Custom Home Services in Trawool, Victoria

“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!”

“I have photographed a couple of projects by RMR Architects and have found Renuka to be a thoughtful architect who not only addresses the need of her clients but provides them with a house design that is elegant and very liveable.”

“We hired Lume Architecture to design our "forever house" (and Lume Projects to build it). All throughout the design process (which took a couple of months), Lynnsay provided a great combination of guidance and openness to our ideas, incorporating what worked and providing - always respectful but firm - guidance on what didn't work, which was very much appreciated. Whenever we were in danger of going down too deep into a rabbit hole, Lynnsay would bring us back and keep things moving. The careful planning certainly paid off during the building process and beyond in everyday life, with no surprises or modifications on the way. We especially appreciate the practicality of the house and the amount and quality of natural light, which is brilliant. All in all the design and build were much better experiences than I dared dream possible.”

“Peter has drawn plans and specifications then overseen two extensions to our house. More recently he has reviewed paint colours. His approach, knowledge and application is exemplary. I have no hesitation in recommending Peter for architectural services.”

“I engaged Sebastiano from SG2 to design a renovation of our tired and poorly built California 3-bedroom bungalow in West Footscray. I also employed him to administer the contract with our builder. The house required considerable rebuilding. It'd been poorly built and maintained and it was way beyond just reblocking and replastering, so there was an opportunity for extensive modification of the interior. (It turned out the house was in considerably worse shape than the builder originally thought, and in the end essentially only the facade and some of the original roof trussing remained from the original.) I explicitly wanted the design to be more of an update and modernisation of the interior spaces than a large exterior statement. I briefed Sebastiano to: * plan a single level house within the existing footprint that maintained, as much as possible, the original exterior appearance & proportions (I didn't want the house to have an addition visible from the street) * create more useable space, including much more cupboard space, while more or less following the existing floor plan (ie, retaining 3 BRs or 2 BRs & study) in the front half of the house * open up the rear part of the house to more light and the garden while accommodating an old magnolia tree that was growing over the rear of the house * create a long, open kitchen space combined with a "European style" laundry * incorporate DG windows, insulation of all exterior & interior walls, and hydronic heating * develop a plan that wouldn't require extensive planning permissions &c from the local council. We met several times at my house to discuss the brief. Sebastiano took measurements &c, and I supplied him with some roughly drawn provisional plans. Within a few days of our first meeting, Sebastian had spoken with Council about planning issues around the proposed plans and came back to me with provisional drawings which, with only a few adjustments over the next few weeks, not only fulfilled but exceeded the brief. This part of the renovation process took only a couple of months and any delays were a result of my procrastination than anything Sebastiano did. He took care of all permits, negotiations with engineers &c, to an extent that I hadn't expected, which was a great relief. Sebastiano's plan included a modest addition to the footprint which didn't require a permit from Council, and greatly improved my ideas, making some notable additions. Most obvious amongst these was a large light well which opens the the rear of the house to light and provides a high ceiling in line with the roof pitch. This improves the interior space and helps to define the kitchen and living areas without sharply separating them. Now that the house is finished and I'm living in it, I greatly appreciate the simplicity, practicality, and livability of the design. Sebastiano has managed to create modern, spacious areas/volumes inside what is, by today's standards, a relatively small house. The play of light in the rear room(s) thru the light well is a real highlight, as is the plan and finishing of the kitchen/laundry area. All of this done without "periodising" the interior or making an in-your-face design statement (tho I guess one person's in-your-face is another's "meh"). What Sebastiano achieved was, I think, clean, simple, practical design with well thought through details of finish & treatment that fit the original style of the house and, most importantly, my partner's and my way of living. Throughout this part of the process, as elsewhere, Sebastiano managed to allay my tyro renovator's anxieties, provide helpful advice, meet deadlines, reassure me about the financial implications of the project, and to negotiate effectively with my builder. His reassurances helped me maintain at least the impression of humor and confidence throughout what, thru no fault of Sebastiano, turned out to be a very long build. As I mentioned, I also engaged Sebastiano to administer the contract with the builder. In this, I'm sure he went much beyond what I had a right to expect. He attended the site regularly, provided timely and accurate information and advice about the progress of the build. He fielded my ignorance, anxieties, vacillation, changes of mind, outrageous demands, and stupidity with reassuring calm. I always felt he was treating me respectfully, patiently, and more than fairly. He returned all my calls and emails within 24 hours, usually within an hour or two. His recommendations (he always provided some options) about fittings, finishes, and suppliers were invaluable and invariably better in terms of quality and price than anything I could find myself. I felt confident that it was speedier, more economical, and more beneficial to accept Sebastiano's recommendations than to waste time looking for alternatives. Sebastiano promptly and effectively negotiated some variations from the contracted plans and, throughout, tactfully managed the relationship between me and the builder. He had an eye for details and worked assiduously to maintain the standard of the build. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Sebastiano and SG2. He provided excellent plans that met my brief and exceeded my expectations. He worked well with me and the builder; kept the build well within budget; ensured the quality of the work and finishes; is patient and calm; communicates well; and was responsive, patient, and professional throughout the entire process.”

“GSC did a fantastic bespoke design for our Brunswick terrace. Given the limitations of a single front house the design was able too utilize the space to feel open and full of natural light. I highly recommend working with GSC”

“Without the enthusiasm, creativity and expertise of Project 12, we probably would have abandoned plans to build a new family home. They came along at a time when we were feeling overwhelmed by the task, and they immediately made it seem manageable. Project 12 had big ideas, but also paid attention to the smallest details, so working with them was easy. And most importantly - we are very happy with the results!”

“We have worked with Dean Dyson on a number of projects and have found him him to be an excellent, professional and diligent architect. I would happily recommend Dean to any person who is looking for a high quality design.”

“Windiate Architects were engaged to design, provide drawings and documents, tender to builders and then manage the building contract for the renovation of our single front 2 bedroom Victorian property into a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom property. Gary was very professional, experienced, positive, enthusiastic and had lots of great idea's. The design process was very well done, with some great concepts that reflected what we wanted, but also challenged and provided more than we had or could have considered ourselves. Gary's experiences also enabled us to have confidence in the selection of many items (materials, paints, finishes, fittings) that took a lot of stress out of the renovation process. Thoroughly recommend!”

“Hi Jorge I love the designs offered and your professional manner. Your service with offering the best design options for our budget and style is second to none. Highly recommended.”