We turn Concepts into Concrete solutions

Architecture is the glue that holds your development project together. Without it, your ideas and plans become shaky and unsteady, subject to costly collapses that send you back to the drawing board with a fraction of your budget intact. 

Our elite team of designers and project development experts have spent more than a decade creating a fool-proof formula for measurable success that puts the needs of our clients at the core of every choice we make, from the initial drafts to the finalised documents. 

Every Iconic Landmark Was Once A Simple Idea

how to choose an architect

every Design We Craft Is Founded On 3 Things

Creativity

We believe that your property should reflect your vision in every minor detail. Our team works with you to craft bespoke design ideas that give your project a life all its own.

Profitability

With each stage in the development process, our expert project managers help you eliminate unnecessary expenses and optimize your budget for tangible ROI and a healthy bottom line.

Transparency

We help you take actionable steps towards the development of your property, no surprise fees or hidden costs – guaranteed. Our fixed rate pricing plans help you build a game plan based on your budget and not a penny more. 

Why choose us?

01

Clients First

From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique vision and design a space that reflects their individual style and functional requirements.

02

No Hidden Costs

We believe transparency is the foundation of all relationships. Our clear pricing plans provide you with a fixed fee, no surprise fee agreement before your project starts with no other hidden costs.

03

Free Initial Consultation

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our friendly and experienced architects to gain insight into your design requirements and to determine if we’re a good fit for the project.

04

Clear Communication

Engage in straightforward and jargon-free conversations with all of our clients. Use simple and easy-to-understand language to ensure that all of our clients are fully informed and able to make informed decisions.

Our Team

About - About
Sammi Lian
Founder, Principal Architect
About - About
Sean O’Reilly
Project Architect
About - About
Liz McCann
Senior Design Drafter
About - About
Sarah Byrne
Interior Designer

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide concise answers to common questions about our architectural services. Explore this section to gain a better understanding of our approach and processes.

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Architects are professionals who design buildings and other structures. We are responsible for creating functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing buildings that meet the needs and desires of clients.

At SQM Architects, our main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting initial consultations with clients to understand their needs and preferences.
  • Conducting site analysis to understand the existing conditions and constraints.
  • Designing the overall concept and layout of the building.
  • Creating detailed plans, elevations, and sections for the building.
  • Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
  • Collaborating with engineers, contractors, and other professionals to ensure the design is executed properly.
  • Overseeing the construction process to ensure it complies with the design and local building codes.
  • Responding to any changes or issues that arise during construction.
  • Ensuring the completed building meets the client’s needs and is safe and functional.

Architects play a critical role in shaping the built environment and are responsible for ensuring that buildings are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

You may need an architect for a number of reasons, including:

  • Design expertise: Architects have the training, education, and experience to design structures that meet building codes, regulations, and aesthetic standards.
  • Problem-solving: Architects can help find creative solutions to design challenges and obstacles that arise during the building process.
  • Building codes and regulations: Architects are knowledgeable about building codes and regulations and can ensure your structure meets these standards.
  • Budget and schedule management: Architects can help you manage your project budget and timeline, ensuring that your project stays on track and within budget.
  • Project coordination: Architects can coordinate with contractors, engineers, and other professionals to ensure the design is executed according to plan.
  • Functionality and aesthetics: Architects can design structures that are not only functional and safe, but also visually appealing and in harmony with the environment.
  • Future planning: Architects can help you plan for future needs and make sure that your structure is adaptable to changing requirements.

An architect can help you achieve your vision for a structure while addressing practical and regulatory considerations, saving you time and money in the long run.

It’s best to hire an architect as soon as possible in the building process.

An architect can provide valuable expertise and insights from the initial stages of planning, helping you to make informed decisions about the property you’re considering and ensuring that your plans are feasible, meet local regulations, and align with your goals and budget.

By hiring an architect early on, you can save time and money, avoid potential setbacks, and ensure that your project stays on track. An architect can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the final construction.

Our architectural fee depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the scope of services provided, and the location. We charge a flat fee and the fee is competitive with no hidden cost. There are no projects that are too small or too big. Fees are presented to you upfront as set out in the client and architect agreement.

Changes or revisions during the project are addressed through a collaborative process with the client. We work to minimise disruptions to the schedule and budget while ensuring the final design meets your needs.

If a town planning application is required, drawings will then be prepared for submission to the relevant Council.

The following tasks may be required:

  • Confirm statutory authority requirements
  • Prepare application drawings including plans, elevations and analysis for submission
  • Provide documents to planning consultant for submission to council
  • Additional drawings or changes required by council will be charged as an additional cost.

Council does not indicate how long it takes for a decision is made but allows for at least 3 to 6 months for the whole town planning application process.

A planning application is generally composed of the following steps:

  • 1 to 2 months – Preliminary review and issue of first RFI, request for further information.
  • 2 to 4 weeks – If application or part of the application is referred to a third-party authority or council engineering department for further review.
  • 14 to 18 days – Advertising once council support is granted.
  • 1 to 2 weeks – Council to issue notice of decision following advertising.
  • 2 to 4 weeks – Drawing endorsement.

Testimonials

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The best thing about SQM Architects is they understand our vision for our project. There were no pushy salesmen, the pricing was very competitive and they worked with us on a daily basis to ensure our project was achieved on time and in budget. I also like the flexibility of the team as the team and support is constantly available during our busy periods. I would definitely recommend the SQM Architects to anyone.
Matthew T.
Property Developer & Investor
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My wife and I are a property development team and we highly recommend SQM Architects. This is a small company based in Melbourne and we use them on every project we do, ranging from residential to commercial projects. They have an amazing team and a highly professional and creative approach to property design. We have been very happy with the quality, professionalism and customer care and would recommend this company to anyone looking for an architecture firm.
Gordon L.
Property Developer & Investor
friendly and reliable
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When you are looking for an architecture firm to work with, it is not only important to look at what they can do, it is equally important to look at how they go about doing it and SQM Architects have achieved the best of both. They are a company that can take on any project from just a minor residential renovation, to a larger scale of residential subdivision project. They are professional, friendly and reliable and they have the ability to turn a project around in a very short space of time.
Chester H.
Property Developer & Builder
extremely professional
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This is an extremely professional, high quality company. I would recommend them without hesitation. They are very fast and very good communicators. I would recommend them without hesitation. They are very fast and very good communicators. They work with you and do the best they can to achieve what you need.
Ricky T.
Property Investor

Committed to Delivering High Quality Projects

SQM Architects are YOUR project development partners for the modern construction age.

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