Based in southeast Melbourne, Elements of Home is a boutique residential design practice with 20 years of experience in providing architecture and building design-related services.
Whether you’re enlarging a single room, renovating your entire property or building a new house, Rob, a
specialist architect in home renovations and new builds, has the expertise and connections to bring your dream home to life.
 
MEET ROB HARRIS

In 2005, Rob Harris started Elements of Home to
bring practical, affordable, and stylish designs to Melburnians renovating or extending their home.
Rob studied architecture in Scotland and Holland.
His extensive travel experiences, as well as his 20+ years in Australia, have honed his skills as a
specialist in residential renovations, new homes
and sub-divisions in and around Melbourne’s
southeastern suburbs.
Over the years, Rob and his curated team of
consultants have designed hundreds of homes.
He takes pride in his professionalism, responsiveness, and personable approach.
If you’re looking for a responsible and experienced architect, look no further than Rob and his team at Elements of Home.
OUR SERVICES
HOME EXTENSIONS
Need more room for your growing family? From enlarging your bathroom or kitchen to extending your living room into the backyard, we help you redefine your spaces to work for you.
SUBDIVISION
We 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, we have the skills to 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 Rob’s role as an architect. With meticulous instructions and blueprints, we provide all the details needed to bring your home to life.
OUR PROJECT PROCESS
From concept to completion, this is how our residential architect Rob will work with you to bring the Melbourne home you’ve always wanted to life.

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Call us or schedule an appointment with us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll ask you some basic questions on budget, vision, goal and more to prepare a comprehensive fixed fee proposal.

CONCEPT DESIGN
Rob will visit your property to take measurements, then provide design options (often multiple) based on your brief and budget. Our turnaround time is just two weeks.

DESIGN REFINEMENT & ESTIMATION
Once you’re happy with the initial design, we’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, we’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

From new homes to residential renovations, we’ve built a reputation as one of the foremost architectural design practices in Melbourne’s southeast for 20+ years.

Don’t worry about getting caught by hidden fees. Our proposal will include all expenses involved in the design and planning stage.

We guarantee a concept design turnaround within two weeks, allowing you more time to make a decision and get work started quickly.
 

Residential renovation project protected by a heritage overlay? We create designs that work within and often push the boundaries of planning requirements.

We have longstanding relationships with external consultants to ensure a seamless transition throughout the permit process.
 
 
 

Not sure where to start? We 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. Our residential architect 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, licensed 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 we’re here for! Our residential architect Rob will 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. We ensure our 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, our experienced architect is 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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Location:
Caulfield South, Melbourne VIC 3162