Interior architecture is where design becomes personal Entrance lobby of the Courtyard House by Enclave Architects, where light, materiality, and spatial calm set the tone for daily living. © Enclave Architects. All rights reserved. Architecture establishes structure, but interiors define how a space is lived in . They shape daily routines, influence behaviour, and quietly support the way people move, pause, gather, and retreat. Interior architecture should be understood not

What You Must Consider Before You Begin Building your own home can be an exciting and empowering idea. For many homeowners, becoming an Owner Builder  promises greater control, flexibility, and the perception of cost savings. However, in Victoria , owner building is not simply a hands-on approach to construction. It is a formal legal role  that places the full responsibility of the build — from compliance to safety to long-term liability — squarely on you. Before you begin th

What the material choice really means for build quality, cost and long-term performance Timber Frame vs Light Gauge Steel Frame – Residential Construction Comparison When planning a new home, many clients assume the structural frame is a purely technical decision — something the builder automatically selects. In reality, the choice between timber framing and light gauge steel framing  plays a critical role in build quality, construction accuracy, ongoing maintenance, and long

Starting a residential project is exciting — but for many homeowners, it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, this is likely one of the largest financial and emotional investments you’ll ever make. Knowing the right questions to ask before hiring an architect  can help you create clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident from the very beginning of the process. The following questions to ask before hiring an arc

Why Architects’ Fees Are Higher (and Why It Matters) One of the most common questions homeowners ask at the start of a project is: “Why are architects so much more expensive than draftspersons or building designers?” It’s a fair question — especially when all three appear to provide drawings for a house. But in reality, the difference goes far beyond drawings. This article explains why architects’ fees are higher , how architects differ from draftspersons and building designe

Many design mistakes after homes are built  only become apparent once people start living in the space. On paper, everything looked fine. The house met the brief, the drawings made sense, and the finishes were well chosen. But over time, certain frustrations begin to surface — spaces that feel awkward, rooms that aren’t used, or areas that are uncomfortable at different times of day. In our experience, these problems are rarely about construction quality. They almost always t

An architect’s guide for homeowners When building a home in Victoria, most homeowners focus on design, budget and choosing the right builder. However, the type of building contract you enter into is just as critical  to the success of your project. In Victoria, residential construction is governed by state-specific legislation and industry practices. While there are several commonly used building contracts, not all of them offer the same level of clarity, balance or protectio

Climate, comfort and better alternatives explained The entrance lobby of House on the Hill, where polished concrete flooring sets a calm, durable foundation for light-filled, everyday living. Polished concrete floors have become a defining feature of contemporary homes across Melbourne. They’re often associated with clean lines, minimal detailing and a seamless connection between inside and outside. But while polished concrete looks good in photos, the real question is more p

A series of grounded volumes defined by rammed earth walls and floating roof planes, quietly embedded within the Australian landscape. One of the first questions most homeowners ask is simple: How much does an architect cost in Melbourne? It’s a fair question — and one that deserves a clear, transparent answer. While architectural fees aren’t a single fixed number, they do follow consistent principles. Once you understand how architects typically structure their services and

A restrained Melbourne interior where space, light, and movement guide the experience — early design decisions shaping how the home is lived in every day. When designing a home , it’s easy to focus on how it looks rather than how it will actually work day to day. Pinterest boards are full, inspiration is everywhere, and ideas start forming quickly. But before plans, materials, or finishes come into the conversation, there are a few fundamental things that often get overlooked

A quiet moment where light, material, and proportion shape how a space is experienced — architecture designed to be lived in, not just looked at. When people think about architecture, they often think about how a building looks — its façade, finishes, or how it appears in photographs. But for the people who live in it every day, architecture is much more than that. For us, architecture for everyday living  is about how a space feels, how it supports daily life, and how it qui