Experience the Difference with Architeria Architects

Neo Classic House Design in Plenty by Architeria Architects

Congratulations, you have decided to build your dream home! Filled with dreams, ideas, and plans for how you want to spend your days in your new abode, it is time to find an architect to make those dreams come true. How do you find the right architect, and what are the things you should be looking for? And are architects expensive?

Architects vs Building Designers

When we meet with potential clients for the first time, we often get the question “What sets Architeria Architects apart from other architects?” Before we elaborate on why Architeria Architects are the preferred architects for your residential project, we would like to highlight the difference between an architect and a draftsperson, as this is a question we often get as well.

Architects have a long way to go before they can call themselves architects. Only a registered architect can call themselves an architect in Australia. The first step of becoming an architect is by completing a three-year bachelor’s degree in architecture, followed by a master’s degree in architecture. Architects then must have two years of relevant work experience and pass a three-part competency assessment process, or what is called the Architectural Practice Examination before they can register with the Architect Registration Board in their relevant state.

Architects in Australia carry plenty of responsibilities and must maintain their registration by engaging in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points each year as well as pay for the license each year to be legally called architects. Building designers and drafts people must be registered building practitioners at Victorian Building Authority (VBA) when practising in Victoria. There is no requirement for drafts people to become registered, if preparing plans/documentation for permits for domestic building work valued at $10,000 or less or preparing plans that are not part of the building permit process – such as town planning permit drawings. Generally, building designers require an Advanced Diploma of Building Design and at least two years practical experience. This can be bypassed if you have an international qualification as an architect or other qualifications deemed satisfactory by VBA. In some states, building designers do not need to be registered or have any qualifications or credentials. A home, or a building, whether an apartment building or a factory, is most likely the biggest investment for most people, the structural integrity of buildings should never be compromised and should be designed by qualified professionals.

The main difference is that architects are significantly better qualified than building designers and are often engaged on projects with bigger budgets and architecturally significant homes. Architects are more trained in their field and generally, they design more complex and customized buildings. Architects are designers as well as technicians, and architects spend a lot of their studies understanding both.

Are architects expensive?

While money plays a part in deciding which architect to go with, there are so many other deciding factors to take into consideration. There is a perception that architects are expensive and that they charge more than building designers, and many times clients with a smaller budget end up choosing a less qualified professional to save money. We would carefully advise anyone to read through the small print in the contracts and compare apples for apples and see what is included in the architectural fees and what isn’t. Saving on the most important aspect, the plans and documentation, could end up quite costly once you start construction if the construction documentation is poor or is lacking the expertise required to estimate cost of building materials, construction methods, structure and so on.

Architects, just as many other professionals ultimately sell time. We would be aware of a cheap price for one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, as ultimately the price would reflect the hours spent on a job, and the last thing you would want is to get plans for something that has not been thought through, or a design that has not been given enough consideration to.

Choose an architect who meets your requirements!

We love repeat clients, and we get excited when our clients recommend us to their friends. This shows that trust is built and gained over time and there is no bigger compliment than word of mouth clients. The design process and obtaining permits, interior design and contract administration during construction is a lengthy process and so our clients become so much more than clients, they become friends. Together, we are building memories as well as homes. We feel rewarded when our clients appreciate the added value that we offer, and when we receive compliments for being more efficient and more responsive to their vision than their past experiences, it validates the company motto that we carry with pride; to go the extra mile.

"Our experience with Architeria Architects has been positive from the initial phone call, their understanding of our brief was excellent along with their attention to detail. A very professional and prompt manner. Highly recommend Mel and the team at Architeria Architects! We can't wait to build now!"

Cam & Kylie Edmonds - Property Owners

The process of design is an evolving one, and when we interact with our clients, we appreciate that they live and breath the design process during this time with us and we always strive to respond to any queries, new ideas, design changes and concerns promptly, alleviating any anxiety. We know how important it is for clients to be able to make changes, fine tune and talk about their concerns until we tick every box and ensure complete satisfaction. Many of our design sessions are done in our “master class” session at our office, where our clients can interact with the design on a big screen and changes to the drawings are made instantly to meet the client requirements.

“We've teamed up with Architeria Architects on several of our development projects, and we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Their designs really bring our ideas to life and were always very helpful at any given time. We highly recommend Architeria if you’re looking for fresh designs and a team that’s always there to help.”

Michael Catalano - Builder & Property Developer

The value we offer with three dimensional (3D) walk throughs is immense. Many times, it could be challenging for the untrained eye to grasp two dimensional (2D) plans, and our 3D designs will assist in visualizing the space and scale of the building, internally as well as externally. There are many examples of projects in Melbourne, where it is obvious that the design has been done in 2D only, and poorly executed side elevations are concerningly common. Our staff at Architeria Architects are versatile and skilled in handling a variety of software such as Sketchup and Lumion and one of the most exciting days in the office are the presentation days when we first reveal the 3D version of the clients’ new home. Each time when we hear the” wow!’ and the “ah!” we know that we nailed the vision.

“Designing with Architeria proved to be a rewarding experience, expert advice & professional development of a design to suit our tastes and needs with the addition of outstanding proactive and efficient planning & documentation process meant our project came to life in half the expected time!”

Stephen & Stephanie Strange

Hands on approach

It is not uncommon for architectural offices to delegate less profitable, or smaller jobs to junior staff.  A cookie cutter approach may be more profitable, however, kills any creativity or uniqueness of an architecturally designed home.

We do not copy and paste. Each of our homes are delicately crafted, with a unique approach. Our senior staff and Directors are hands on with each project that leaves the office. We pay the same care to each of our projects as we would do for our own homes. The key to be able to do this, year after year, is the passion for what we do, taking on new and innovative approach to design, honing and developing them, and a strive to exceed expectations, both those of our clients and the ones we set for ourselves.

"I have been building a 3000m2 house which the team at Architeria Architects designed for the past 14 month, whenever I have needed their assistance, they have always been there, even outside business hours. Mel and the team have exceptional knowledge of the building industry and regulations, they can always recommend a product or a person to do the job. They are flexible with Builders' question and changes. I would highly recommend any prospective client to use them as I would again."

Darren Morris - Builder & Construction Manager

Our hands on approach when it comes to assisting our clients during construction can be credited to our construction arm. Gawi Group is as a constuction and property development company operated by the directors of Architeria Architects. The experience that Managing Director Mel Gawi brings to the team at Architeria Architects by building his own projects is invaluable. By transferring this knowledge to our staff, they understand what they draw, what each line represents and the implication of cost as well as time.

Our staff get to see construction firsthand, by frequent site visits, and we continue to develop our skills by drawing from the real-life experience of real-life projects and proactively implementing the solutions to any unforeseen issues that may rise during construction and transfer this knowledge to our projects.

“I've always been passionate about Classic residences, aspiring to incorporate French architectural into my dream home. My quest for the right architect began online, ultimately leading me to Architeria Architects. Initiating contact with Mel Gawi via telephone marked the start of my plan formulation process. Mel is known for his gentle communication style, promised to develop the finest house plans according to my preferences. Communicating with both Mel and his team throughout the planning phase proved to be remarkably smooth. I'm delighted with my decision to go with Architeria Architects. Mel Gawi was also a tremendous support during the construction phase, always available for a quick consultation over the phone. The internal aesthetics of my home were beautifully brought to life by Kate Gawi, adding a refreshing touch to the designs. In my opinion, they stand out as the finest in the area.”  Mohan Singh – Builder & Property Developer

Construction of a project is a teamwork between the architect, the consultants and the builder and his tradesmen, and our approach is to be the orchestrators, ensuring a smooth and deliverable project for all stakeholders. We are never further than a phone call away, during this entire project from A-Z, and as excited as our clients are when they turn the key to their finished home, as satisfied is the team behind this. 

“My experience with Architeria Architects and Mel Gawi was exceptional for many reasons.

Firstly, they had broad experience in their team to design something exactly according to our wants and brief. The documentation and drawings were always high quality, helpful and met on site requirements.

Mel and his team also have an in-depth practical understanding of construction which was very useful during the construction phase”

Omro Alansari – Owner Builder & Senior Lawyer

Return on investment

Not every home or project that gets designed by Architeria is there to be lived in forever, and even the homes we design for families, may at some point be sold. A unique home is a great home; however, it should appeal to most. Life happens, circumstances change and so does our living situation. As we design homes for investors and developers, both homes and apartments, we pay attention to cost, what the market requires and the suitability of the design and its environments. Financial gain can be achieved by choosing a cheaper construction method, initiated by the design.

The less you spend, the more you gain when selling. The opposite can also be true, as designing and building a solid, lasting, high-quality home on a blue-chip address will attract buyers willing to spend more. Over the years, homes designed by Architeria Architects have had record breaking sales. This speaks volumes of how a well-designed and well-planned project can be financially viable. The experience and the knowledge that Architeria’s Directors have in building and developing homes is evident in our designs. Our homes stand out. There are aspects of architecture that is taught at schools. There are other aspects that come with grey hair, we at Architeria have both.

“My experience with Architeria Architect has been exceptional. They listened to my ideas and transformed them into a stunning architectural design that perfectly captured my vision. Every step of the journey was smooth, thanks to their clear communication and expertise. I truly appreciated their commitment to quality and client satisfaction, making the whole process enjoyable”

Alex Quan - Property Developer

When you begin your search for your architect, we hope that we have shed some light to the importance of finding a multi-faceted and qualified architect that can deliver your vision. While the architectural fees may seem high, there are experience, knowledge, wisdom, time, and care attached to each dollar. Your investment in the right architect could prove to be your biggest return, and you may have heard the saying “when you pay peanuts you get monkeys”.

For your next home design or investment project call Architeria Architects on 03 9894 5805 or book online your free consultation meeting with Mel Gawi.

Kate Gawi

Creative Director & Interior Designer

Architeria Architects