Architects in Stanhope Gardens, New South Wales

“I engaged Aqua Architects to assist with the comprehensive renovation of my 3- bedroom apartment in Manly. Marco provided excellent advice relating to design/concept (ideas I would never have thought of), selection of materials/colours and lighting, as well as particular building techniques such as shadow lines and recessed curtains, etc. All his suggestions were incorporated into the project and the end result is simply stunning. Everything (the design, the materials, the colours) matches up seamlessly and looks amazing. Marco also took full responsibility for managing the DA and CDC processes prior to the commencement of construction. The CDC process, in particular, was very complicated due to the categorisation of my apartment building, so Marco's help in this process was invaluable. There is no way I could have navigated these processes myself. Throughout the project, Marco was a pleasure to deal with, always so helpful, responsive and fun. He was super professional and always went the extra mile to ensure the project was completed to an excellent standard. From countless discussions with me and my interior decorator, to meetings with suppliers and builders/trades, and even being on site during construction (often in his own time) to ensure his designs were being followed and that everything was going smoothly, Marco was invaluable to me during the project. I cannot recommend Marco and Aqua Architects highly enough.”

“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.”

“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.”