation which we love. Her care and attention to detail was wonderful and the whole process went pretty much on budget and on schedule .

Mihaly Slocombe put in a completely new kitchen and laundry at our holiday house in Red Hill Victoria and renovated the bathroom. All with stunning results. Mihaly Slocombe are extremely respectful, very knowledgeable about all aspects of latest trends that not only look good but are, in my opinion, tasteful. All deadlines were met with one exception that was completely out of their control. We are delighted with the end result.

Warwick and Erica's passion for sympathetic sustainability and sensitivity to location and materials, makes their work quintessentially Australian without over-saturating this agenda. Their designs are warm, homely and have provided beautiful backdrops for their clients. It is evident from their wonderful reviews that their ability to deliver projects from conception to completion with client satisfaction, is at the forefront of their decision making and is part of their success. The Hill House demonstrates Mihaly Slocombe's ability to work with complex materials, sustainability and the environment. This project is complimented by the complex forms of the Basser House. Sympathetic to the existing Victorian residence, the Basser House takes advantage of detailing at a range of scales, including the beautiful finger pull detail in the kitchen cabinetry and storage spaces to the spectacular sculptured ceilings. Mihaly Slocombe is an emerging Melbourne architectural practice that will continue to impress in many forums. Their enthusiasm for design and project delivery will no doubt impress you as well.

Mihaly Slocombe designed and supervised a substantial and sympathetic renovation to my circa 1905 home creating a light filled, warm and welcoming environment which continues to astonish and delight me. I had never worked with architects before and it was an amazing collaboration. Warwick and Erica were able to translate my brief into a design that went beyond anything I had thought of, at the same time encapsulating the feeling, function and requirements of the brief. My property is situated on a modest inner city block and yet I have the 'entertainers delight' I requested -with indoor and outdoor rooms. A clever use of unconventional windows connects the house to the garden and the world outside while protecting my privacy. Five years after completion, I am filled with joy every time I walk in the front door...

Hiring Mihaly Slocombe has exceeded our expectations in regards to the design and delivery of our home. We had never used an Architect before and so initially were a little hesitant however it turned out to be a great decision. Our Architects – Warwick Mihaly and Erica Slocombe were true professionals, their attention to detail and focus on our initial brief has resulted in an amazing home which effortlessly links the old with the new. We have only been back in our house for just over a week but already we can see the difference in the way we use the space and we interact as a family. We are thrilled with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mihaly Slocombe.

PROJECT MARCH 2014 We have been absolutely delighted by the total experience associated with the design, implementation and in the end, the completion of our remarkable "Hill House”. A day doesn’t go by without a sense of contentment as I smile at some design feature that just makes “sense” or an aspect of how we enjoy living in this space and place – it just “works”! We were absolutely delighted with the experience of designing our house with Mihaly Slocombe. The project is true to the importance we place on environmental sustainability, aesthetics and the clever use of amenity. In the end, the integrity of the creative design is a source of enduring pleasure to us. UPDATED JULY 2016 As our family expanded to the next generation [of grandchildren], we decided to return to the Architects who designed our family home, to create a suitable extension. The brief had been to create something complimentary to the existing design, be playful, functional, environmentally efficient and still aesthetically compatible with the existing home. To our immense delight, despite the obvious challenges and complexity to meet all aspects of the brief, all our expectations were not only met – but superbly exceeded. The project was implemented with a deft efficiency and professionalism and remained on budget and true to brief. What more could we ask for? Whilst I can’t imagine a further extension being required – if it was, I know exactly where I’d go!