On recommendation, I engaged Zugai Strudwick Architects (ZSA) through a phased contract to provide Design, Development Application/s, Certifier requirements that included coordination of all agencies before, during and after Covid19, a difficult period navigated by ZSA to achieve the major renovation of my thirty-year-old home. Primarily, my vision brief was provided to ZSA for the project renovation to consider outcomes of friendly ageing in place, increase in open space additional light to living areas, new internal alfresco with all floor materials/levels equal throughout the house. In addition, considerations for Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL 40) compliance were required and ZSA were forthcoming with relevant solutions and ideas which included newly pitched Colorbond® roofing and compliant windows. In the early stages developing concepts, planning the relocation of kitchen was suggested by ZSA and this turned out to be a key decision, a delight with the expanded living area and light provided with three skylights in a trapezoid void, all on point. The lead up time through the development of detailed plans to construction certification and submissions ZSA supported many changes and updates. As a perfectionist I required exact detail and Lisa and Mel always took my view/requests on for the interest of the project being equally dedicated to achieving the project outcomes. The process through council was relatively painless and this can be attributed to ZSA being thorough in preparations. The builder was engaged by me the owner and there was a seamless relationship between ZSA, Owner and Builder with the very few issues that arose discussed, modifications detailed, solutions provided, and actions all provided by ZSA in a timely manner to ensure builder was not delayed. Communications and collaboration for all matters with Mel & Lisa was positive clear and concise with both very willing to assist which made the renovation journey a good memory. The visions and dreams of open plan living layout reconfigured, kitchen relocation, new alfresco, total bathroom and ensuite reconfiguration all developed by ZSA and were fully aligned to original brief. Without any reservation I can recommend Mel & Lisa’s honest and reliable support to bring together client’s vision, alignment to building standards, modern trends and technologies. With ZSA’s dedication and the builder’s quality finishes the project outcome exceeded my initial expectations and I shall enjoy for many years to come.Read More

I have dealt with Mel and Lisa from the design stage of my renovation to the issuing of the Occupation Certificate. At all stages they have been so accessible, co-operative and helpful. I am thrilled with the result. Penny RossRead More

Mel is so easy to work with! She’s so open to ideas and loves incorporating your ideas into her great designs, so it feels like a true collaboration. She makes the whole process much less stressful by guiding you through every step of the way. Her attention to detail is mind blowing. We can’t wait to start the build!Read More

Mel and Lisa have been absolutely amazing throughout our project. From inception, they designed a house well suited to our family. The layout was perfect and included all of our wish list and then some. Our site was not easy, with a huge slope and numerous easement restrictions but Mel and Lisa still managed to design a beautiful and functional home. I cannot thank them enough for all the advise. As all builds go things get adjusted and changed during the build process and Lisa was always quick to respond. Their experience and expertise in the industry showed and I always felt confident and reassured when challenges were met. I cannot recommend this dynamic duo enough, they captured our ideas perfectly and created a home that is sustainable, beautiful and perfect for our family.Read More

We had a great experience planning the renovation of our home with Mel and Lisa! Ours was a tricky project to navigate with a number of challenges and Mel managed us and the process with aplomb. We haven't proceeded with the renovation to date due to the pandemic, however we would have continued to use Zugai Strudwick as project managers if we had done so.Read More