Melbourne’s architecture sector is one of the most active in Australia, shaped by a city that places genuine value on built form, urban character, and considered design. Whether you’re planning a custom home, a commercial fitout, or a heritage restoration, finding the right architect can determine the difference between a project that performs well and one that genuinely transforms how people live and work in a space.
The firms listed here were selected based on client ratings, project diversity, and demonstrated experience across Melbourne’s residential and commercial sectors. Ratings reflect verified client feedback and are noted against each firm where available. The list covers practices of different sizes and specialisations, from boutique studios to globally recognised offices, so there’s a realistic range for different project types and budgets.
Melbourne’s built environment continues to evolve across inner suburbs, growth corridors, and heritage precincts alike. The architects below have established consistent track records working in these varied contexts, making them worth considering for projects in 2026 and beyond.
1. Ammache Architects Melbourne
Melbourne architecture firm covering residential and commercial design
Ammache Architects Melbourne holds a 4.9/5 client rating, placing it among the highest-rated practices on this list. The firm operates across both residential and commercial sectors, with a reputation for attentive client communication and practical design outcomes.
Clients consistently cite clarity in the design process and responsiveness throughout the project lifecycle. For homeowners and small business owners who want an architect who stays engaged from brief to completion, Ammache Architects is a strong contender.
The practice’s Melbourne focus means familiarity with local planning requirements, council processes, and site conditions that affect project delivery timelines and outcomes.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating reflects consistent satisfaction
- Covers both residential and commercial work
- Strong communication noted by clients across project stages
- Local Melbourne knowledge aids planning and approvals
Cons
- Limited public portfolio detail online compared to larger firms
- May suit smaller to mid-scale projects more than large developments
Best for: Homeowners and small business clients seeking an attentive, highly rated Melbourne architect for residential or commercial projects.
Website: ammachearchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Wexhaus – Heritage Architects Melbourne
Specialist heritage architectural practice with strong client satisfaction
Wexhaus is a Melbourne practice focused on heritage architecture, bringing specific expertise to projects involving listed buildings, period properties, and works requiring Heritage Victoria or local council heritage approval. Their 4.7/5 rating reflects solid client confidence in their specialist knowledge.
Heritage projects carry a distinct set of regulatory and design challenges that generalist architects may not be equipped to handle efficiently. Wexhaus focuses specifically on this area, which means clients benefit from accumulated experience with heritage overlays, permit applications, and sensitive material matching.
The studio suits property owners dealing with Victorian, Edwardian, or interwar-era homes and buildings in Melbourne’s established suburbs, where heritage controls frequently apply to renovation and extension projects.
Pros
- Specialist heritage architecture focus sets it apart from generalist firms
- 4.7/5 client rating across verified reviews
- Experience with Heritage Victoria processes and local heritage overlays
- Suited to period property renovations and extensions
Cons
- Narrow specialisation means less suited to new-build commercial projects
- Smaller practice footprint than some competitors on this list
Best for: Owners of heritage-listed or period properties in Melbourne seeking architects with specific heritage design and approval expertise.
Website: wexhaus.studio
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. Architeria Architects Melbourne
Melbourne architectural practice with residential and commercial design experience
Architeria holds a 4.8/5 client rating and covers a broad scope of architectural work across residential and commercial sectors. The practice operates with a clear focus on delivering functional, well-resolved design solutions for Melbourne clients.
Clients report a straightforward working relationship with the team, with particular appreciation for the firm’s ability to manage the design process efficiently. For clients who want a practice that combines solid design quality with practical project management, Architeria is worth considering.
The firm’s Melbourne base gives it grounding in local planning schemes and building regulations, which is relevant for clients dealing with permit-sensitive sites or complex zoning requirements.
Pros
- 4.8/5 client rating reflects high satisfaction
- Experience across both residential and commercial design
- Practical approach to project management noted by clients
- Familiar with Melbourne planning and zoning contexts
Cons
- Online portfolio could offer more project depth for prospective clients
- Less public profile than some larger Melbourne studios
Best for: Residential and commercial clients in Melbourne looking for a highly rated architect with a practical, process-focused approach.
Website: architeria.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Grimshaw Architects
Global architecture practice with a Melbourne studio covering commercial, cultural, and residential work
Grimshaw is an internationally recognised architecture practice with a Melbourne studio contributing to projects across commercial, cultural, and infrastructure sectors. The firm holds a 4.5/5 rating and brings the resources and technical depth of a global practice to its local work.
Grimshaw has completed major transport, education, and civic projects worldwide, and its Melbourne office draws on this depth. For clients pursuing large-scale or complex developments, the firm’s cross-disciplinary capability and international project experience can be a significant advantage.
As a larger practice, Grimshaw suits institutional, government, and corporate clients more than individual homeowners. Project scale and budget expectations will typically be higher than boutique studios, which is worth factoring into any early-stage enquiry.
Pros
- Global practice with demonstrated large-scale project delivery
- Strong technical and cross-disciplinary capability
- Suitable for complex commercial, cultural, and infrastructure work
- Melbourne studio with international backing
Cons
- 4.5/5 rating is lower than some boutique Melbourne competitors
- Less suited to residential or small commercial commissions
- Larger firm structure may mean less direct principal involvement on smaller projects
Best for: Corporate, institutional, and government clients seeking a globally experienced architecture practice for large-scale Melbourne projects.
Website: grimshaw.global
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. Chan Architecture Pty Ltd
Melbourne-based architectural practice with a strong client satisfaction record
Chan Architecture holds a 4.9/5 client rating, placing it among the top-rated firms on this list. The Melbourne-based practice covers architectural design with a reputation for thorough client engagement and design quality that holds up through the construction phase.
Clients note that the team is diligent in working through design details and practical constraints, which helps reduce the gap between design intent and built outcome. This is a consistent concern for clients who have experienced projects where drawings and completed builds diverge.
The firm suits clients who want a high level of attention to their project without the scale overhead of a larger studio. Chan Architecture’s ratings suggest a practice that takes individual commissions seriously.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating among the highest in this category
- Attentive to design detail through to construction
- Strong client communication noted consistently
- Melbourne-focused, with local planning knowledge
Cons
- Smaller practice may have limited capacity during busy periods
- Public project portfolio could be more extensive
Best for: Clients seeking a highly attentive Melbourne architect for residential or small to mid-scale commercial design.
Website: chanarchitecture.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. Breathe Architecture
Melbourne architects offering residential and commercial design with a 5.0-star client rating
Breathe Architecture holds a 5.0/5 client rating and is one of Melbourne’s better-known mid-sized architecture practices. The firm works across residential, commercial, and multi-residential projects, with a widely acknowledged focus on environmental performance and considered material selection.
The practice has received significant public attention for projects that prioritise low-energy design and thoughtful urban density solutions. Their Nightingale Housing project brought affordable, environmentally considered apartment design into broader conversation in Melbourne and beyond.
For clients whose priorities include environmental performance alongside design quality, Breathe offers a track record that is publicly verifiable through completed and documented projects. The 5.0 rating reflects sustained client satisfaction across a diverse project portfolio.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating across reviews
- Recognised track record in environmentally considered design
- Experience across residential, multi-residential, and commercial sectors
- Publicly documented projects allow prospective clients to review past work
Cons
- High demand means wait times may apply for new commissions
- Design approach and philosophy may not suit clients seeking more conventional architecture
Best for: Clients pursuing residential or commercial projects with a strong emphasis on environmental performance and thoughtful design.
Website: breathe.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. DW Architects
Melbourne architecture firm with consistent 5-star client feedback
DW Architects holds a 5.0/5 client rating and operates as a Melbourne-based practice with consistent feedback around design delivery and project communication. The firm’s perfect rating across client reviews indicates a high level of care in client relationships and project outcomes.
The practice works across architecture and interior design, which can be advantageous for clients who want a single point of coordination across both disciplines. Managing fewer separate consultants often improves consistency between architecture and interior resolution.
DW Architects suits clients who want a cohesive, well-managed design process without the overheads of a larger firm. Their ratings suggest a practice that treats each project with genuine attention.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Covers architecture and interior design under one practice
- Strong client communication through project stages
- Melbourne-based with local permit and planning experience
Cons
- Less publicly visible project portfolio than some competing firms
- Practice scale may limit availability for large concurrent projects
Best for: Clients wanting combined architecture and interior design services from a highly rated Melbourne practice.
Website: dwarc.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. NHArchitecture
Melbourne architect with a 4.9-star client track record across residential and commercial work
NHArchitecture holds a 4.9/5 client rating and covers residential and commercial design across Melbourne. The firm is known for a considered design process and for working closely with clients through both design development and construction documentation stages.
Client feedback highlights a practice that engages substantively with project briefs rather than applying standard solutions. For clients with specific or complex requirements, this kind of design engagement can make a meaningful difference to the final built outcome.
NHArchitecture suits clients who want genuine design input rather than a production-line approach to architecture. Their ratings and client notes point to a studio that takes the brief seriously at every stage.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating reflecting consistent satisfaction
- Engages closely with individual project briefs
- Covers residential and commercial sectors
- Strong documentation and construction stage support noted by clients
Cons
- Smaller studio footprint limits capacity for multiple large projects simultaneously
- Website could provide more depth on completed work
Best for: Residential and commercial clients in Melbourne seeking a highly rated architect with strong project engagement across all design stages.
Website: nharchitecture.net
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. Lax Architects
Melbourne-based architectural practice with a 5.0-star client satisfaction record
Lax Architects holds a 5.0/5 client rating and operates from Melbourne with a focus on residential and smaller-scale commercial architecture. The practice’s perfect rating across client reviews suggests a studio that prioritises the client experience as well as the design outcome.
The firm’s website, hosted under Lax Studios, reflects a design-led practice that works across architecture and spatial design. Clients appreciate the creative rigour the team brings to projects, alongside clear and practical communication throughout each stage.
Lax Architects suits clients who want a thoughtful, design-focused practice with an accessible working style and a proven track record of satisfied clients.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Design-led practice with creative and spatial design focus
- Strong client communication through each project stage
- Melbourne-based with established local experience
Cons
- Boutique studio scale may affect availability for very large projects
- Project portfolio visibility online could be stronger
Best for: Clients looking for a design-focused Melbourne architecture practice with a consistent 5-star client reputation for residential and smaller commercial work.
Website: laxstudios.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Tectura Architects PTY Ltd.
Melbourne architecture practice delivering residential and commercial design
Tectura Architects holds a 4.5/5 client rating and offers architectural services across both residential and commercial sectors in Melbourne. The firm provides design, documentation, and project management services as part of a full architectural service offering.
Clients report a professional working relationship with the team, with clear processes across design stages. Tectura suits clients who want a practice capable of managing projects from initial concept through to construction administration.
The 4.5 rating sits at the lower end of this list, though it still reflects a majority of satisfied clients. Prospective clients would benefit from reviewing specific project examples that match their own brief before committing.
Pros
- Full-service architectural offering from concept to construction
- Covers residential and commercial project types
- Professional project management process
- Melbourne-based with local planning familiarity
Cons
- 4.5/5 rating is lower than several competitors on this list
- Limited publicly available project portfolio detail
Best for: Clients seeking a full-service Melbourne architect for residential or commercial projects with consistent project management across all stages.
Website: tectura.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. Hayball
Melbourne architecture firm with experience across residential and commercial sectors
Hayball is an established Melbourne architecture practice with a 4.5/5 client rating and a long history of delivering projects across education, residential, and commercial sectors. The firm has completed a wide range of built work across Melbourne and other Australian cities.
The practice is particularly recognised for its work in education and community architecture, with a body of completed projects across schools, universities, and mixed-use developments. For institutional and education sector clients, Hayball’s experience in these typologies is directly relevant.
As a mid-to-large practice, Hayball offers more delivery capacity than boutique studios, making it suitable for larger or multi-stage projects where team depth and project management systems matter.
Pros
- Established practice with broad sector experience
- Strong track record in education and community architecture
- Sufficient team depth for larger or complex projects
- Melbourne-based with wider Australian project reach
Cons
- 4.5/5 rating is at the lower end of this list
- Larger firm structure may suit institutional clients more than individual homeowners
Best for: Education, institutional, and commercial clients in Melbourne seeking an established practice with proven delivery across complex project types.
Website: hayball.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. DE.ARCH Architecture and Interior Design
Melbourne architecture and interior design firm with a 5-star client rating
DE.ARCH is a Melbourne practice offering integrated architecture and interior design services with a 5.0/5 client rating. The firm’s combined offering allows clients to work with a single team across both the architectural shell and the interior environment, which can produce more coherent design outcomes.
Clients note a high level of care in the design process and strong communication from the team. The integrated service model suits clients who want consistency across all design decisions rather than managing separate architecture and interior design consultants.
The firm’s perfect rating across client reviews reflects sustained satisfaction with both design quality and professional service delivery.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Integrated architecture and interior design service
- Single team coordination reduces consultant management burden
- Strong client feedback on communication and design quality
Cons
- Studio scale may not suit very large or complex developments
- Publicly visible project portfolio is more limited than some competitors
Best for: Clients seeking a combined architecture and interior design service from a highly rated Melbourne firm, particularly for residential and boutique commercial projects.
Website: dearch.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Here Studio
Melbourne architecture practice covering residential, commercial, and cultural projects
Here Studio holds a 4.4/5 client rating and offers architectural design across residential, commercial, and cultural project types. The practice operates with a clear interest in how architecture relates to its broader context, which informs its approach to site, material, and spatial decisions.
The firm’s work across cultural and community projects gives it experience with more complex briefs and stakeholder environments. For clients pursuing projects that sit at the intersection of architecture and public experience, this background is worth noting.
The 4.4 rating is the second-lowest on this list, which prospective clients should weigh alongside the breadth of project types the studio covers. Reviewing specific project references relevant to your commission type will give a clearer picture of fit.
Pros
- Experience across residential, commercial, and cultural typologies
- Context-aware design approach noted in completed projects
- Melbourne studio with awareness of local planning and cultural contexts
Cons
- 4.4/5 rating is among the lower scores on this list
- Prospective clients should request references matching their project type
Best for: Clients pursuing residential, commercial, or cultural projects in Melbourne who value contextual design and cross-sector experience.
Website: herestudio.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. Gray Puksand
Melbourne architects with a 4.4-star rating across residential and commercial projects
Gray Puksand is a Melbourne architecture and workplace design practice with a 4.4/5 client rating. The firm is particularly recognised for its commercial interiors and workplace projects, with a strong body of work in the corporate and professional services sectors.
For businesses planning office fitouts, corporate headquarters, or workplace strategy-led design projects, Gray Puksand brings specific expertise that many residential-focused practices do not offer. Their track record in commercial environments is publicly verifiable through documented case studies.
The 4.4 rating places the firm at the lower end of this list, and as a larger practice the experience can vary depending on the team assigned to a project. Clients should clarify which principals and team members will lead their commission during initial discussions.
Pros
- Recognised specialist in workplace and commercial interior design
- Established Melbourne practice with broad sector coverage
- Documented case studies allow portfolio review before engagement
- Capability for multi-site or large commercial commissions
Cons
- 4.4/5 rating is among the lower scores on this list
- Larger firm structure may mean variable team allocation across projects
- Less suited to individual residential commissions
Best for: Corporate and professional services clients in Melbourne seeking an architecture and workplace design practice with strong commercial sector experience.
Website: graypuksand.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. Elenberg Fraser
Melbourne architectural practice delivering residential and commercial design
Elenberg Fraser is a Melbourne practice with a 4.1/5 client rating and a public profile built largely on high-rise residential and mixed-use developments. The firm has completed a number of prominent apartment towers across Melbourne’s inner city, giving it experience with large-scale residential density projects.
For developers and clients pursuing multi-residential or mixed-use developments at scale, Elenberg Fraser’s body of completed work in this space is directly relevant. The firm brings experience with the planning, regulatory, and design complexity that comes with larger development typologies.
The 4.1 rating is the lowest on this list, which is worth factoring into any engagement decision. As with any larger practice, prospective clients should request references from projects of similar type and scale to their own commission.
Pros
- Established track record in high-rise residential and mixed-use design
- Experience with large-scale Melbourne development projects
- Familiarity with complex planning and approval processes for major developments
Cons
- 4.1/5 rating is the lowest on this list
- Less suited to small residential or boutique commercial commissions
- Client experience can vary across a larger practice team
Best for: Property developers and clients pursuing large-scale residential or mixed-use developments in Melbourne who need a practice experienced with high-density typologies.
Website: elenbergfraser.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best architects in Melbourne?
Based on client ratings, Breathe Architecture, DW Architects, Lax Architects, and DE.ARCH Architecture and Interior Design each hold a 5.0/5 rating, making them the highest-rated firms on this list. Ammache Architects Melbourne and Chan Architecture Pty Ltd follow closely with 4.9/5 ratings. The right choice depends on your project type, budget, and the working relationship you’re looking for. A globally recognised practice like Grimshaw suits large institutional projects, while boutique studios such as Wexhaus are the better fit for heritage-specific work.
How much does a architect cost in Melbourne?
Architectural fees in Melbourne typically range from 8% to 15% of the total construction cost for a full service, though this varies significantly by project type, size, and the scope of services engaged. Some practices charge hourly rates for smaller or early-stage work, which can range from $150 to $350 per hour depending on the firm and the seniority of the architect involved. Fixed-fee arrangements are common for clearly scoped projects. Heritage-specific work and projects in planning-sensitive zones may carry additional costs related to permit applications and specialist reports. Getting itemised fee proposals from two or three firms before committing is a reasonable approach.
How do I choose a architect in Melbourne?
Start by identifying your project type and the kind of architectural experience most relevant to it. A firm specialising in heritage work like Wexhaus is a better fit for a Victorian terrace renovation than a high-rise-focused practice. Review each firm’s completed projects and ask for references from clients whose commissions were similar in scale and type to yours. Consider how the firm communicates during initial enquiries, as this often reflects how they’ll engage during the project itself. Fee structure, availability, and which team members will actually work on your project are practical questions worth raising early.
What should I look for in a architect?
Relevant project experience in your sector or typology is the most important factor. Beyond that, look for a practice that listens carefully to the brief, communicates clearly throughout the process, and has a track record of projects delivered on time and within budget. Client ratings and reviews can provide useful signals, but asking for direct references is more reliable. Registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) is a legal requirement for practising architects in Victoria, so confirming this is a basic due diligence step. The quality of a firm’s construction documentation also matters, as poorly prepared drawings are a common cause of cost blowouts on site.
Are there good architects for small businesses in Melbourne?
Yes. Several practices on this list suit small business clients well. Ammache Architects Melbourne, Chan Architecture Pty Ltd, NHArchitecture, and DE.ARCH Architecture and Interior Design are all highly rated boutique-to-mid-sized practices that take on commercial work at a scale appropriate for small business fitouts, retail spaces, and office projects. Gray Puksand is worth considering if workplace design is a central part of the brief. When approaching any firm as a small business client, be clear about your budget range early in the conversation so the practice can advise honestly on what’s achievable.
Finding the right architect in Melbourne comes down to matching the practice’s strengths to your specific project. Whether you’re renovating a heritage home in Carlton, planning a commercial fitout in the CBD, or developing a multi-residential building in an inner suburb, the firms on this list cover a wide enough range of specialisations and scales to offer a realistic starting point. Request portfolios, ask for references, and compare fee proposals before making a final decision. The best outcome comes from a working relationship built on clear communication from the outset.