Your house should evolve with your family. You might need more rooms, more space or feel the
need to redesign after the kids move out. Planning a house transformation isn’t easy — which is where an experienced residential architect can really help.
Founded by Rob Harris, Elements of Home is a Melbourne-based boutique residential design
practice with 20 years of experience in architecture and building design. Rob specialises in home
renovations and new builds, and knows what it takes to bring your dream home to life.
 
MEET ROB HARRIS
Hi, I’m Rob.
For over 20 years I have been delivering practical, affordable and stylish homes in Melbourne’s south side. I know exactly how stressful and complicated the process can be.
Do you need an additional bedroom, bathroom or ensuite?
Would you like to extend the house out or up?
Perhaps you need space away from the teenagers (or vice versa)?
As one of Melbourne’s most experienced residential design architects, I can help you with the above and more.
My experience with councils, along with my network of building professionals and my relationships with local builders, ensures a seamless, hassle-free process. You can relax while I guide you through the process from start to finish.
Interested? Let’s talk. Don’t worry — no fee or obligation.
OUR SERVICES
When choosing a residential architect in Melbourne, you need someone that’s creative,
professional, and willing to listen to your needs.
I’ll personally work closely with you and listen to your vision, then design and plan your
home so that it meets your goals while staying within budget. This includes producing
design concept plans through to final construction documents. I will help you choose the
right materials, and liaise with contractors and council on your behalf.
Bottom line — renovating your house should be exciting, not intimidating. I’m here to
simplify the process, help you enjoy it as much as possible and take the stress away.
HOME EXTENSION
Need more room for your growing family? From enlarging your bathroom or kitchen to extending your living room into the backyard, I help you redefine your spaces to work for you.
SUBDIVISION
I can help you prepare a feasibility study, apply for a subdivision permit, and everything else involved in completing a residential subdivision project.
RENOVATION
Whether you’re redesigning your rooms for long-term living and a growing family or just want a fresh update to your living spaces, I can breathe new life into your house and turn it into a home.
DRAFTING
Turning design concepts into an actionable plan is a vital part of my role as an architect. With meticulous instructions and blueprints, I provide all the details needed to bring your home to life.
OUR PROJECT PROCESS
From concept to completion, this is how I will work with you to bring the Melbourne home you’ve always wanted to life.
COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Call me or schedule an appointment with me for a free, no-obligation consultation. I’ll ask you some basic questions on budget, vision, goal and more to prepare a comprehensive fixed fee proposal.
CONCEPT DESIGN
I’ll visit your property to take measurements, then provide design options (often multiple) based on your brief and budget. My turnaround time is just two weeks.
DESIGN REFINEMENT & ESTIMATION
Once you’re happy with the initial design, I’ll refine it and send the completed design to builders for concept cost estimation prior to proceeding to permit stage. This ensures your construction budget will meet the final construction cost, and can save you thousands of dollars.
DOCUMENTATION AND APPLICATIONS
After you approve the cost estimates, I’ll prepare and lodge permits for you, as well as liaise with other consultants required.
OUR LATEST PROJECTS
01. CAULFIELD SOUTH
01. SCOPE
To renovate and extend a 1920s California bungalow in a heritage overlay zone.
02. CHALLENGES
Needed to maintain the façade.
03. DESIGN SOLUTION
Modernised the interior while preserving key original features. Setback the 1st floor behind the ridge line.
02. ORMOND
SCOPE
To restore a 1940s weatherboard home in a heritage area and add new rooms and spaces.
CHALLENGES
Home was in poor structural condition, but façade had to stay intact.
DESIGN SOLUTION
Retained the original façade and modernised the rest of the house.
WHY CHOOSE US
OVER
20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
From new homes to residential renovations, Elements of Home has built a reputation as one of the foremost architectural design practices in Melbourne’s southeast for 20+ years.
 
TRANSPARENT &
COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL
 
Don’t worry about getting caught by hidden fees. My proposal will include all expenses involved in the design and planning stage.
 
 
 
 
PROMPT
CONCEPTUALISATION
 
I guarantee a concept design turnaround within two weeks, allowing you more time to make a decision and get work started quickly.
 
INFORMED
DECISION-MAKING
 
Residential renovation project protected by a heritage overlay? I create designs that work within and often push the boundaries of planning requirements.
 
 
 
SEAMLESS
PERMIT PROCESS
 
I have longstanding relationships with external consultants to ensure a seamless transition throughout the permit process.
 
 
 
 
EXCELLENT
CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
Not sure where to start? I offer a free, no-obligation review of your project to understand your vision and needs for your dream home.
 
FAQ
 
How long does it take to design and build a renovation project?
This varies widely depending on the scope of your project. A renovation of one room may take several weeks to months, while larger projects such as extensions or multiple renovations can take close to a year. Book a consultation with me and I can advise further on your project timeline during the planning process.
What does a residential architect do in renovation and extension projects?
Typically, the architect will look after the design, planning and construction documentation stage of your project as well as liaise with other consultants. They will also prepare council permit applications, liaise with council officers to discuss your project and get the best outcome. If required, they will prepare reports and replies for potential objectors.
They will work very closely with you to understand your vision and budget, then produce initial design concepts, floor plans and layouts, along with helping you choose suitable materials and ensuring that the planned renovations are structurally sound.
What are the benefits of working with a residential architect in Melbourne?
An experienced residential architect can reduce a lot of hassle and stress for you in your home renovation or extension project by guiding you through the entire process and ensuring that your renovation is structurally sound, code-compliant, and aesthetically cohesive.
They can also help you stay on budget without sacrificing quality, provide the necessary drawings to obtain required permits, and liaise with third-party contractors to save you the trouble of dealing with multiple parties.
How do I choose a residential architect in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, architects must be registered with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), so you can check there to make sure that your architect is an accredited professional. You can also request the architect’s portfolio or review their social media pages to see if their design style matches the aesthetic you’re looking for, along with customer reviews and recommendations.
I’m not quite sure what I want for my home renovation project. Can you help?
Certainly, that’s what I’m here for! I’ll discuss your needs, preferences and budget with you, suggest concepts and materials that will work for what you want, and help you visualise the final product with sketches and renderings so you can make informed decisions.
Can I still be involved in the design process if I have a residential architect?
Of course! The architect is responsible for making your vision come to life, so your input is very important to make sure that the final outcome aligns with what you have in mind. I ensure my clients are always fully updated on the plans, concepts and progress, and prioritise their wants and needs when creating designs for their approval.
How soon should I expect to see a concept design?
After taking the measurements of and surveying your property, I’m capable of turning around a concept design within two weeks to facilitate a faster, more informed decision-making process.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
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