Whether you're renovating, building from the ground up, or looking for tailored design advice, choosing the right architect is the first step toward a home that truly suits your lifestyle. We've curated a selection of top Canberra architects known for their residential design expertise, thoughtful solutions, and personalised service.
From energy-efficient homes to contemporary city living, these Canberra-based architecture studios understand the local climate, bushland setting, and planning requirements unique to the ACT. Explore their recent work, discover their design approach, and connect with a Canberra architect who can help you bring your vision to life—intelligently and beautifully.
Still unsure who’s right for your project? CO-architecture is a network of Australia’s top architects and designers—ready to help you bring your vision to life.
Tell us a bit about your project, and we’ll match you with professionals suited to your budget, style, and needs. No stress, no endless searching - just the right people for the job so you can move forward with confidence.
Top 5 Architects in Canberra, ACT
Ben Walker Architects
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Urban design & Landscape
Locations of Built Projects: Canberra & Sydney
Style of Work: Ben Walker Architects strives to produce well resolved, innovative and practical buildings and projects through rigorous response to client briefs and project conditions.
Stewart Architecture
Scope of Services: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design & Master planning
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential & Commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Canberra & Sydney
Style of Work: Stewart Architecture has been making a lasting impact on cities for 35 years. As a full-service design office, they are experienced in working at all scales of the built environment, from the finest details to the grandest cityscapes.
Still unsure who’s right for your project? CO-architecture is a network of Australia’s top architects and designers—ready to help you bring your vision to life.
Tell us a bit about your project, and we’ll match you with professionals suited to your budget, style, and needs. No stress, no endless searching - just the right people for the job so you can move forward with confidence.
TT Architecture
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Locations of Built Projects: Canberra
Style of Work: TT Architecture is a Canberra-based boutique design firm specializing in architecture and interior design since 1990. The firm is committed to environmentally sustainable design principles and has earned a reputation for being leaders in sustainable design and energy efficiency.
Studio Heim
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Locations of Built Projects: Canberra
Style of Work: Studio Heim is focused on creating architecture with an understanding of human scale, which is both socially and environmentally sustainable. Embedded in each design process is a commitment to creating spatially rich environments that are evocative and playful yet practical and livable.
Thursday Architecture
Scope of Services: Architecture, Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Education & Community
Locations of Built Projects: Canberra & Sydney
Style of Work: At Thursday Architecture, collaboration with clients and quality builders is a core value. They aim to create timeless spaces that inspire, engage, and excite through their design approach.
Still unsure who’s right for your project? CO-architecture is a network of Australia’s top architects and designers—ready to help you bring your vision to life.
Tell us a bit about your project, and we’ll match you with professionals suited to your budget, style, and needs. No stress, no endless searching - just the right people for the job so you can move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to hire a residential architect in Canberra?
Architect fees in Canberra typically range from 8% to 15% of the total construction cost, depending on your project’s scale and complexity. Some architects may also offer fixed-price packages for concept design or early advice. It’s important to clarify what's included in each stage of service before starting.
2. What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer in the ACT?
Architects must be registered with the ACT Architects Board, ensuring they meet rigorous training, experience, and ethical standards. Building designers are not held to the same level of regulation, so while they may suit smaller or straightforward projects, architects are ideal for custom, complex, or high-quality home builds.
3. When should I engage an architect in Canberra?
It’s best to contact an architect as early as possible — even before finalising your design ideas or purchasing a property. A local architect can help you shape your vision, evaluate the site, guide council approvals, and manage the entire design and build process.
4. Do I need council approval for my home renovation or build in Canberra?
Yes, most residential projects in the ACT will require development and/or building approval from the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate. An architect can assess whether your project qualifies for an exemption or will require a formal Development Application (DA).
5. Can CO-architecture help me find the right architect in Canberra?
Yes! If you’re unsure where to start, CO-architecture can help match you with the right architect or designer in Canberra. Just fill out our quick form here, and we’ll connect you with professionals based on your style, budget, and project goals — making
