7 Australian Architects Taking On Projects Under $500k
Architecture
Northcote House by Lisa Breeze Architects. Note: this project was less than $500,000 at the time of construction, but would be over that budget today given rising building and material costs. Photo – Catherine Schusler
Coburg House by Lisa Breeze Architects. Note: this project was less than $500,000 at the time of construction, but would be over that budget today given rising building and material costs. Photo – Caitlin Mills
North Fitzroy House by Lisa Breeze Architects. Photo – Catherine Schusler
Lisa Breeze
Lisa Breeze’s speciality lies in creating homes for families of ‘all shapes and sizes’ — including their pets! If you look closely, many of her projects feature pet-friendly features seamlessly embedded into her considered and chic designs, alongside playful pops of colour.
With ample experience breathing new life into old buildings, the Melbourne-based architect says there’s no set minimum (or maximum) budget for her projects — rather, the most important thing is ensuring that the budget and scope align from the very outset.
Murphy’s Place by Studio Meek. Photo – Nikole Ramsay
Murphy’s Place by Studio Meek. Photo – Nikole Ramsay
Murphy’s Place by Studio Meek. Photo – Nikole Ramsay
Studio Meek
Geelong-based practice Studio Meek was founded in 2020 by architect George Meek, who seeks to reflect his clients and their unique lifestyle in the homes he designs. He has a creative, collaborative approach and knows how to stretch a limited budget in a renovation, noting that it often just means embracing your home’s existing footprint in new ways.
‘We love creating sustainable, stylish spaces that encompass a playful sense of fun, whilst being functional and practical for everyday living,’ he adds.
Thornbury House by Gab Olah. Photo – Ben Clement
Gab selected radiata plywood as the main material for its familiar and warm qualities with a strong expressive grain. Photo – Ben Clement
Photo – Ben Clement
Gab Olah
Melbourne architect Gab Olah’s only pre-requisite to a project is that the client has an open mind. ‘Small budgets often require novel solutions that may differ from initial expectations,’ he adds.
This sometimes means using industrial materials, or cost-effective finishes like plywood to bring a vision to life. In addition to taking on full-scale transformations, Gab is also open to smaller projects that can make all the difference — from a recent job designing an outdoor living room with an operable shading device (for just $50,000) to a kitchen renovation.
Toowoong House by Waring. Photo – KOSK Photography
Toowoong House by Waring. Photo – KOSK Photography
Waring
After working for a number of Brisbane’s leading architecture firms over the last 12 years, architect Hannah Waring started her own practice in 2022, catering to projects of any size throughout Queensland. Her designs are often inspired by a home’s natural surroundings, and she says the best part about her job is seeing the completed project once it’s intertwined with the landscape!
‘If you’re in a position where your current construction budget won’t be able to achieve everything on the wishlist, I would stress the value in speaking with an architect about master planning — so you can put a plan in place to add those spaces down the track if, or when, it becomes feasible for you,’ she adds.
Passive Pod by Studio Dot. Photo – Alex McIntyre. Styling – Monsoon Living.
King House by Studio Dot. Photo – Supplied
Karen’s House by Studio Dot. Photo – Brigid Arnott
Studio Dot
Studio Dot is a small architectural practice based in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Director Steele Olney is also a certified Passive House designer, and brings a sustainable approach to every project — having worked on several projects recently with budgets under $500,000.
‘Minimising demolition, preserving existing elements and scaling down construction all contribute to careful budget control,’ Steele says. ‘I prioritise quality over sheer size and advocate for well-designed, compact spaces.’
Vasse House by Joshua Duncan Architect. Photo – Leo Showell
With a budget of $260,000, Joshua’s aim was to showcase an alternative to the traditional layout of a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house, that was both well-designed and ‘financially accessible’. Photo – Leo Showell
Jindong House by Joshua Duncan Architect. Photo – Supplied
Joshua Duncan Architect
Based in Western Australia, Joshua Duncan Architect works on projects Australia-wide. Having created his own Perth home from scratch for just $260,000 a few years ago, he’s well-versed with budgets between $400,000 – $600,000.
‘I am interested in extraordinary buildings that are delivered with ordinary means,’ Josh says. ‘Aesthetically, this often leads to simple forms, direct details, and the use of economical materials, with key consideration to cost-effective opportunities for intrigue and delight.’
An art deco home renovated by Robinson Architecture. Photo – Nick Doolan
A Northcote house by Robinson Architecture. Photo – Nick Doolan
Photo – Nick Doolan
Robinson Architecture
Being a sole practitioner, Kathy Robinson of Robinson Architecture brings a personal touch to all of her designs. This allows her to work closely with each of her clients, carefully tailoring architectural solutions to match their respective briefs and budgets.
Working on homes within Melbourne, the Surf Coast and regionally, Kathy says sometimes it’s the smaller projects that can be the most satisfying: ‘It is so rewarding to see a little bit of good design go a long way and completely change someone’s home’.