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

Turn Your Melbourne Block Into Profitable Homes

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

Ready to talk? (03) 9005 6588
98%
Planning Approval Rate
210+
Projects Delivered
$120M
Combined GDV
15+
Years in Melbourne Suburbs
Free Strategy Call

Not Sure If Your Site Stacks Up?

Book a free strategy call with our team. We'll discuss your site's zoning, maximum dwelling capacity, overlay identification, estimated development margin, and recommended next steps.

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What We Deliver

Developer-Focused Services

Property Development

From feasibility to permit-ready projects. Architecture engineered for maximum development returns 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
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Residential

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

  • Architectural Design
  • Custom Home Design
  • House Extensions
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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
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SQM Architects office Doncaster East Melbourne
Our Philosophy

We Design for Profit, Not Just Looks

While other architects discuss form and materiality, we discuss GRV, yield optimisation, 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
ROI-first 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
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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.

Deep Expertise Across Melbourne's Suburban Councils

Whitehorse Boroondara Manningham Monash Knox Maroondah Darebin Banyule Moonee Valley Brimbank
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.
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