END TO END SERVICE

Need an expert who will bring your house design to life step by step?

At Sheri Haby Architects our designs instantly make you feel right at home.

architectural design architecture
architecture design

End-to-end architectural services for growing families who want to rebuild or renovate

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a sanctuary is… refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution.

Now in our instance, this may seem dramatic, however what we take sanctuary from is the outside world, the external factors that stress us in our day to day, and the one place that we can rely on to give us that feeling of calm, in control and at ease should be the dwelling that we reside in.

If this is not the case, then something is amiss. You may not recognise what that something is because it has to do with the lack of light that filters through your living room, or the layout is more convoluted than it ought to be. Either way, the first step in enhancing your house design is through warmth and light.

Are you ready to come home to a house that is built with you in mind; one that takes into consideration your routine, your day-to-day activities, and those little luxuries that you indulge in.

I design with you in mind. 

Am I the Right Fit?

    • Those who see their home as an investment in their family's future and are prepared to invest wisely to enhance its value and functionality.

    • Families who prioritise environmental responsibility and seek to incorporate sustainable practices and materials into their home design.

    • Those who value expert guidance and are looking for a supportive partnership throughout the transformation of their home.

    • Active professionals who, while time-poor, trust the expertise of specialists to handle the day-to-day project management.

    • Those who can differentiate between the unique and the generic, seeking custom, innovative solutions that reflect their personal style and are distinct from typical offerings.

    • Those who need their living spaces to evolve with their changing lifestyle, accommodating growth and the shifting dynamics of family life.

    • Someone who is looking for quick fixes or immediate transformations without the depth of thought, planning, and quality execution.

    • Someone that prefers a completely hands-off approach may find the collaborative nature of this service too involved.

    • Someone whose primary decision-making factor is cost minimisation at the expense of quality and customisation.

    • Someone who is satisfied with traditional designs or standard solutions that do not challenge the norm.

    • Someone looking for minor tweaks or cosmetic updates may find the comprehensive approach more extensive than necessary.

Home Designs I love to work on

architectural design

Full Rebuild

Sometimes starting over is the best decision for everyone involved.

The bones of the original house aren’t great, the floor plan is convoluted and there is no real flow from inside to outside. This way, together we can start from scratch and build on the land that is of value.

Your home will be resurrected the way you have always dreamed it, and the transformation always makes me feel so happy for my clients, knowing they have a place they can call home.

architecture & design

Small Home Design

I have a soft spot for small homes and I really encourage my clients to look beyond what they already see and dream about how the flow of their small home design could look with just a few tweaks.

The number of times I have tweaked a layout and it has resulted in an instant feel of spaciousness when the team and I have barely added more floor area.

With these small home designs, my motto is, when there is a will there is a way…and we will get you more space!

architecture and design

Home Extensions

You’ll have noticed in our past projects a lot are tweaks and extensions made to the Existing home.

These home extensions create more space and light to instantly make a whole world of difference to how my clients feel in their homes.

A strategic design that opens up the possibilities of functionality. My clients are looking for space that serves when the children are young, and can grow with them as they become teens.

architecture and design houses

Home Office design

In this day and age working from home is the norm and a great home office design is conducive to productivity. 

You need space to think, be creative.

This is all connected to the way the home office is designed.

If you’re looking to renovate your home office, contact me!

house architecture design

Beach House

The home away from home, is what a well-designed beach house should feel like.

I design beach houses for families who need to get away from their hustle and bustle and step into a time where rest is the key focus. 

Whether that is renovating or building a beach house, I create a space where all members of your family can find sanctuary.

What exactly is involved with this process?

An expert who can do it all

Sheri Haby is an experienced architect who will guide and assist you through the entire process. She understands that her role does not end with her designs. By working alongside her in this capacity she can ensure that at every stage of the build, your designs are being exacted the way you have envisioned.

Check Out Her Rolodex!

Years of industry experience comes with benefits other than a key eye for design and delivery. Sheri Haby collaborates with a network of expert practitioners in their field. She has vetted them all, and knows what each is capable of. As part of the process Sheri will give you a shortlist of candidates best suited for your particular project that she knows and trusts. You won’t have to lift a finger! She will organise everything from start to finish for you.

Quality and Care

A new house can take up to three years to complete, and the majority of my clients are very busy as they are. The project itself can feel daunting, however, I focus on making the creative journey enjoyable. Having Sheri by your side will feel like an extension of your family, your home has become her home and that is the level of detail and care she will put into your project.

  • Her design maximises space and natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for family living and entertaining. The house adapts beautifully to all seasons, with improved circulation and accessibility. Sheri's expertise and ability to think outside the box resulted in a home that truly works for us. We'll never need to renovate again – she got it right the first time!

    Felicia W

  • Working with Sheri was a truly collaborative experience. She transformed our cramped house into a perfect family home, creating smart open-plan living spaces while maintaining private areas for everyone. The clever north-facing design floods our dining area with natural light, and the thoughtful layout encourages family interaction while giving the kids their own space upstairs.

    Andrew S

FAQ

  • We will guide you through all stages of design and construction

    CONCEPT DESIGN

    The concept design stage is a very creative part of the architectural process. We split this stage into two parts.

    Part 1 starts by getting to know you, the site and your brief. The big ideas are formed and refined. We develop two sketch plan options with opinions of cost for each. 

    Part 2 is focused on further defining the architectural plan and developing the external form and spaces. We show you the first 3D images of your home and key materials. 

    At the end of the concept design stage a preliminary cost plan is prepared by a quantity surveyor, to help you manage your budget as the project takes shape.

    DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

    We work with the consultant team to develop the design and produce more detailed drawings and selection of materials. We work with you to develop the design of the interior and joinery elements. If required, the drawings are lodged for planning approval.

    CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

    The construction documentation stage produces technical drawings and specifications to invite tenders, obtain a building permit, and for use in construction. We will also oversee the documentation by other specialist consultants.

    CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND TENDER

    We guide you through the contractor selection stage by advising on suitable contracts and on a process of tender or negotiation. We prepare a shortlist of potential builders who have the relevant experience and capabilities to undertake the project. We then put the project out to tender or negotiate with your preferred builder. Upon receiving tenders, we assess each one and provide a report for your review. Once you accept a tender, we negotiate with the preferred builder if required and prepare the contract documents for signing. 

    CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

    We liaise with you and the builder when your new home is under construction. We administer the contract, assess the quality of work and ensure that contract drawings and specifications are complied with. We manage site meetings, assess variation and progress claims, identify defects and administer their rectification, and decide when practical completion occurs for occupancy. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion.

  • If you’re unsure what you can do on your site or how your building might be adapted or added to, we're here to help. We’ve put together a feasibility study offer called Future Proof Your Home. It’s a great way to explore what’s possible without any obligation to engage us for further work.

  • All too often there is a difference between the cost of a project when first considered and when finally produced. And the reason is simple, costs and budgets are either not realistically planned or contained as the project proceeds. To help you manage your budget, we work with a quantity surveyor (cost consultant) who will prepare a detailed cost plan report at the end of the concept design stage. The quantity surveyor can also be engaged for further advice as the design and documentation progresses. 

    During the architectural process we will always let you know when a decision will affect the budget. You can then weigh up what value you put on that addition and instruct us to include it or exclude it.

  • We have a high rate of success in obtaining planning approvals. Before we begin sketching, we make initial inquiries regarding authority regulations and requirements. Prior to submitting a formal planning application, we attend a Council pre-application meeting to confirm their requirements and seek feedback. After submitting the formal application, we assist the client in obtaining the planning approval by responding to the Council’s requests for additional information and where directed, negotiate with Council or other parties. This may include changes to drawings due to neighbour objections or Council feedback.

  • The architect does not supervise the building works, that is the role of the builder. We will liaise with the builder to assess quality of work and ensure that contract drawings and specifications are complied with, keep you informed of progress, assess variation and progress claims, identify defects and administer their rectification, and decide when practical completion occurs for occupancy. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion.

  • The best outcomes come when the builder, architect and client are working as a team to create something beautiful. At regular site meetings, the program (time) and design are reviewed. Potential issues are identified and discussed so they don’t create problems. If the builder submits a claim for a variation or an extension of time we assess and approve it. This gives our clients comfort that they won’t incur extra cost or time delays that aren’t legitimate.

  • A bespoke home will inevitably cost more than a mass-produced project home, regardless of whether the design is led by an architect, building designer, or builder. The two key factors that make up the cost are project size and quality. We live by the mantra of quality over quantity and we are skilled in designing spaces that you will use, and enjoy, for many years to come. We will help you refine your brief so that your home is just the right size for you (and not too big!). Our recent projects Red Brick House worked hard at 194sqm and the Gable House at 217sqm. 

  • Yes. Your architect retains copyright on this work. The drawings and documents may be used only for the purpose and on the site for which they are produced.

  • For full architectural design and documentation services we charge a percentage fee based on the budgeted and then the final cost of the project. Once a building contract is signed, we shift to a monthly retainer for contract administration services.

  • A renovation to the right building can be a great result from a design, sustainability and cost perspective but only if it passes the test. The house should be in good condition, it should feel solid, with no large cracks appearing and no dampness. The majority of rooms to be reused should be a good size. And the house should have some architectural details you like. If it has some charm or holds many wonderful memories the case for renovation is the way forward.

Ready to build a home that exudes soul and personality?

Apply to Work with Me

1. Apply to work with me

The application process is simple. It will help determine where you are at, what your vision is and give us a thorough understanding of how I can help you.

2. We’ll book a site visit

Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email to book a site visit so Sheri can personally check out the scope of work before heading to the drawing board!

3. Proposal Sent

Sheri will curate our proposal and send it through to you. Once approved by you, Sheri and her team will get started with welcoming you on board!