6 August 2020

Looking for an architect/designer who listens around Canberra

| bywongqueen
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We have been trying to make plans for a significant renovation to our property for a number of years but having difficulty getting our ideas and needs on paper. We would appreciate suggestions or recommendations from people who have been through this process.

We would like an architect or designer who has experience with solar passive, is interested in recycling and who can listen to our needs and ideas and present options that meet these needs. We would also like a professional who can outline a design process – series of meetings or something like that – so we can understand what we are doing and why.

Thanks

If you’re also looking for an architect, check out our recently updated article on the best architects in Canberra.

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Sarah Lebner11:32 am 09 Aug 17

I know this is an old stream but it is still proving to be useful for people search for architects in Canberra. So – I wanted to add that Jigsaw Housing is now known at Light House Architecture and Science. Due to business growth we now work with a small pool of trusted builders, rather than just one in-house builder. Our sole director is now building scientist, Jenny Edwards, and we still focus on simulating the home at each stage of design so that we can optimise windows/eaves/insulation to achieve the best ‘bang for buck’.
I’m the lead architect of our friendly, energetic design team and would say that our passion is working for good-hearted people who want well-considered homes filled with warmth, light, connection to the outdoors, and good social spaces.
(p.s. And unlike my lovable predecessor, I’m always on time! 😛 )

MissClearwater1:33 pm 03 Feb 13

They don’t advertise much (I assume they don’t need to) but Ryall Design (ryall.com.au) is definitely one worth looking into. My friend got her house reconfigured by them in order to make it more sustainable and she raves about them.

Having been involved in the environmentally-friendly products field in Canberra since 2002, we have worked with many sustainable architects in Canberra. A number have been practicing sustainable design for over 30 years- some of them are mentioned in these Comments. To help potential clients find these sustainable design professionals, we have added a page to our website at http://www.enviro-friendly.com/canberra-architects.shtml

We will be adding further listings. Any feedback from RiotACT members would be appreciated.

THE RESULT – We decided to go with Russell Wombey and we are really delighted. Very experienced, quick, practical and clever designing that is meeting all our needs. He is always looking for good clients: give him a ring on 6238 3113 or refer your friends or family to him. Thanks to all for their input on this topic.

Sammy said :

I hear very good things about Russell Wombey. I think he’s based out Wamboin way, and he was building solar passive homes in Canberra (including for himself in Kambah) before many people had even heard of solar passive.

+1. He’s a good architect and one of the best when it comes to solar passive/green homes. Also well priced.

We just used DNA = excellent. Ross was a great bloke who listened and made suggestions but always took into account what we were looking for. Very pleased.

plausibly_deniable3:22 pm 18 Oct 11

A little late to the party, but I’d recommend Nabil Adhami of Adhami Pender. He’s interested in process and he’s experienced in solar passive and other aspects of progressive residential architecture. http://adhamipenderarchitecture.com/

Holden Caulfield10:22 am 06 Oct 11

Ryoma said :

Hi Bywong Queen

I cannot comment directly upon their work, but I have recently had dealings with a firm called Jigsaw Housing. They are currently trying to work out how they can build an 8-Star house for under $200K, and they held a public meeting back in September to actually ask the public what was wanted in the design of such a house.

They were polite and friendly to a hugely enthusiastic (over-excited!) audience that night, and were open-minded about all questions put to them. Together with their own energy assesment person (Jennifer), I think they may have left existing roles so as to work together on the type of jobs they are passionate about.

Even if they are flat out with the 8 Star/200K House at the moment, they may be able to point you in a good direction. Good luck! 🙂

Just don’t get upset if the architect is regularly late for meetings; way beyond the point of frustration. Nice guy with some pretty good ideas, just really shit at the mundane aspects of the job.

At least that was my experience a while back and of several others I have stumbled across in the meantime.

I’d say the builder is more on the ball (haven’t dealt with him). Well, he’d have to be I think!

Hi Bywong Queen

I cannot comment directly upon their work, but I have recently had dealings with a firm called Jigsaw Housing. They are currently trying to work out how they can build an 8-Star house for under $200K, and they held a public meeting back in September to actually ask the public what was wanted in the design of such a house.

They were polite and friendly to a hugely enthusiastic (over-excited!) audience that night, and were open-minded about all questions put to them. Together with their own energy assesment person (Jennifer), I think they may have left existing roles so as to work together on the type of jobs they are passionate about.

Even if they are flat out with the 8 Star/200K House at the moment, they may be able to point you in a good direction. Good luck! 🙂

Hi all
Thanks for most of the extremely positive suggestions – I have them all noted and will chase them up. Thanks also to the defenders of my “aggressiveness” – definitely think I wouldn’t work with anyone who thought asking politely for what you want is aggressive. Keep the positive suggestions coming!

I contacted Archicentre and had to chase them up twice before I even heard back from anyone – not a good look given that their whole premise is to provide advice. By then it was too late as we had already engaged architects.

Recently had a good experience working with Phillips & Associates, who Archicentre referred to us. If you haven’t done this already, try Archicentre to see what they charge and whether their services suit you. I know there’s a fee upfront, but in the overall budget for a significant renovation its not huge – and sooner or later you’re going to have to start laying out money to get the house you want.

Clown Killer said :

Sounds like your after a draftsman rather than an architect. The former are likely to be more adept at converting your specific requirements into workable plans. Architects will interpret your goals and come up with their own design rather than simply draw up what you were thinking of. A word of warning though – be careful of what you wish for – the vast majority of owner/draftsman designed buildings are dead easy to pick as you drive down the street – they’re the butt-ugly ones.

+1

Clown Killer10:25 am 03 Oct 11

Sounds like your after a draftsman rather than an architect. The former are likely to be more adept at converting your specific requirements into workable plans. Architects will interpret your goals and come up with their own design rather than simply draw up what you were thinking of. A word of warning though – be careful of what you wish for – the vast majority of owner/draftsman designed buildings are dead easy to pick as you drive down the street – they’re the butt-ugly ones.

yellowsnow said :

Or are you saying that Canberra is the architects’ equivalent of Seinfeld’s ‘Chirotown’?

correction: that should have read “The Simpsons’ Chirotown” … as in that immortal line “Forget it, Homer, it’s Chirotown”

I-filed said :

Just sayin’ – your post sounds quite aggressive and as though you aren’t interested in a two-way process, a collaboration. A good architect won’t take on a bossy client. Based on your post alone, I wouldn’t take you on …

Really? I didn’t get that impression at all. Anyway you make it sound like getting an architect is like getting into a popular nightclub. I don’t think Bywongqueen is looking to hire Gehry or Frank Lloyd Wright, she (or he) is looking for just your above average Canberra architect, who surely can’t be that choosy and surely will accept a job, and if not one of their equally competent competitors will. Or are you saying that Canberra is the architects’ equivalent of Seinfeld’s ‘Chirotown’?

Just sayin’ – your post sounds quite aggressive and as though you aren’t interested in a two-way process, a collaboration. A good architect won’t take on a bossy client. Based on your post alone, I wouldn’t take you on …

shadow boxer said :

Richard Butt ?, man he must have got a hard time at school,

A mate of mine from the Butt clan once went to America and got a lot of quizzical looks when he was introduced to people. When he came back he said that if he ever had to go over there again he was going to change his surname to something uncontroversial, like “Arsehole”. 🙂

shadow boxer said :

Richard Butt ?, man he must have got a hard time at school,

It understand in this case “Ric” is short for Eric.

+ 1 for his work

shadow boxer7:25 pm 02 Oct 11

Richard Butt ?, man he must have got a hard time at school,

Rick Butt from Strine Design was superb, but it looks as if he may have retired now.

I hear very good things about Russell Wombey. I think he’s based out Wamboin way, and he was building solar passive homes in Canberra (including for himself in Kambah) before many people had even heard of solar passive.

We have just engaged an architect to design an extension to our house. We saw two architects during our decision process – the first whom shall remain nameless was a company openly stating their green credentials. Their process dictated that our first meeting was in their office. The discussion was all fair enough, however we noted that their fees had jumped considerably from their flyers and that it seemed very much as if we would be shelling out about 10k to just get sketch designs which for a small extension job seemed ludicrous.

The second company we saw is called Ryall Design, whom we have since engaged to draw up our plans. As opposed to the first mob, Jess and Tristan came to our house, looked at our property and talked for as long as we required in order to find out wat we wanted. They even discussed other plans we have for the house that would not require their services and gave me some ideas. I will admit that we have yet to see the first round of designs, but I will have to say, I am pretty confident given their attention through our disucssions. Again, unlike the other mob, the costs were reasonable and included plans suitable for a DA and a builder. Their website is ryalldesign.com.au and they do seem from their information to care about the environmental impact of their designs – we certainly discussed solar options for heating etc. .

BTW I got their number form RA in the first instance.

Good luck.

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