How Do We Do This? A Melbourne Architect’s Guide to Heritage Home Renovations

As a heritage home renovation architect in Melbourne, I’m often asked by new (and soon-to-be) clients is: “How do we actually do this?”

For most, it’s their first time renovating or restoring a home, so it’s natural to feel unsure about where or how to start.

The role of an architect is to run the whole process - for you, and with you. Here’s how it works.

1. Pre Design

Before any design work begins, we need to understand your site, your home, and your needs.

• Design brief – your wish list and priorities; what you need this home to be and how you want to live in it.

• Existing conditions drawings – accurate measured drawings of the current home to form the base for design work.

• Land survey – prepared by a licensed surveyor (organised by me), showing the position of the house, site levels, and adjoining properties so we can meet council and planning codes.

• Site plan – the measured house plan placed on the survey, creating an accurate base of everything on and around your property.

2. Concept Design 

Now the fun begins. Guided by your brief, I prepare concept sketches exploring layout options, light, and flow, giving you a clear sense of how the spaces will feel.

This is a collaborative stage; your feedback refines the direction until the design feels right. Early cost estimates are also prepared to confirm alignment with your budget before moving forward.

3. Design Development

Once the preferred layout is chosen, the design evolves from plan to three-dimensional form. I develop the look and feel, the style, colour, materials, and detailing, then prepare elevations to fully communicate the design.

At this stage, we can also seek preliminary council feedback if heritage or planning controls apply, and continue refining to balance design ambitions with budget.

4. Town Planning

If your site is small or under a heritage overlay, planning approval is required before a building permit can be issued.

I prepare a comprehensive set of drawings and documentation for council submission, ensuring the proposal meets their heritage and planning guidelines. If the council requests adjustments, we handle those together to secure approval.

5. Construction Documentation 

Here’s where concept becomes construction. I prepare detailed documentation - drawings and specifications - used for permits, pricing, and building.

This includes coordinating with consultants such as structural engineers and the building surveyor.

It’s also when we finalise the interior design - joinery, finishes, colours, and lighting, the tactile elements that define your home’s personality and atmosphere.

6. Contractor (Builder) Selection  

With drawings complete, I’ll recommend and help you select a quality builder. I manage the tender process, answer queries, and guide you through contract negotiations so you can sign with confidence.

While costs are monitored throughout the process, sometimes builder quotes exceed expectations. If so, we work together to adjust the design and bring it back within budget. This isn’t Grand Designs; we stay on budget.

7. Contract Administration

During construction, I remain closely involved, conducting regular site visits, reviewing progress, answering questions, and ensuring quality aligns with the design intent.

I also manage variations and final defect checks before handover, so you can move into your beautifully finished home knowing every detail has been cared for.

In Summary

It’s a detailed process, but that’s exactly why you hire an architect. To design, co-ordinate, and guide you through every stage, from first sketch to final key handover, with clarity, confidence, and care.