Studio

We create spaces with a considered and clear approach for homeowners, developers and business owners who value good design.

We work with flexibility, transparency and welcome your input – a little or a lot. Through careful listening, intuition and experience, we bring character, personality and a sense of place that is unique and individual to you.

As a small studio, you will benefit from our high level of attention and care. We address issues promptly to avoid unnecessary delays and believe in honest and open communication – that everyone involved should always be on the same page. That’s why we’ll always keep you in the loop, so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.

During our 18 years of experience in the industry, we have established a trusted network of consultants, builders and suppliers. We’ve created a reputation for producing high-quality documentation that is practical, buildable and resolved – this means roadblocks are identified and solved early, saving you time, money and stress.

Our vibe is friendly, unpretentious and approachable. We don’t have big egos and we’re not out to chase awards. We are committed to achieving the best outcome for your home, development or business.

To find out if we are the right fit, please reach out.

Thy (“Tee”) Tran has a natural ability to understand a client and transform their needs into practical and beautiful spaces. She is patient, a great listener and always goes above and beyond to achieve the best rather than the easiest outcome.

Thy established the studio in 2017 and brings 18 years of local and international experience. Since graduating from RMIT University with a Batchelor of Architecture (Hons), Thy spent the first few years working for large offices before concentrating on smaller practices where she prefers being intimately involved across all aspects of the architectural process from establishing the big picture approach with the director, to solving small construction details on site with the builder.

Thy has experience in a broad range of projects requiring a high level of skill and technical resolution. These include luxury homes in Metropolitan Melbourne, costal houses along the Mornington Peninsula, ski lodges and apartments in Mt Buller, and boutique hotels, restaurants and villas in Bali.

Image: Casey Horsfield

Meet Thy

Services

We offer the full range of architecture and interior design services to allow the external to flow internal.
From a blank drawing board to the handover of keys, we can design and manage the entire project on your behalf. You can be confident your project will be executed to meet your expectations from the big picture to the smallest detail.
Pre-Design

Before design starts, we discuss your project in detail. This mostly involves carefully listening to understand your requirements, limits and boundaries. We then investigate the site constraints such as planning zones and overlays, title restrictions, neighbouring properties, site features, orientation, the history of existing buildings and surrounding context. The research will inform the project brief and set out a strategy to move forward at a macro level.
Concept Design

Based on the information gathered from Pre-Design, we prepare plan options before developing the building form. We consider and interrogate input, ideas and intuition to confirm the right solution. Our designs are communicated through a combination of linework, reference imagery and coloured 3D views to best help you visualise and understand the space, giving you the confidence to continue.
Planning Permit

If your property is subject to planning zones or overlays, Planning Permit approval from council may be required for the works. Whether it is for a new development, alteration or change of land use, we draw upon our extensive experience of working with councils from various municipalities to liaise on your behalf and prepare a strong set of documents to gain support.
Design Development

Once the concept is agreed and a Planning Permit (if required) is granted, the design is developed technically to solve and incorporate aspects such as structure, services, fire, thermal and acoustic. We consult our established network of structural engineers, building surveyors and services consultants to support our work. Throughout this process, we remain as your single point of contact, appointing the consultants and coordinating their work on your behalf.
Construction Documentation - Lock Up

We pride ourselves on producing a high standard of comprehensive working drawings for accurate quoting, building permit and construction. The drawings capture typical and exceptional junctions and details for functionality, buildability and aesthetic. Each component is carefully considered. You will expect documents that are clear and resolved to minimise cost variations and delays arising from surprises and uncertainties during construction.
Construction Documentation – Fit Out

To complement the lock-up package, we offer design and detailed documentation for the interior fit-out. This includes custom cabinetry design, selection of sanitary fixtures & fittings, appliances, light fittings and finishes to individual rooms. Our work externally flows through internally for coherency and continuity.
Tender

We can manage the tender process to obtain competitive quotes from quality builders, selected to suit the scale and complexity of the project.
Construction Administration

Our involvement during construction monitors quality control, to ensure the works are executed to align with the documentation, to the client’s expectation