Melbourne’s architecture sector is one of the most active in Australia, shaped by a mix of inner-city residential conversions, large-scale commercial developments, heritage precincts, and new suburban growth. Finding the right architect matters: a good one brings regulatory knowledge, project management discipline, and design thinking that adds measurable value to a build. A poor match can mean cost blowouts, planning rejections, or a finished product that doesn’t meet the brief.
The firms listed here were assessed based on verified client ratings, the breadth of project types handled, and publicly available information about their work in Melbourne. Ratings are drawn from Google reviews and similar platforms, and review volumes have been factored in alongside scores. This list covers a range of firm sizes and specialisations, from boutique residential studios to large practices working across institutional and commercial sectors.
Whether you’re planning a home renovation, a new build, or a commercial fit-out, the fifteen firms below represent a strong starting point for Melbourne clients in 2026.
1. Ammache Architects Melbourne
Residential and commercial architecture with high client satisfaction ratings
Ammache Architects is a Melbourne-based firm handling both residential and commercial architecture. With a 4.9/5 rating, the practice has built a reputation for attentive client communication and delivering projects that reflect the brief closely.
The firm works across a range of project scales, making them accessible to homeowners and business clients alike. Their process appears to emphasise clarity at each stage, which clients have noted as a key strength in reviews.
For Melbourne clients looking for a firm that balances design quality with practical delivery, Ammache Architects is worth a close look.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Covers both residential and commercial work
- Strong client communication noted in reviews
Cons
- Limited publicly available portfolio detail online
- Firm size and team depth not clearly documented
Best for: Homeowners and small business owners seeking a responsive, design-focused Melbourne architect
Website: ammachearchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Wexhaus – Heritage Architects Melbourne
Conservation and period-appropriate design for Melbourne’s heritage properties
Wexhaus is a specialist heritage architecture practice in Melbourne, focused on conservation projects and design work that respects the period character of existing buildings. With a 4.7/5 rating, the studio has earned trust from clients working on protected and historically significant properties.
Heritage architecture requires a specific skill set that goes beyond standard residential design. Wexhaus works within the constraints of heritage overlays and planning controls, helping clients achieve outcomes that satisfy both regulatory requirements and their own design goals.
For owners of period homes, character properties, or buildings subject to heritage overlays, Wexhaus fills a niche that most generalist architects do not.
Pros
- Specialist heritage and conservation focus
- 4.7/5 client rating
- Experienced with heritage overlays and planning controls
Cons
- Scope limited to heritage and conservation work
- May not suit clients with contemporary new-build briefs
Best for: Owners of heritage-listed or period properties requiring specialist conservation expertise
Website: wexhaus.studio
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. Architeria Architects Melbourne
Design-focused Melbourne architects with a consistent client track record
Architeria holds a 4.8/5 rating and has accumulated a solid body of client reviews that point to consistent delivery across residential and commercial projects. The practice operates in Melbourne with a focus on producing architecture that is functional and well-considered.
Clients have highlighted the firm’s ability to manage projects with clear communication from inception through to completion. That consistency across the project lifecycle is an area where many smaller firms struggle, making it a notable strength for Architeria.
The firm suits clients who want a design-led outcome without sacrificing practicality or budget management.
Pros
- 4.8/5 client rating
- Consistent project delivery noted by reviewers
- Covers both residential and commercial briefs
Cons
- Website provides limited detail on specific completed projects
- Scale of firm and team structure not prominently disclosed
Best for: Clients seeking reliable design delivery across residential and commercial projects in Melbourne
Website: architeria.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Grimshaw Architects
Large-scale architecture across commercial, institutional, and cultural sectors
Grimshaw is an internationally recognised architecture firm with a Melbourne presence, delivering work across commercial, institutional, and cultural project types. With a 4.5/5 rating, the practice is known for technically accomplished design on projects of significant scale and complexity.
The firm has a well-documented international portfolio that includes transport infrastructure, educational facilities, and civic buildings. In Melbourne, Grimshaw operates as part of that wider global practice, bringing considerable resources and specialist knowledge to large commissions.
Grimshaw is best suited to clients with major institutional or commercial briefs. Smaller residential clients or businesses with modest budgets are unlikely to be a fit for this practice.
Pros
- Internationally recognised practice with Melbourne operations
- Strong technical capability across large-scale project types
- 4.5/5 client rating
Cons
- Not suited to small residential or boutique commercial work
- Large firm structure may mean less direct principal access for clients
Best for: Government bodies, institutions, and corporate clients commissioning large-scale architecture
Website: grimshaw.global
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. Breathe Architecture
Melbourne architects delivering residential and commercial work with a perfect client rating
Breathe Architecture holds a 5.0/5 rating and has built a strong reputation in Melbourne across both residential and commercial design. The practice is known for work that considers environmental performance alongside design quality, producing buildings that are liveable and well-constructed.
The firm’s residential projects have received attention for their thoughtful approach to space, light, and materiality. Breathe has also completed notable commercial and multi-residential projects that reflect a consistent design philosophy across project types.
The perfect client rating is a meaningful indicator given the range of work the firm takes on. Clients appear to value both the quality of the finished product and the experience of working with the team through design and construction.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Strong track record in residential and commercial design
- Well-documented portfolio of completed projects
Cons
- Likely high demand given reputation, which may affect project availability
- May not suit clients with very tight budgets
Best for: Residential and commercial clients seeking design quality combined with environmental consideration
Website: breathe.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. Lax Architects
Design-led Melbourne architecture studio with a perfect rating from client reviews
Lax Architects carries a 5.0/5 rating from 16 reviews, a strong result for a studio of its scale. The practice delivers design-led architecture across its project base, with a focus on considered outcomes rather than volume.
The review count of 16 is worth noting: it reflects a smaller client base than some practices on this list, which may indicate the firm works on select projects rather than pursuing high throughput. For clients who want focused attention from their architect, that can be an advantage.
The studio’s positioning and client feedback suggest a practice that takes on work carefully and delivers consistently within that scope.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating across 16 reviews
- Design-led approach with selective project intake
- Consistent client satisfaction across engagements
Cons
- Smaller review volume means less data to assess at scale
- May have limited availability given selective project approach
Best for: Clients who value close attention and design focus over high-volume throughput
Website: laxstudios.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. DW Architects
Melbourne architecture firm with a 5.0-star rating across 66 client reviews
DW Architects has achieved a 5.0/5 rating across 66 reviews, which is one of the most statistically significant perfect scores in this list. A high volume of reviews at a perfect rating is a reliable indicator of consistent performance across a broad client base.
The firm operates across Melbourne delivering architectural services that have clearly resonated with a wide range of clients. The review volume suggests the practice handles a meaningful number of projects each year rather than operating as a highly boutique studio.
For clients who want confidence backed by data, DW Architects offers one of the strongest signals of reliable delivery in this category.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating from 66 client reviews
- High review volume strengthens confidence in the rating
- Active Melbourne practice with broad client exposure
Cons
- Website provides limited detail on project type specialisations
- Practice scale and team structure not clearly published
Best for: Clients who want data-backed confidence in consistent delivery from a Melbourne architect
Website: dwarc.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. Chan Architecture Pty Ltd
Design-focused Melbourne architects covering residential and commercial projects
Chan Architecture holds a 4.9/5 rating and operates across residential and commercial project types in Melbourne. The practice takes a design-focused approach and has developed a client base that reflects consistent satisfaction with both process and outcome.
The firm’s work spans a range of project scales and typologies. Clients who have reviewed the practice highlight the quality of design thinking and the clarity of the process, which are strong indicators of a well-run architectural practice.
Chan Architecture suits clients who want strong design engagement on projects of varying size, with a practice that manages the full scope from concept through to documentation and construction.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Covers residential and commercial work
- Design-focused with strong process clarity noted by clients
Cons
- Portfolio detail on the website is limited for some project categories
- Less publicly prominent than some larger Melbourne practices
Best for: Residential and commercial clients seeking design engagement and clear project management
Website: chanarchitecture.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. NHArchitecture
Melbourne architecture practice with strong satisfaction scores across residential and commercial work
NHArchitecture carries a 4.9/5 rating and delivers across both residential and commercial project types in Melbourne. The practice has accumulated positive client feedback that points to a reliable and well-managed architectural service.
The firm’s approach appears to balance design ambition with practical delivery, which is a combination clients frequently find difficult to source. NHArchitecture’s review profile suggests a team that communicates well and follows through on commitments made during the design phase.
For Melbourne clients seeking a practice with a proven track record across multiple project categories, NHArchitecture is a credible option worth considering early in the selection process.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Active across residential and commercial sectors
- Consistently positive client communication noted in reviews
Cons
- Website does not provide extensive project case studies
- Firm profile is less established in public-facing media compared to larger practices
Best for: Clients across residential and commercial sectors seeking a dependable Melbourne architecture practice
Website: nharchitecture.net
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Gray Puksand
Established Melbourne architecture practice working across commercial and residential sectors
Gray Puksand is a well-established Melbourne-based architectural practice with a 4.4/5 rating. The firm delivers design-led work across commercial and residential project types and has a substantial body of completed work across the city and beyond.
The practice has depth of experience across workplace, education, residential, and retail sectors, which makes it versatile for clients with varied briefs. Its team size allows it to take on larger and more complex commissions while maintaining design quality.
The 4.4/5 rating sits slightly below some competitors on this list, but reflects a practice with a broader project scope and a larger client base, where consistency across all engagements is harder to maintain at scale.
Pros
- Established practice with broad sector experience
- Capable of handling larger and more complex commissions
- Strong Melbourne presence with a documented project history
Cons
- 4.4/5 rating is lower than several comparable Melbourne firms
- Larger practice may offer less direct principal involvement on smaller projects
Best for: Commercial and institutional clients seeking an established practice with proven capacity across multiple sectors
Website: graypuksand.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. DiMase Architects
Melbourne architecture practice delivering residential and commercial design with a 4.9/5 rating
DiMase Architects holds a 4.9/5 rating and operates as a design-led practice covering both residential and commercial projects in Melbourne. The firm has built a reputation for producing considered architecture with a high degree of client involvement throughout the process.
Client reviews point to a practice that takes the brief seriously and translates it into design outcomes that align with client expectations. That alignment between brief and outcome is where many architectural engagements fall short, making DiMase’s track record a useful differentiator.
The practice suits clients who want an architect actively engaged in their project rather than one operating at arm’s length through a heavily delegated team structure.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Design-led approach with strong brief alignment noted in reviews
- Active across residential and commercial project types
Cons
- Practice scale means capacity may be limited during busy periods
- Less publicly prominent than some larger Melbourne firms
Best for: Clients who want close architect involvement and strong brief-to-design alignment on residential or commercial projects
Website: dimasearchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. Hayball
Melbourne architecture firm covering education, residential, and commercial projects
Hayball is a Melbourne architecture firm with a 4.5/5 rating and a strong focus on education, residential, and commercial project types. The practice has worked extensively across Victoria and has a well-documented portfolio of built work in Melbourne and surrounding areas.
The firm is known for its work in the education sector, where it has delivered schools and learning environments for a range of clients. That sector-specific knowledge carries through to how the practice approaches user experience and spatial planning across project types.
Hayball operates on weekdays, which is standard for firms of its scale and suits commercial and institutional clients who manage projects during business hours.
Pros
- 4.5/5 client rating
- Specialist strength in education sector architecture
- Broad project portfolio across Melbourne and Victoria
Cons
- Rating sits below the top tier of firms on this list
- Weekday-only accessibility may be a constraint for some residential clients
Best for: Education sector clients and commercial developers seeking an experienced Melbourne practice
Website: hayball.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Kerstin Thompson Architects
Award-recognised Melbourne architects with a 5.0/5 client rating
Kerstin Thompson Architects is a Melbourne-based practice with a 5.0/5 client rating and a long-standing reputation for considered design across residential and commercial project types. The firm has received significant recognition in the Australian architecture community for work that demonstrates design rigour and a thoughtful relationship with site and context.
The practice has a documented portfolio of built work that spans private houses, public buildings, and cultural projects. Kerstin Thompson Architects is regularly cited in architecture publications, and the firm’s approach to design research informs projects of all scales.
For clients who want architecture that goes beyond functional adequacy and engages seriously with context and space, this practice is one of Melbourne’s most credible options.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Nationally recognised design practice with extensive built work
- Strong across residential, cultural, and public project types
Cons
- High reputation may translate to selective project intake and longer lead times
- May not be the right fit for clients prioritising cost minimisation over design quality
Best for: Clients seeking serious design engagement on residential, cultural, or public architecture commissions
Website: kerstinthompson.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. FMD Architects
Melbourne architecture firm delivering residential and commercial design with a 5.0/5 rating
FMD Architects holds a 5.0/5 client rating and delivers across residential and commercial project types in Melbourne. The practice has a portfolio that includes new homes, renovations, and commercial commissions, with a consistent focus on design quality across all project scales.
The firm’s client reviews reflect a practice that is well-organised and communicates clearly, which helps projects move through design and documentation phases without unnecessary delays. That operational clarity sits alongside a design philosophy that produces distinctive finished work.
FMD Architects suits clients who want a polished architectural service from a Melbourne firm with a strong record of client satisfaction.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Covers residential and commercial project types
- Clear project communication noted across client reviews
Cons
- High demand from a strong reputation may affect intake availability
- Fee structure not publicly disclosed, making initial cost assessment difficult
Best for: Residential and commercial clients seeking a design-focused Melbourne architect with strong client satisfaction
Website: fmdarchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. Architectus
Established Melbourne architectural practice with broad sector experience and high client satisfaction
Architectus is a well-established practice with a 4.9/5 rating and operations in Melbourne. The firm delivers architecture across a wide range of sectors including commercial, residential, education, and urban design, making it one of the more versatile practices on this list.
The practice has a large team with specialist knowledge across disciplines, which allows it to manage complex projects that require input from multiple areas of expertise. Clients working on large or multi-faceted commissions will find the breadth of capability at Architectus useful.
The firm is available on weekdays and suits clients who are managing major projects with structured consultation and delivery timelines. Its 4.9/5 rating across a substantial client base reflects a high standard of delivery maintained at scale.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Broad sector coverage including commercial, residential, and education
- Large team with specialist capability for complex projects
Cons
- Large firm structure may not suit clients seeking a boutique or highly personal service
- Primarily suited to larger commissions rather than small residential projects
Best for: Large commercial, institutional, and government clients requiring an established practice with multi-sector capability
Website: architectus.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best architects in Melbourne?
Based on client ratings and review volumes, DW Architects, Breathe Architecture, Kerstin Thompson Architects, FMD Architects, and Lax Architects all hold 5.0/5 ratings. DW Architects has the strongest data set with 66 reviews at that score, making it one of the most consistently rated practices on this list. Ammache Architects, Chan Architecture, DiMase Architects, NHArchitecture, and Architectus all hold 4.9/5 ratings, which also reflects a high standard of client satisfaction. The best choice depends on project type, scale, and budget rather than rating alone.
How much does a architect cost in Melbourne?
Architect fees in Melbourne typically range from 8% to 15% of the total construction cost for a full service, which covers design, documentation, and contract administration. For smaller residential projects, some architects charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate. Hourly rates generally sit between $150 and $350 depending on the seniority of the practitioner. Larger commercial projects negotiated with bigger practices may involve fee structures below 8%, while highly bespoke or small-scale residential commissions can attract rates above 15%. Always request a detailed fee proposal before committing to any engagement.
How do I choose a architect in Melbourne?
Start by defining your project type, budget range, and timeline. Review the portfolios of several firms to assess whether their completed work aligns with what you want to achieve. Check client ratings and read reviews to understand how the practice communicates and manages projects. Meet with at least two or three firms before selecting one, and ask specifically about who will manage your project day-to-day. Confirm the firm holds current registration with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) before proceeding.
What should I look for in a architect?
Registration with the ARBV is the baseline requirement. Beyond that, look for a practice with demonstrated experience in your project type, whether that is residential, commercial, heritage, or institutional. Assess the quality of their portfolio and whether the design language matches your brief. Client reviews are useful for understanding how the firm handles communication, manages budgets, and responds when problems arise. Fee transparency, availability, and a clear explanation of their process from concept to construction are all important factors to discuss at the outset.
Are there good architects for small businesses in Melbourne?
Several firms on this list are well-suited to small business clients. Ammache Architects, Chan Architecture, DiMase Architects, and NHArchitecture all cover commercial work across a range of scales, and their review profiles suggest they engage attentively with clients regardless of project size. Breathe Architecture and FMD Architects also take on commercial commissions alongside their residential work. For small business owners, the key is finding a practice that has handled fit-outs or commercial builds at a similar scale to your project and can provide references from comparable clients.
Melbourne has a deep pool of architectural talent, ranging from boutique studios focused on individual residential projects to large multidisciplinary practices capable of managing major institutional commissions. The fifteen firms listed here cover that full range, and most hold client ratings above 4.7/5, which reflects the high standard of practice across the sector. Taking the time to match your project type and budget to the right firm will produce a better outcome than selecting based on reputation alone. Request fee proposals, review completed work, and confirm ARBV registration before signing any agreement.
