Residential Architect Melbourne
"Custom homes designed around how you actually live"
At Enclave Architects, we design homes that feel inevitable. Not because we impose a signature style, but because we listen deeply — to your routines, your frustrations with your current space, and the moments you want your home to make possible.
We're a boutique Melbourne architecture practice. You work directly with our principal architect, not a revolving door of junior staff. That means your vision stays intact from first sketch to final walkthrough.
What We Do
New Home Design
Ground-up custom homes across Melbourne — from compact inner-city sites to larger suburban blocks. We navigate heritage overlays, bushfire zones, and tricky council requirements so you don't have to.
Home Extensions & Additions
Second-storey additions, rear extensions, and whole-home renovations that feel seamless with the original structure. We're experienced with period homes (Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco) and modern alterations alike.
Multi-Residential & Dual Occupancy
Townhouse developments, duplexes, and small apartment projects. We help owner-occupiers and developers maximise yield without sacrificing design quality.
Interior Architecture
Spatial planning, custom joinery design, material selection, and finishes. Architecture and interiors designed as one — not bolted together later.
Our Process
1. Discovery We meet at your current home or site. We'll talk about how you live now, what frustrates you, and what you're hoping to feel in your new space. No rushed brief — this conversation shapes everything.
2. Concept Design Initial sketches and 3D modelling exploring layout options, massing, and orientation. We test ideas quickly so you're not locked into the first thing we draw.
3. Design Development Refining the chosen direction — room sizes, window placements, material palette. You'll see realistic renders so there are no surprises.
4. Town Planning & Permits We prepare and submit planning applications, respond to council requests, and attend panel hearings if needed. Most residential projects in Melbourne require planning approval — we handle it.
5. Construction Documentation Detailed drawings and specifications for builders to quote and construct from. Clear documentation means fewer variations and cost blowouts.
6. Contract Administration We can remain involved during construction — reviewing progress, assessing variations, and making sure what gets built matches what was designed.
Areas We Serve
We work across metropolitan Melbourne, with particular experience in:
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Inner East: Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, Canterbury
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South East: Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood
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Inner South: South Yarra, Toorak, Armadale, Malvern
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Bayside: Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Beaumaris
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Outer East: Doncaster, Templestowe, Ringwood, Croydon
We also take on regional Victoria projects for the right fit — Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley & Gippsland.
Why Choose a Boutique Firm?
Large practices shuffle your project between staff. You explain your vision five times to five different people.
At Enclave, you deal directly with the lead architect from day one. Your project gets sustained attention, not whatever hours are left after the big commercial jobs.
We're nimble. If something isn't working, we pivot fast — no bureaucracy, no waiting for committee approval. And because we take on fewer projects, we're genuinely invested in each one.
Credentials:
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Registered with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV Reg: 600037)
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A+ Member, Australian Institute of Architects
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International experience across Middle East and Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a residential architect cost in Melbourne?
Architectural fees typically range from 8–15% of construction cost, depending on project complexity and level of service. We provide a fixed-fee proposal after our initial consultation so there are no surprises.
Do I need an architect or can I use a building designer?
For complex sites, heritage properties, or multi-storey homes, an architect's training in spatial design and regulatory navigation adds significant value. For simpler projects, a building designer may suffice — we're happy to advise honestly.
How long does the design process take?
A typical custom home takes 4–6 months from first meeting to planning submission, then another 2–3 months for construction documentation. Renovations can be faster depending on scope.
Will you help with council approvals?
Yes. We prepare planning applications, respond to RFIs (requests for information), and can represent you at council meetings or VCAT if required.
Can you work with my builder?
Absolutely. We're experienced working with client-nominated builders, or we can recommend builders we trust based on your budget and project type.
