Beauty derived from colour, light and function with economical resolution.
Based in North Melbourne, Michael McManus Architects undertakes projects across Victoria.
Our work pursues spatial efficiency, as well as cost efficiency. Within these parameters, we create beauty from how we organise space and utilise simple materials. Building performance and passive design are core interests of ours.
We draw on the natural environment where possible to deliver outlook, natural light and connection to maximise our appreciation of space.
Architecture, interior design and landscape are holistically considered with each project. Sustainable design is rigorously pursued and each project improves upon learning from those past.
Since 2020, we're a carbon neutral business in operation terms.
We are members of: Architeam, Australian Passive House Association, Architect’s Declare Climate & Biodiversity Emergency and Architect's Assist (Disaster Recovery Assistance)
Services
We provide full services until you're all moved in
Feasibility Studies
Relevant before purchasing land, or when wanting to test if a project is feasible. We review planning restrictions, how a development might fit site and obtain a cost estimate.
Concept Design
After establishing your brief, we analyse, measure and record site features and prepare design options for review. After feedback, a selected option is worked up to demonstrate its main features, with a cost estimate obtained.
Design Development
Refining the design to select materials, dimensions, fittings, building systems, windows as well as cabinetry and lighting design.
Planning Applications
Construction Documents
Detailed drawings and specifications are prepared, enabling building permit review, accurate builder costing and comprehensive details to facilitate construction. These documents will form part of the building contract.
Tendering
Suitable builders are selected to provide a tender. A clear tender format is established and an analysis of results provided for your selection.
Building Permit Applications
Construction Services
We proactively organise meeting, resolve unforeseens and address queries to maintain the design quality. As contract administrators, we prepare a fair building contract and act as an independent assessor of claims for payment, delay and variations.
FAQs
What is the typical timeframe required to design?
Our experience is that anywhere between 9-12 months is a realistic timeframe for design, approvals, and pricing (dependent on planning permit assessment timeframes). Construction timeframes vary depending on the builder chosen and their capabilities.
This timeframe allows sufficient room for you to consider concepts fully and provide feedback to us.What can we expect for architectural fees?
All projects are individually quoted upon your particular requirements.
We provide a detailed description of services and estimate external consultant and authority fees so you get a clear picture of costs outside of construction costs.Do you work with particular builders?
We believe one of the benefits of having an Architect onboard is that we're independent. Therefore, the project is never tied to one builder.
We maintain an interest in many skilled builders, enabling us to suggest to clients builders we believe would be a good fit for their project. We have also had positive relationships with many builders who we could recommend again. The selection of the builder is always the client's decision.What elements do you typically coordinate?
Design-wise, we coordinate in-house all materials, fittings, windows and door selections, roof design and solar, electrical fixtures including lighting design, joinery, decks, paving and tanks. The interior design on each of our projects is our own.
With exterior landscaping, we often design 'built' features and can also recommend and coordinate with landscape architects/designers that we feel would be a good fit.
Behind the scenes we coordinate cost estimates, permit requirements, construction documents and contract terms, builder engagement including tenders, site visits, defect resolution and any curveballs!I've heard of Passivhaus. Why might I be interested in a Passivhaus?
A Passivhaus is a home that can look like any other. Where it's different is in its superior thermal comfort and very low energy use.
Passivhaus homes are highly insulated well above minimum standards, maintain much warmer winter temperatures internally, use a fraction of the heating and boast constant fresh air. If you're going to be investing significant in a forever home, it's worth considering if you can 'go Passiv,' and enjoy reduced ongoing energy bills and improved climate-resilience.
We're engaged members of the Australian Passivhaus community and Passivhaus certified.We're concerned about the costs. How is this addressed?
We always have an open discussion about costs from the get-go.
Efficiency informs many of the design directions we propose and we always seek to provide a design option that makes minimal major changes whilst satisfying your brief.
Within the first Concept Design stage, we obtain an independent cost estimate based upon numerous allowances. This provides confidence on the potential cost to construction the design and enables us to modify the design as necessary at an early stage.
As the project develops, it's possible to also obtain updated cost estimates, based upon more detailed information.
Case Study
The journey from beginning to completion that many of our projects take is illustrated by a case study our Kew Villa project.
