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Premium Melbourne townhouse development by SQM Architects
The Developer's Architect

Designed For Yield. Built For Approval.

We speak developer—not architectural jargon. For 15+ years, Melbourne developers have trusted us to pursue better yields, navigate councils, and support their margins. 98% approval rate across 210+ projects.

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30-minute call · Site analysis included · No obligation

Ready to talk? (03) 9005 6588
98%
Planning Approval Rate
210+
Projects Delivered
67%
Repeat Client Rate
15+
Years in Melbourne Suburbs
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect · ARBV Registered
Key Facts

SQM Architects is a Melbourne-based architectural practice specialising in property development projects across the eastern suburbs. Since 2009, our ARBV-registered team has delivered over 210 development projects—including dual occupancies, townhouses, and apartment buildings—with a 98% planning approval rate. Our clients have achieved a 67% repeat client rate. We operate under Victorian planning regulations including Clauses 54, 55, and 56 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Free Site Analysis

What Could Your Site Become?

Instant feasibility analysis powered by Victorian Government data. No obligation. Results in 60 seconds.

Subdivision potential for any Melbourne address
Zoning & overlay check from government records
Council-specific requirements & approval timelines
Screen Your Site Free
Melbourne Development Insights

What Top Developers Know

Council Knowledge Matters

Each Melbourne council has different requirements and approval processes. Working with someone who knows your council can save significant time.

Untapped Site Potential

Many sites have more development potential than owners realise. The right zoning analysis can reveal opportunities that significantly improve your returns.

Design for Approval

Projects designed with council requirements in mind from day one face fewer delays and amendments. Strategy matters more than luck.

Curious about your specific site? Talk to an architect

What We Deliver

Developer-Focused Services

Property Development

From feasibility to permit-ready projects. Architecture designed to support your development goals across all project types.

  • Pre-Purchase Feasibility (48-72hr)
  • Dual Occupancy
  • Townhouse Developments
  • Small Apartments (3-4 Storey)
  • Mixed-Use Developments
  • Permit & Sell Projects
  • Land Subdivision
Explore Development Services →

Residential

Custom homes, architectural renovations and extensions. Thoughtful design that enhances how you live.

  • Architectural Design
  • Custom Home Design
  • House Extensions
Explore Residential Services →

Professional Services

End-to-end project support from council strategy to construction. Expert guidance at every stage of development.

  • Council Pre-Lodgement
  • Builder Tender Management
  • Value Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Contract Administration
Explore Professional Services →
SQM Architects office Doncaster East Melbourne
Our Philosophy

We Design for Outcomes, Not Just Looks

While other architects discuss form and materiality, we discuss GRV, yield-focused design, and approval strategy. Our practice was built specifically for developers who measure success in returns—not design awards.

Every design decision filters through a commercial lens. We've walked away from projects that don't stack up financially, and we'll tell you honestly if yours won't either.

Fixed-price certainty
Deep council relationships
Commercially-focused design approach
Melbourne suburbs specialists
SQM Development Success System

Our Proven 5-Stage Process

1

Site Analysis

Zoning, overlays, and profit potential assessed

2

Profit-Optimised Design

Maximum yield within planning constraints

3

Approval Strategy

Council-specific approach and lodgement

4

Value Engineering

Cost optimisation without compromising value

5

Construction Support

Documentation and builder coordination

Case Studies

Blackburn South Dual Occupancy - Contemporary Development

Blackburn South Dual Occupancy

NRZ Site | 12 Month Timeline | Whitehorse Council
Doncaster Duplex - Side-by-Side Design with City Views

Doncaster Side-by-Side Duplex

DDO8-2 Overlay | Accessible Design | Manningham Council
Ferntree Gully 3-Townhouse Development

Ferntree Gully 3-Townhouse

3 Units Approved | No VCAT | Knox Council
Rowville Rear Extension - Contemporary Pavilion

Rowville Rear Extension

No Permit Required | NRZ4 | Knox Council

Google Reviews

What Clients Say About Us

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Our Commitments

Developer-First Guarantees

We put our money where our mouth is. These aren't marketing promises—they're how we operate.

Approval Confidence

We design with approval in mind from day one. Our 98% approval rate across 210+ projects means we know what councils want and how to deliver it.

Fixed Fee Protection

No billing surprises, ever. Your quoted fee covers everything within scope. Any work outside the agreed scope is discussed and quoted separately upfront.

Timeline Commitment

We provide clear milestone dates and keep you informed at every stage. You'll always know where your project stands and what's coming next.

Honest Assessment

If your site won't work commercially, we'll tell you before you spend a dollar. We've walked away from projects—and saved developers from costly mistakes.

Local Planning Expertise

We Know Your Council

Whitehorse Boroondara Manningham Monash Knox Maroondah Darebin Banyule Glen Eira Stonnington Yarra Port Phillip
View all 31 councils

Free Strategy Call

Get Expert Clarity
On Your Development

30-minute strategy session with our Principal Architect to clarify your project's profit potential and approval pathway.

Your site's dwelling capacity
Estimated development margin
Approval pathway & timeline
Recommended next steps
Claim Your Free Strategy Call

We'll tell you honestly if we're the right fit for your project.

"
Property development success in Melbourne's eastern suburbs starts with understanding both the planning system and the developer's financial goals. We design for returns, not awards.
Sammi Lian, Principal Architect
Sammi Lian Principal Architect, ARBV Registered — on developer-focused architecture
Common Questions

Developer FAQs

Every project is different, so we provide a tailored quote based on your specific requirements. Book a free strategy call and we'll discuss your project scope and provide a clear, fixed-fee quote—no hourly billing surprises.
Typical approval timelines are 4-6 months, depending on council workload and project complexity. We manage all council communications and have strong relationships across Melbourne's suburban councils including Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, Knox, Maroondah, Darebin, Banyule, Moonee Valley, and Brimbank.
With a 98% approval rate across 210+ projects, refusals are rare. We design with approval in mind from day one, understanding exactly what councils are looking for. If issues arise, we work with you to address them and find a path forward.
Yes, we manage all council communications from pre-application meetings through to permit conditions. You won't need to deal with planners directly. Our established relationships with Melbourne's suburban councils mean we know what they're looking for.
Absolutely. Our pre-purchase feasibility studies are specifically designed for this. You'll know the site's true development potential, dwelling capacity, likely approval path, and estimated margins—before you commit.
We work across Melbourne's suburban councils including Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, Knox, Maroondah, Darebin, Banyule, Moonee Valley, and Brimbank. Our 15+ years in these areas means we understand local planning schemes and neighbourhood character requirements intimately.
Developer Resources

Latest Insights

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Ready to Discuss Your Project?

Book a free strategy call with our team. We'll discuss your site's development potential and give you an honest assessment—no obligation, no pressure.

Book Free Strategy Call

30-minute call · Site analysis included · No obligation