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Zugai Strudwick Architects
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About Us
Locally owned
Female owned
References available
Sydney & Newcastle's Dynamic Team of Innovative Architects
With over 25 years of experience, Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) has offices in both Sydney and Newcastle allowing us to undertake projects up and down the NSW east coast. ZSA extensive experience in producing high quality new houses and extensive renovations across all council areas in city, rural and regional areas. Mel & Lisa are committed to helping residential clients build stunning designer homes suited to their indiviual tastes. The ZSA team have built a strong base of dedicated builders and tradies to ensure a quality build every time.
Lisa brings an wealth of experience in urban planning to ensure our strategic thinking and development approach ensures your design will gain timely approval. The wealth of experience and knowledge that a seasoned construction overseer like Mel delivers can make all the difference to a project's successful delivery. She is a proactive problem-solver, in touch with the whole construction team helping ensure timelines & budget constraints are met with quality building & the enduring design vision. Mel & Lisa work closely on every project and love to dlever an expressive exterior but also enjoy the interior detailing turning your home into a comfortable, delightful and practical space.
Our wide-ranging experience across different areas, with sites of varying constraints and opportunities, has prepared us to deal with any design challenges. Our focus is the delivery of sustainable and innovative, luxury home design solutions while embracing client expectations and balancing deadlines, budgets, and functional requirements.
See what our clients say about us with our extensive list of reviews.
Services Provided
3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Building Design, Custom Homes, Energy-Efficient Homes, Green Building, Home Additions, Home Renovating, House Plans, New Home Construction, Project Management, Sustainable Design, Home Extensions, Home Renovation
Areas Served
Wickham, Merewether, Newcastle, New Lambton, Carrington, Ryde, Epping, Islington, Rothbury, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Annadale, Marrickville, Newtown, Erskinville, West Ryde, Gladesville, Drummoyne, Eastwood, Petersham, Haberfield, Maryville, Belmont, Coal Point, Hamilton, Pokolbin, Gosford, Gosford Shire, Central Coast, Lane Cove, West Pennant Hills, Kellyville, Greenwich, Fishing Point, Adamstown Heights, Baulkham Hills, Hurlstone Park, Nelson Bay, Balmain, Riverview, Roseville, Northwood, Five Dock, Elizabeth Bay, Mosman, Hawkes Nest, Maitland, Salamander Bay
Awards
Board of Architects Award - Most Outstanding Student across academia & projects. Lisa Strudwick UTS 2013 Lower Hunter Urban Design Awards Commendation - Residential Dwelling - 'Zelda' Hunter HIA Award - Best Reno/Addition
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Featured Review
Jon Carroll
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsI will be recommending ZSA to all of my friends and colleges. If you want someone to take you through a design and DA process with great ideas, skill, foresight, service, communication and delivery this is ZSARead Full Review
37 Reviews for Zugai Strudwick Architects
Newest first
Average rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars4.8|37 reviews
Work Quality4.6
Communication4.4
Value4.6
Ashley Parmenter
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Can highly recommend ZSA. Our project was the demolition of a previous single level extension which was poorly built and replacing it with a new two level extension. We wanted our new living space to be contemporary but it also needed to blend in with the original Victorian era house which is 140 years old.
ZSA understood our wish list and were able to make it happen. They had a great working relationship with the builder and other contractors which made the process a lot smoother and less stressful.
We could not be happier with the final result.
January 21, 2024
Bruce Murphy
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mel and Lisa were very responsive and great to work with throughout our Nelson Bay building project. We got the right mix of listening and guidance to deliver a design and floorplan that is striking, maximises rhe potential of the site and is highly functional. Their level of liaison, ideas and solutions shared with both ourselves and the builder throughout the build period also set them apart, as well as the detail inherent in their plans, which the builder told us made their construction task so much easier. Thanks Mel and Lisa - you have envisioned and created a haven that our whole family loves to visit.
January 1, 2024
CYRIAC MATHEW
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Since the very first meeting with Mel and Lisa, they were committed and always accommodated our needs and dreams. Our first encounter started with the meeting on site which helps every to one to understand the landscape and subsequent plans. Along the way, they helped us to understand even the minute details of the building and the precautions to be taken at every step.
They were very quick to respond whenever we need their help. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we are extremely satisfied with their professional skills and personal connections.
December 19, 2023
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.
September 24, 2023
HU-768022707
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I have dealt with Mel and Lisa from the design stage of my renovation to the issuing of the Occupation Certificate. At all stages they have been so accessible, co-operative and helpful. I am thrilled with the result. Penny Ross
May 22, 2023
Mel is so easy to work with! She’s so open to ideas and loves incorporating your ideas into her great designs, so it feels like a true collaboration. She makes the whole process much less stressful by guiding you through every step of the way. Her attention to detail is mind blowing. We can’t wait to start the build!
January 13, 2022
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Hey Sarah - Thanks heaps for the review - We can't wait for you to start too! Excited to see that beautiful kitchen.
Billie-Jean Shaw
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mel and Lisa have been absolutely amazing throughout our project. From inception, they designed a house well suited to our family. The layout was perfect and included all of our wish list and then some. Our site was not easy, with a huge slope and numerous easement restrictions but Mel and Lisa still managed to design a beautiful and functional home. I cannot thank them enough for all the advise. As all builds go things get adjusted and changed during the build process and Lisa was always quick to respond. Their experience and expertise in the industry showed and I always felt confident and reassured when challenges were met. I cannot recommend this dynamic duo enough, they captured our ideas perfectly and created a home that is sustainable, beautiful and perfect for our family.
November 9, 2021
Alicia Reynolds
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We had a great experience planning the renovation of our home with Mel and Lisa! Ours was a tricky project to navigate with a number of challenges and Mel managed us and the process with aplomb. We haven't proceeded with the renovation to date due to the pandemic, however we would have continued to use Zugai Strudwick as project managers if we had done so.
November 9, 2021
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks for the review. Good luck with the move- hope it all goes well. Lisa & Mel
Gavin Stansfield
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
As a couple with nil experience renovating other than chucking a coat of paint on an old weatherboard house, we really had to trust our architect and builder.
We found Mel and Lisa excellent in this area, from the first contact we liked Mel's down to earth, pragmatic, realistic approach. She was also very good at taking the sometimes contradictory thoughts of myself and my partner and incorporating both our ideas into the design. Lisa's liaison skills with council DA application and negotiations thereafter were also impressive.
The team have a good network of other providers i.e designers and suppliers for fittings and fixtures some of whom we also availed ourselves of!
The end result is a solid, well designed extension that is just right for our situation.
Absolutely recommend this company for your job however big or small.
September 20, 2021
They designed a great solution for a tricky site and listened to what was important to us.
September 16, 2021
Upon engaging the services from Mel and Lisa my husband and I immediately felt at ease.
Mels calming nature was very much a welcome amongst the chaos of organising a renovation of our entire house. She answered all of our questions and queries and was able to provide us with a range of ideas and resources or us to access to help us along the way.
With baby number 3 on the way we were able to obtain our approval so quickly- being in one of the hot spots in Sydney, we were even more grateful as we needed the extra space in a hurry.
Thank you to Mel and Lisa for helping us navigate these difficult times. Hopefully when the build is finished we will be out of lockdown and you can come and see the new the storey and meet our new baby.
September 2, 2021
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks Danielle and Charlie. Hope construction goes well and we can all get together soon. Lisa + Mel
HU-60196301
Average rating: 1 out of 5 stars
My wife and I used Mel and Lisa for a project in Redhead. We had two major issues :
1. Scheduling - the whole process seemed to lack a clear schedule and we had to regularly chase. After discussing our needs and working with them for 5 months we obtained our DA in Jan21. From there it took a further 5 months before we managed to get our first costed plan from the builder. This was despite repeated follow ups and discussions around trying to get some sort of a start date. Despite all of this, Mel kept on telling use that we would be in by Christmas 2021 - something that was clearly fanciful and unrealistic.
2. Budget - If that experience wasn't bad enough, the builders costing came in at THREE TIMES what we had initially discussed as our budget. This was a huge shock to us. At no time did either Mel or Lisa indicate that the design would far exceed the budget. When we challenged that we were told by Mel "Well you guys kept on choosing expensive options". While that may be true, surely a reasonable expectation is to have your professional adviser provide guidance through the process? This did not happen.
Confronted with this my wife and I stepped back, decided we could not work with Mel and Lisa and terminated the project, having spent nearly $28,000 on architect and other related fees. I WOULD NOT recommend Zugai Strudwick.
August 12, 2021Last modified:August 17, 2021
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Dear Ed
We are disappointed to hear that you were unhappy with the process. Renovations can be both exciting and daunting. There are many important steps and decisions that need to be made and taking sufficient time and care to attend to the details generally results in a better outcome.
Scheduling: The DA was lodged mid-October and the approval was obtained late January – just over 3 months. Regardless, the length of time it takes for an application to be approved by Council is beyond our control. As discussed with you before lodging with Council, the decision to push into the front setback to improve your ocean views at the expense of the neighbour was a complicating factor. This resulted in an objection which understandably added time to the process.
Closures over the Christmas break; a building boom which resulted in Council receiving an increased volume of applications and the impact of COVID on work practices at this time, were also factors which influenced the time required to process applications.
While we understand that any delay when you are keen to proceed with a project can be frustrating, to receive approval in 3 months under these circumstances was well within the expected time frame.
Construction time frames are the responsibility of the builder which is why we suggested you speak directly with them. As a result of these discussions, we understood that the builder had added your project to their schedule and that while they would do their best to get you in for Christmas, they certainly could not promise that, in part due to supply issues caused by COVID.
Budgeting: On all projects, budget is a very important consideration. One of our biggest challenges as Architects is to maximise the results for our clients within their budget. The starting point is usually a wish list which is refined as various options are explored. Ideas are often expanded or altered as we make clients aware of what is possible. This is an important part of the design process as it assists clients to prioritise the features that are most important to them and in some cases decide what they can live without. As budgets need to be managed, we provide our clients with an option to obtain a cost estimate before proceeding to the approval stage. While we strongly advise that this approach be taken if it is looking as if the budget will be substantially exceeded, sometimes as in this instance, this option was declined to save time.
If projects come in over budget, we are happy to work out where savings can be made in conjunction with the client and the builder and/or seek additional quotes. In this instance these possibilities were not explored as you advised you were purchasing a house in a different area.
We set a high standard for ourselves and strive to conduct our business professionally and with empathy for our clients’ requirements.
We wish you well in your new home. Mel & Lisa
We are disappointed to hear that you were unhappy with the process. Renovations can be both exciting and daunting. There are many important steps and decisions that need to be made and taking sufficient time and care to attend to the details generally results in a better outcome.
Scheduling: The DA was lodged mid-October and the approval was obtained late January – just over 3 months. Regardless, the length of time it takes for an application to be approved by Council is beyond our control. As discussed with you before lodging with Council, the decision to push into the front setback to improve your ocean views at the expense of the neighbour was a complicating factor. This resulted in an objection which understandably added time to the process.
Closures over the Christmas break; a building boom which resulted in Council receiving an increased volume of applications and the impact of COVID on work practices at this time, were also factors which influenced the time required to process applications.
While we understand that any delay when you are keen to proceed with a project can be frustrating, to receive approval in 3 months under these circumstances was well within the expected time frame.
Construction time frames are the responsibility of the builder which is why we suggested you speak directly with them. As a result of these discussions, we understood that the builder had added your project to their schedule and that while they would do their best to get you in for Christmas, they certainly could not promise that, in part due to supply issues caused by COVID.
Budgeting: On all projects, budget is a very important consideration. One of our biggest challenges as Architects is to maximise the results for our clients within their budget. The starting point is usually a wish list which is refined as various options are explored. Ideas are often expanded or altered as we make clients aware of what is possible. This is an important part of the design process as it assists clients to prioritise the features that are most important to them and in some cases decide what they can live without. As budgets need to be managed, we provide our clients with an option to obtain a cost estimate before proceeding to the approval stage. While we strongly advise that this approach be taken if it is looking as if the budget will be substantially exceeded, sometimes as in this instance, this option was declined to save time.
If projects come in over budget, we are happy to work out where savings can be made in conjunction with the client and the builder and/or seek additional quotes. In this instance these possibilities were not explored as you advised you were purchasing a house in a different area.
We set a high standard for ourselves and strive to conduct our business professionally and with empathy for our clients’ requirements.
We wish you well in your new home. Mel & Lisa
I engaged Zugai Strudwick on the recommendation of a friend and a builder. Mel and the team were upfront about costs and at all times the communication was clear and prompt. Mel's calm demeanour and no nonsense approach suited me. She happily made changes and gave suggestions for improvement. She possesses excellent listening skills and helped with suggesting possible builders. I would not hesitate to recommend Zugai Strudwick Architects. The subsequent build has been without stress and her vision for the renovation has come to life.
December 13, 2020Last modified:December 14, 2020
Baja Projects
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Lisa & Mel from Strudwick Architects did an amazing design for our holiday house on Lake Macquarie - we wanted to keep the essence of the old 1950's house but bring it into this century
They achieved this with simplicity on the exterior and smart layout internally , a changed entry & garage area & boat storage
Also they were easy to deal with and accommodating for our many changes
Now we are looking to use them for a duplex site in Newcastle
November 18, 2020
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Hi Brian
Great pics - such a lovely spot. I'm sure you both will be very happy here. It was a pleasure to work on your house and we look forward to working with you again.
Lisa
Great pics - such a lovely spot. I'm sure you both will be very happy here. It was a pleasure to work on your house and we look forward to working with you again.
Lisa
HU-980106582
Average rating: 4 out of 5 stars
We hired Zugai Strudwick Architects for design drawings, DA documents and submission. We were really pleased with the design ideas proposed and Lisa was really open to working with us and incorporating our own ideas/requests. Would recommend!
May 31, 2020
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks heaps for the review - Glad it all worked out so well. Lisa
Jon Carroll
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I engaged ZSA to take a complex addition to a property through the Development Approval process. I thought it was going to be a difficult project as we had a very small block and wanted to build boundary to boundary and had multiple council controls that needed review. My expectations were exceeded with ZSA, they are very professional and know what they are doing. I was impressed with the design and end product where we have made the most of a small area with complex controls. They drove the DA process the whole way and kept the project moving the whole time. ZSA read the council really well and set up a pre DA meeting to review, this worked out really well as our first submission passed with minimal conditions (a water tank). I've now been able to add a great amount of value to my inner city property and really make my investment work for me into the future.
I will be recommending ZSA to all of my friends and colleges. If you want someone to take you through a design and DA process with great ideas, skill, foresight, service, communication and delivery this is ZSA.
December 9, 2019Last modified:December 9, 2019
Phil OPrey
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Great job - down to earth and practical. We were particularly pleased with their great communication, keeping us informed throughout the process and dealing efficiently with our many changes along the way. We highly recommend this team. Cheers. Phil and Karen
November 24, 2019
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks for the review Phil & Karen - can't wait to see the finished product. CHeers Lisa & Mel
Mark Raumer
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Building a new house is a daunting task and having an architect who you trust to guide you through the process is critical. Mel and Lisa have been incredibly creative and at the same time very practical. They have been incredibly transparent about the process and are prepared to work hard for their fees. Lisa has been responsive to all sorts of naïve questions, and with the vision to see the diamond amongst the rocks.
Mel and Lisa were able to listen to our dreams and turn them into reality. To create a design that we are proud of and look forward to building.
November 11, 2019
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Mark & Judy
Thanks so much for your kind words. We hope the house is everything you want it to be for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come. Lisa & Mel
Thanks so much for your kind words. We hope the house is everything you want it to be for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come. Lisa & Mel
Tas-Built
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We have been collaborating with Lisa and Mel for many years both for our own build and for many of our clients and we only have praise for their professionalism and attention to detail. They are flexible, easy to work with and innovative.
We would not hesitate in recommending Zugai Strudwick for all types of residential and commercial projects.
Tasy Moraitis
Tas-Built
December 8, 2018
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Many Thanks for the review Tasy - We look forward to working on many more projects with you. We know builders like you are in business for the long term producing consistently high quality hassle free projects.
Andrew Murdoch
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Earth Surveying have been working closely with ZSA for over 5 years on projects in the Newcastle and Sydney area. As a surveyor, I am usually the first one onsite, several times during the building process and the last professional to sign off at the completion of the project. I have always been amazed at the transformation that's happened to existing dwellings and greenfield sites as a result of Mel and Lisa's designs. Their sense of spatial awareness and consideration of the needs of the client during design always has the owners expressing their excitement and satisfaction when I turn up for the final survey!
January 27, 2018
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks Andrew for your great review. Always good to hear what other consultants think of our work. Thanks too to you for all your great surveys over the years - we hope to keep working with you for many years to come. Lisa
warwick_meller
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We’re wrapped with ZSA. Such innovative ideas helped us make the most out of a tricky site while giving us the functionality we were after. Thanks Mel and Lisa!
November 1, 2017
wallabystew2018
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Zugai Strudwick Architects were a wonderful choice to design and develop our vision for our home. They are enthusiastic, and very committed to doing the very best they could to turn our dreams to reality. They communicated very effectively, and are extremely talented. Choosing ZSA made the daunting task of home renovation achievable with minimal anxiety. We could not recommend Lisa, and Mel highly enough.
October 3, 2017
ShadeArt Ltd
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The team of Mel, Lisa and Tim are terrific to work with. They are practical, responsive and flexible. As owner builder I wanted their professional design input balanced with our ideas too. They are neither rigid or pretentious. We've had several issues with our site and Zugai Strudwick have assisted with practical problem solving all the way. Will definitely use them on my next project.
October 2, 2017
sydnetoothfairy
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mel and Lisa were wonderful! They had no problem helping us push to get everything done in a rather tight time frame and were very positive and understanding throughout the process. Mel was very helpful in helping us with the fitout too, something that I hadn't thought of but would have been a bit tricky on our own. They were always prompt in responding to emails and passing us on information when needed. We love the design of our house and cannot wait until it is done and we can move in!
September 26, 2017
Mum2boys
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We engaged ZSA to design and manage the build of our dream home in Sydney's Inner West.
Throughout the design and building process, we appreciated the client focus from ZSA and ability to change and adjust as needed. The whole experience was positive! The open and honest communication between Mel and Lisa and us meant we always knew what to expect and when to expect it. Project management from Mel was outstanding.
Now that we've moved in, we couldn't be more delighted with how our home has turned out. We would happily recommend ZSA to anyone looking for architects who are able to capture and design and then supervise the building of what previously lived only in your head and heart. Our beautiful home is a joy to live in; beautiful, yet practical for family life.
September 25, 2017Last modified:August 22, 2018
Our builder recommended ZSA, and we've been thrilled with Mel and Lisa's assistance so far. Construction hasn't started yet, but the process up until this point has been made super easy with their guidance. We couldn't be happier with the design of our house and can't wait to see the finished product!!
September 25, 2017
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks Shiraze. We can't wait to see it built as well. Hope the construction goes as smoothly - with Zenya on the job it should do.
A little over time, but we ended up with a house on-budget and beyond our wildest dreams. Thanks Mel and Lisa!
September 16, 2017Last modified:April 18, 2024
dannelson99
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Zugai Strudwick are great to work with - creative yet down-to-earth with good people skills.
They developed a comprehensive masterplan for our rural ecovillage with our consortium of owners. We really liked their open approach to finding solutions to the challenges we faced and found their advice on key aspects, such as building on bushfire prone land and water-sensitive design highly valuable. We found them patient and reliable, generous with their time and careful with our budget. They were able to connect us to their network of affordable and highly competent professionals, such as surveyors and landscape architects, and other experts to help us prepare our development documentation for Council.
We love the beautiful design they developed for our property and look forward to working with them in bringing it to life.
March 29, 2017
catherinestafford
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Lisa and Mel came up with really great and exciting but at the same time sensible and thought out plans for my renovations. Plus they were a absolute pleasure to work with! I would highly recommend them to all my friends. Happy to provide a reference at any time.
March 21, 2017
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Hi Catherine
Thanks for the review. Call us anytime you need anything. Good luck with the future.
Lisa + Mel
Thanks for the review. Call us anytime you need anything. Good luck with the future.
Lisa + Mel
We engaged Mel at Zugai Strudwick Architects on a recommendation from our builder after a previous architect had let us down and also burned through $10k of our funds for renovations.
Mel was responsive and paid attention to what we wanted to achieve; providing excellent detailed plans, with two minor amendments made overnight.
If you are looking for an architect you can trust to listen to your ideas then go no further than Zugai Strudwick Architects.
Our one regret is we had not heard of Zugai Strudwick Architects earlier.
March 2, 2017
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks for the review Trevor. Although, only involved for a limited service. We wish you all the best with the build - you should have no worries with Tasy - would love to see some photo's as you progress. We love working on 'Modern' architecture. Your house looks remarkably like an original. Pettit + Servitt. http://www.pettitandsevitt.com.au/
Cheers Lisa + Mel
Cheers Lisa + Mel
We engaged Lisa and Mel to design a contemporary addition to our heritage listed home. The design they came up with exceeded our expectations and we love the result. We are now contemplating a granny flat in the backyard and they have put forward an innovative and exciting concept. We can't wait to get underway with the next project!
August 23, 2016
jennymcgregor37
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
On a friends recommendation we contacted Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) to discuss the possibilities and challenges of renovating a Sydney inner city terrace.
ZSA, the creative partnership of Mel Zugai and Lisa Strudwick, operate in the Newcastle and Sydney regions. Our initial meeting was the beginning of a close and productive working relationship reflected in the completed project.
Engaging Mel in all stages ensured the successful completion of the project. This included design, council approval, contract documentation and contract administration.
Mel was willing to listen to our ideas and thoughtfully recreated the space to suit our lifestyle. The final result maintains the history of the building while creating a smooth transition to a modern living environment. From the planning stage to completion Mel was always available to discuss any issues and concerns.
We now are now enjoying our new home in Forest Lodge and appreciating the time Mel spent in the finer details often taken for granted in project planning. Visitors to our home comment on the beautiful bathrooms created by Mel and efficient use of space and functionality. These design skills are also on display in the kitchen with the use of light, expansive cupboards and walk in pantry – all in a very narrow terrace.
ZSA have now completed two renovations for us from the design stage to project completion. We have also commenced initial design discussions with them for a third project. We highly recommend Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) for your next project.
August 16, 2016Last modified:August 17, 2016
Donna Miatke
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
UPDATE September 2021
We have moved away from the area so have had to sell the house.
The house sold within 4 weeks and we made a substantial profit given we only had the property for 6 years.
I don’t believe our home would have achieved such a good price and relatively quick sale had we not had the focus and guidance of ZSA on producing a high quality renovation.
We will be using ZSA again on upgrading our new property purchase.
June 2015
Following the purchase of our home we contacted a couple of architects regarding much needed renovations to our kitchen, dining, living and bathrooms. We were impressed with Mel and Lisa at Zugai Strudwick Architects due to their willingness to spend the time needed to help us to become clear as to what would suit our family. Mel and Lisa gave us lots of good ideas and design options, spending many hours in our home going through each room with us.
We both found Mel and Lisa very easy to communicate with and really appreciated their patience throughout the whole process. They helped us with the selection of a builder, fixtures and fittings and were always happy to answer any queries as the renovations progressed.
The end result is a home that we just love being in. The renovations have transformed our home and exceeded our expectations. A couple of favourite design ideas are the extension of the breakfast bar to accommodate a study area, and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. We highly recommend Zugai Strudwick Architects- Belinda & Donna.
April 22, 2016Last modified:September 9, 2021
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Thanks for your great comments Donna - it was a pleasure working on your project.
Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) were recommended to us by friends whose house was designed by them. We sent our design brief to a few architects and settled on ZSA because their proposal made it clear that they really paid attention to, and understood, what it was we wanted out of our home. And now that the renovation is complete, we can say with absolute certainty that Mel and Lisa designed our home to be everything that we wanted.
Our house was a small, dark, pokey, boiling-in-summer, freezing-in-winter, single-storey, two-bedroom end terrace in inner-city Sydney. The backyard of the house faces east-north-east and the detached side of the house faces south.
We now live in a home that is two storeys, light-filled, and cool in summer and warm in winter without needing to draw huge amounts of mains power for heating and cooling. The living areas are spacious with the kitchen, living room and the backyard nicely connected to each other. Being on a small inner-city block, Mel and Lisa worked magic and very cleverly managed to accommodate an extra two bedrooms, an office to fit two workspaces and a big kitchen (where we spend a lot of our time) without anything feeling squashed in. Mel and Lisa also designed a two-storey workshop/studio for the backyard which we will build at a later date if our family grows more than expected!
Something that I think is also worth mentioning is that Mel and Lisa were excellent with their communication with council. Our DA was approved very quickly even though the works were so extensive.
We couldn't be happier with the house that ZSA designed for us and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone and everyone. Mel and Lisa will not only design the house that you want, they're also really warm, friendly, helpful and responsive. Over the course of the project, we grew more and more fond of Mel and Lisa which I think says a lot about our experience working with them.
We'd be happy to speak with any prospective ZSA clients about our experience.
April 7, 2016
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Hope your house is still treating you well in this coldest of cold days.
Thanks heaps for sending clients to us and showing them through your house. It really helps both Zenya and us.
'Warm' regards.
Lisa + Mel
Thanks heaps for sending clients to us and showing them through your house. It really helps both Zenya and us.
'Warm' regards.
Lisa + Mel
Zugai Strudwick Architects are the BEST!!!
My hubby and I had ideas on how we wanted to transform our very small 101 square metre semi in Leichhardt into a three bedroom, 2 bathroom. But had no idea how to go about it.
After meeting with of few Architects, Lisa and Mel stood out.
Straight away they made us feel comfortable. They were very confident & professional with the whole process with amazing ideas. Taking time to speak with us and getting to know us and our needs.
We had a few concerns with neighbours & Leichhardt Council, which they took control of and has made this whole process stress free.
I can't thank them enough for there hardwork and dedication through this design and council process.
I highly recommend to use Zugai Strudwick Architects.
Thank you Lisa & Mel
Michaela & Vincenzo
July 10, 2014
We engaged Mel and Lisa of Zugai Strudwick Architects to design a home for us based on the original beach shack built by my partners father over 60 years ago.
'Topsy' was the name given to our home in the 50's and the two adjoining properties were 'Tipsy' and 'Turvy'. Needless to say there was and is a great amount of history associated with our home and the community in which we live.
Zugai Strudwick Architects spent a week with is in our old shack to get a sense of our lifestyle and the way we utilized the home both in the Winter and Summer Months.
Mel and Lisa showed a great amount of respect for the history and my partner John's emotional attachment to the original shack.
Their plans for us were absolutely perfect.
Whilst we were preparing our home for the "renovation" it became evident that the home would have to be completely rebuilt.
Our seaside location had taken its toll on our little shack.
Now we are all bright shiny and new, warm in Winter and cool in Summer.
Its not too precious but we are not falling through the floorboards either!
I guess the best compliment to both Mel and Lisa (and of course John and myself) came over the recent holiday period when and old friend who had not seen the house completed knocked at the front door. She walked in and promptly burst into tears.
It is very difficult to retain the 'soul' of an old shack like ours is what our friend said.
With the guidance of Mel and Lisa we have managed to maintain the soul of our home and more.
We are now enjoying our first Summer here in the new, improved shack and its working brilliantly.
Can't recommend these ladies highly enough and look forward to them returning sometime soon to enjoy some long awaited sunshine!
Thanks ZSA,
Leigh and John
January 13, 2014
Henarise Pty Ltd
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
As a builder that has constructed several projects for ZSA, I can highly recommend their architectural services. Their designs and working drawings are always thoroughly though out making the building process efficient and effective. ZSA have a firm understanding of the cost of building which sets them apart from the rest. They have excellent spacial awareness and knowledge of construction which is critical to a good design.
Every client that I have shared with ZSA (more than 10) would highly recommend their services.
November 8, 2013
Comment from Zugai Strudwick Architects:
Hey Zen... looks like we are still working together. Welcome to the Central Coast. Can't wait to start on Mark and Judy's project at Shelly Beach - looking forward to more great houses to come. Hope your enjoying life away from Sydney. Lisa & Mel
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Business Details
Business Name
Zugai Strudwick Architects
Phone Number
(02) 6190 0479
Website
Address
Wickham, New South Wales 2000
Australia
Typical Job Cost
$500,000 - $5 million
Initial consultation free of charge so that we can learn more about your project and discover how we can work together to achieve the best results
Licence Number
7669
Followers
619 Followers
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Credentials
19 Houzz Awards
5 Houzz Badges
1 Affiliation
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26 Ideabooks
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 | Zugai Strudwick Architects Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars |
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124 Comments