Whether you're planning a home renovation, building from scratch, or seeking professional design advice, choosing the right architect is a crucial first step. We've curated a list of the top Sydney architecture firms for 2026, selected for their residential design expertise, creativity, and client-first approach.
From beachside homes to urban terraces and bushland retreats, these Sydney-based studios understand the city's diverse lifestyle, coastal climate, and evolving local planning conditions. Explore their recent work, discover their design philosophies, and find the right partner to help you create a home that's beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Professional
Not sure where to start with finding an architect, building designer or interior designer? We've got you covered. Our network includes trusted, experienced professionals who understand the Australian building landscape — and your unique vision.
Get Matched With the Right ProfessionalTop 29 Architects in Sydney, New South Wales
BIJL Architecture
Guided by the belief that architecture must bring enduring surprise and delight, Bijl Architecture is an ambitious practice that seeks to challenge the status quo. We are guided by the belief that architecture must bring enduring surprise and delight. Through sustainable design actions and resilience, it must also improve our connections to Country, to each other, to ourselves, and to future generations. Our residential projects are empathic and robust expressions of our clients’ vision for living; our educational and public work recognises that architecture must offer the community dignity, purpose and meaning. From this philosophical framework we create architecture that is impeccably detailed, grounded in economic mindfulness, perceptive, and alive with light and character.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Workplace, Public/Civic
Explore More: BIJL Architecture
Watershed Architects
Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Watershed Architects is a practice dedicated to creating thoughtful, site-responsive residential architecture. Since 2002, they’ve completed over 120 homes, each reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability and enduring design. Their approach draws on a deep connection to place, using materials that complement their surroundings and emphasising craftsmanship throughout. With strong ties to experienced local builders, Watershed ensures budget confidence and construction quality. At the heart of their work is a collaborative ethos—valuing long-term client relationships and creating homes that enrich lives while respecting the environment.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential - New Build, Residential - Single Dwelling & Residential - Renovation
Style of Work: Watershed Architects create refined, sustainable residential designs that respond to place, climate, and client needs, with a strong focus on craftsmanship and contextual harmony.
Explore More: Watershed Architects
Marker Architecture
Marker Architecture is a Sydney-based architecture studio that designs ambitious, tactile, respectful architecture. We use honest, natural materials that invite touch and feel and are beautifully crafted. We embrace bold and adventurous ideas, and we carefully plan our projects for how clients live, weaving their daily lives into the design.
Our buildings are respectful of their context, heritage and landscape. In coastal and rural settings, we craft humble architecture that’s sympathetic and deferential to the site, enhancing the connection to nature.
We seek moments of beauty and emotional resonance that heighten the enjoyment and meaning of a home. These are deeply personal and memorable, shaped by each client’s stories, values and way of life.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial
Explore more: Marker Architecture
(868) Studio
At (868) Studio we believe great design is the result of curiosity, research and collaboration, and that the experience should be enjoyable, clear and client driven.
We specialise in high-end single and dual residences and select developments. By taking on fewer projects, we dedicate the time and attention needed to deliver outcomes of the highest quality. Clients engage with our full studio rather than a single individual, building trust and ensuring a responsive, collaborative process.
Recognition by various platforms and our investment in a long-term studio space reflect a commitment to quality at every level – from our designs to our client’s experience.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-Residential, Workplace, Retail
Explore more: 868 Studio
AO Design Studio
Architecture with Purpose, Place, and People in Mind. AO Design Studio are driven by the people they collaborate with, the unique character of the places they design for, and the purpose behind each building.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Seniors Housing
Explore more: AO Design Studio
buck&simple
buck&simple is a design-driven architecture & interior design studio committed to craftsmanship, attention to detail and the inherent beauty of simplicity.
Unique. Adaptive. Enduring.
Established 2013 in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches by directors Peter James Ahern & Kurt Crisp, thier focus is architectural and interior design excellence in high-end residences.
buck&simple's work is renowned for high quality design and benefits from a strong understanding of the construction process, market realities and their team’s breadth of experience.
Widely recognised as one of the regions top residential Architecture & Interior design firms, buck&simple draw upon their proven track record in multiple typologies to deliver bespoke residences of architectural merit and spaces you love to live in.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Explore more: buck&simple
BJB Architects
At BJB Architects, we’re all about creating spaces that work beautifully and stand the test of time. With over two decades of experience under our belts, we’ve tackled everything from small projects to large-scale developments, turning ideas into reality.
We’re passionate about designing architecture that’s not only functional and sustainable but also adaptable to the changing needs of our clients.
Our services cover a wide range, including architectural design, feasibility studies, master planning, and interior design. We understand how important it is to get a solid start on any project, and we’re committed to being there every step of the way.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail
Explore more: BJB Architects
Cateaux Architects
With more than 17 years experience, Director Jerome Cateaux has extensive project experience on finely crafted architectural projects, leading the internal and external teams to deliver architecture of exceptional quality. They provide architectural services from residential homes, including bespoke furniture, interiors, renovations and new build homes to apartments, commercial and small public buildings.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Community and Commercial
Style of Work: Their architecture is rooted in simplicity, thoughtful materiality, natural light, comfort, and a seamless connection to the landscape.
Explore more: Cateaux Architects
Castlepeake Architecture
Castlepeake Architecture is a boutique Sydney practice who specialise in bespoke residential projects, spanning renovations and new builds. Their close-knit team ensures the easiest process for their clients, from inception to completion. Committed to delivering excellence the highest level of satisfaction, the thoughtful proportions and spatial relationships at the heart of their design elevate everyday living experiences.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Construction
Types of Built Projects: New Residential, Altered Residential and Heritage Residential
Style of Work: Castlepeake Architecture aim to design site specific houses that improve the lives of their clients. Well-proportioned spaces and forms, which relate intrinsically to the attributes of a site are life changing for the people who use them everyday.
Explore more: Castlepeake Architecture
Studio Arkive
Studio Arkive is an emerging architecture + interior design practice based in Sydney, Australia. They believe in bespoke, engaging and timeless design that inspires and enriches living.
Studio Arkive creates meaningful and unique responses to a client’s brief and context, collaborating from conception through to completion.
A considered simplicity underpins their work, balancing light, volume and materiality with thoughtful planning and function.
Studio Arkive is led by Georgia McGowan, an architect with local and international experience in award-winning practices.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail
Explore more: Studio Arkive
Robertson Collectif
Robertson Collectif specialise in residential and commercial architecture that is informed by the context of the site, the conditions of the environment and the dreams of our clients.
Based in Kiama, our team have an innate understanding of the local area and the unique conditions of the South Coast region, ranging from the harsh weather fronts that sweep the coastline to flame-zone rated bushfire areas through the mountains. We have fostered strong and effective relationships with local builders, craftspeople, and suppliers and these relationships support the successful delivery of our projects.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Workplace
Explore more: Robertson Collectif
Edmiston Jones
Founded on the NSW South Coast in 1986, Edmiston Jones is rooted in regional Australia — with studios in Wollongong, Nowra and Batemans Bay, and an intimate understanding of the conditions, communities and councils that shape design outside the capital cities. Working across commercial Architecture and Interior Design sectors, the practice brings a disciplined methodology to every project: the brief and the site are investigated independently, each on their own terms, before the two are brought together. It's an approach that consistently produces spaces which are site-specific, people-centred, and built to endure.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-Residential, Commercial Hospitality, Workplace, Public/Civic
Explore more: Edmiston Jones
Brcar Morony Architecture
Brcar Morony Architecture is a Sydney-based studio founded in 2015 by Natalie Brcar and Michael Morony, whose collaborative roots trace back to their time at the University of Technology Sydney. The practice is known for its down-to-earth approach, combining pragmatic spatial planning with concept-driven design. Their work is shaped by strong client collaboration, site-responsive thinking, and a refined material palette chosen for its warmth, texture, and durability.
Scope of Services: Architecture and Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Style of Work: Brcar Morony Architecture creates refined, functional spaces grounded in simplicity and warmth. Their work is concept-driven, with a focus on natural materials, clear planning, and a strong connection to site and context.
Explore more : Brcar Morony Architecture
Alexander Symes Architect (ASA)
Alexander Symes Architect (ASA) was founded in 2014 with a mission to advance sustainable architecture. The world’s climate is changing and we believe that architecture must lead the way in changing how we utilise resources to contribute to a sustainable future. This vision for sustainable architecture is layered through all aspects of our practice and through all the stages of a project. This starts with the examination of a project brief to ensure the grounding principles of a project support a sustainable way of life. As the project takes shape we deploy our depth of technical expertise to realise the project to its full potential.
Scope of Services: Architecture
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Public/Civic
Explore more: Alexander Symes Architects (ASA)
Baikie Corr Architecture
Baikie Corr Architecture is a sydney based architecture studio focusing on residential, commercial, and education projects. Their buildings are tailored to the people who will use them, and to the specific places they are located.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Commercial, Workplace, Public/Civic
Explore more: Baikie Corr Architecture
BelBon Design
Founded in 2021, BelBon Design is a small studio specialising in commercial, residential, and marine renovations and refits. We are sisters from Perth, WA, driven by a shared goal of transforming spaces into meaningful places. Our portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, from large vessels and commercial fitouts, including cafes, motels, and pubs to elegant residential interiors, each reflecting our commitment to creating unique and inviting environments. With a strong interest in heritage and character design, we strive to fuse contemporary techniques with a keen eye for detail, turning client visions into stunning realities.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality
Explore more: BelBon Design
Blake Letnic Architects
Blake Letnic Architects is a Sydney based office which seeks to enhance each and every space it touches with considered gestures large and small.
BLa does not look to impose an overarching design ethos on any given project. Instead our team looks to absorb the site context and interpret client briefs to provide a resolved concept which informs every aspect of the design. BLa’s architecture aspires to express materiality, shelter, light and landscape in a timeless form.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Public/Civic
Explore more: Blake Letnic Architects
Carla Middleton Architecture
Carla Middleton Architecture is an architecture and interior design practice, dedicated to bespoke residential design.
Since opening our Sydney office in 2016, we have worked with clients all over Australia. We care deeply about working with our clients to design their homes.
Our clients trust us to design homes for their lifestyle and budget, whether they are young couples, professionals, families, or retirees. With a commitment to our clients’ needs, we specialise in architecture and interior design for: Houses, New Builds, Rebuilds, Alterations, Additions, Apartment Interiors
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Explore more: Carla Middleton Architecture
COSO Architecture
With 30 years of professional experience spanning across Sydney, COSO is an established architecture firm that has left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape.
As a team we bring a wide range of talents to every project, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible results. We take pride in our collaborative approach, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
We understand that the design process is more than just creating functional spaces. It is about creating innately personal experiences that enrich clients lives. Our team is dedicated to achieving this goal through responsive design outcomes that are reflective of an over-arching architectural disposition.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential
Explore more: COSO Architecture
D. Hage Designs
D. Hage Designs is a Sydney-based design studio founded by Dominique Hage in 2015. Dominique studied her Masters of Architecture in Sydney and worked as an Architect and Interior Designer across Europe and Australia before starting this practice back home.
We design homes—from architectural drawings to art curation and everything in between. Our experience crosses scale: sustainable beach houses, heritage mansions, classic Sydney terrace renovations, micro apartments.
The studio's work is romantic, but its approach is straightforward. We have a healthy respect
for technical complexity and classical design rules. We also know when to step outside them.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail
Explore more: D. Hage Designs
DUO Architects
DUO is distinguished not by scale, but by depth of process, and continuity of leadership, while still confidently delivering large-scale, complex architectural projects across residential & retail contexts. Unlike larger practices where work is often fragmented across teams and stages, DUO operates as a fully integrated, director led studio.
DUO deliberately maintains a limited number of concurrent projects, allowing for sustained focus, rigorous exploration, and highly resolved outcomes. DUO combine long-term design thinking with the capability to deliver complexity at scale.
Each project is shaped through careful analysis of site, program, and context, followed by a disciplined process of refinement that prioritises spatial clarity, material integrity, and enduring value.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Retail
Explore more: DUO Architects
Marra + Yeh Architects
Marra + Yeh Architects take on projects that showcase sustainability, climate resilience and regenerative environments, designing for people and nature.
From the city to the coast and the country, we craft homes, housing, masterplans and community buildings. We also provide expertise to local and state governments in architecture, urban design and sustainability.
We are masters of complexity and guide you through all aspects of a project.
Combining building science with design intelligence we create places that are zero-energy, low-carbon and climate resilient –Crafting spaces of comfort, beauty and connection to nature.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Public/Civic, Urban Design
Explore more: Marra + Yeh Architects
Matt Day Architect
Matt Day Architect is a small design-focused studio based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, specialising in high-quality, low-energy homes and small public buildings that foster a strong connection to nature. Our work is created for people who value simplicity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
At Matt Day Architects, every project is guided by six core practice values:
- Environment & Legacy
- Creativity & Knowledge
- Humility & Simplicity
These values shape our guiding principles and provide a strong foundation for every design and construction decision we make alongside our clients.
Scope of Services: Architecture
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Public/Civic
Explore more: Matt Day Architect
Michael Folk Architects & Interiors
Michael Folk Architects & Interiors is a personalised design based practice with over 28 years of expertise and experience.
We approach our work with passion and commitment, and a constant eye on emerging trends keeps our work fresh and new. We blend the creative, visionary and innovative with the pragmatic, sustainable and cost efficient. Our dedication to both architecture and interiors, allows for a singular vision to permeate throughout every facet of a building, delivering the seamless integration of a concept from the architecture right through to furniture, fittings, finishes and artwork.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential
Explore more: Michael Folk Architects & Interiors
Milli Studio
Milli Studio, based in Sydney, is an architectural design practice specializing in bespoke design and comprehensive design consultancy from concept to completion to bring your visions to life.
We are committed to exploring the essence of architecture inherent in space, structure, materials and detailing. We are dedicated to the high quality throughout the design and construction process.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail, Public/Civic
Explore more: Milli Studio
Nick Bell Architects
Nick Bell Architects is a boutique Sydney practice with over 16 years of experience creating homes that bring happiness to daily life. Small by design, our approach is deeply personal - centred on relationships, creativity and a meticulous attention to detail.
Our style is instinctively modern with softness and warmth, drawing on space, light and materiality to deliver balance, calm and delight. We offer fully integrated architecture, interior design and project management for alterations and new builds, guiding clients seamlessly from concept to completion.
Sustainability and resilience are embedded in our process, alongside a strong heritage portfolio.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial
Explore more: Nick Bell Architects
Spicer Architecture
Spicer Architecture is an award-winning, Sydney-based practice specialising in high-end residential, commercial, and retail projects. We weave contemporary design with heritage architecture, guided by a philosophy of intent, connection, and quiet confidence.
Inspired by Modern Art Deco, Mid-Century, and Brazilian Modernism, our studio offers a timeless approach to functional, human-centred design. Across Sydney and the eastern seaboard, we deliver modernist homes and sensitive heritage works that are both responsive and innovative.
A truly global practice with offices in Sydney and Lisbon, we work across Australia, Italy, Samoa, and beyond. This international experience brings a unique global perspective to every local project, creating spaces deeply connected to their site and city.
Scope of Services: Architecture
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Retail
Explore more: Spicer Architecture
Studiolive
Studiolive is a sole person design practice. With 25 years practice experience and deliberate small in scale, Studiolive ensures every project taken on receives all and continual dedication and attention from the director, achieving high quality outcome without large overhead for clients.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail, Public/Civic
Explore more: Studiolive
Stukel Architecture
Stukel Architecture is an award-winning practice with a proven track record for delivering innovative expressive inclusive designs. Technical knowledge is matched with honed conceptual thinking to achieve exceptional outcomes for our clients.
At Stukel Architecture we celebrate the complexities of life. We spend time with you, intuiting the driving principles of each unique project; translating them into results that strike out into brave territory; and inspires users to be their best selves. In this way, a built form by Stukel Architecture (co-created by you) delivers a deeply nuanced design emerging through a conversation over time and through space.
Scope of Services: Architecture & Interior Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Multi-residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Workplace, Retail, Public Civic, Urban Design, Landscape Design
Explore more: Stukel Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How much does it cost to hire a residential architect in Sydney?
Architect fees in Sydney typically range from 8% to 15% of your total construction cost, depending on the size and complexity of your project. With construction costs continuing to rise in 2026, it’s more important than ever to clarify what’s included in your fee — concept design, DA documentation, contract administration, and consultant coordination can all be priced separately. Get at least three quotes and compare scope, not just percentage.
2.What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer in NSW?
In New South Wales, architects must be registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board, while building designers (also called draftspersons) are not subject to the same regulatory requirements. In 2026, with NSW’s design and building practitioner reforms now well embedded, registered architects carry additional obligations around design compliance declarations — making them the stronger choice for complex or high-value residential projects where accountability matters.
3.When should I engage an architect in Sydney?
As early as possible — ideally before you’ve committed to a builder or signed any contracts. In 2026’s tight construction market, architects who are brought in early can help you get accurate pricing, avoid costly redesigns, and navigate supply chain delays before they affect your budget. They can also help you assess whether a site or property is worth purchasing in the first place.
4.Do I need council approval for my home project in Sydney?
Most renovations and new builds in Sydney still require either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through your local council or a private certifier. In 2026, some low-impact residential works have expanded exempt development thresholds under updated NSW planning rules — but the specifics vary by council area and property type. A locally experienced architect will know exactly what pathway suits your project and how to avoid approval delays.
5. Can CO-architecture help me find the right architect in Sydney?
Absolutely. If you're unsure who to choose, just fill out our quick form here, and CO-architecture will recommend Sydney-based architects and designers that match your style, budget, and project type — taking the stress out of the search.
