Architecture & Interiors

Located in Melbournes Yarra Ranges, Studio Steven Swain is an architecture and interior design practice dedicated to crafting enduring, sustainable and healthy Homes for people.

We work on these types of Architectural Projects

  • We design new homes that reflect your lifestyle, emphasizing sustainability, craftsmanship, and a profound connection to the surrounding environment.

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  • We transform and expand existing structures, enhancing functionality and aesthetics while preserving their original character.

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  • We create interiors that reflect your personality and lifestyle, ensuring harmony and functionality through thoughtful design and styling.

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  • We design multi-residential developments that balance private living spaces with communal areas, fostering community and enhancing urban living.

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  • We design functional, flexible commercial spaces that inspire productivity and creativity, tailored to the dynamic needs of businesses.

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  • We design hospitality and tourism spaces that offer memorable and immersive experiences, blending comfort with local culture and natural surroundings.

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  • We create sustainable masterplans that guide community growth, prioritizing connectivity, green spaces, and livability.

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  • We design bespoke furniture and lighting, focusing on functionality, aesthetic appeal, and experimenting with materials to create unique and sustainable pieces.

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These are some of the Architectural services we provide to our clients

  • Concept Design: Developing initial ideas and concepts based on client requirements and site analysis.

    Schematic Design: Creating preliminary designs and layouts, including sketches and basic plans.

    Design Development: Refining the design, including detailed drawings and specifications.

    Interior Design: Designing the interior spaces, selecting materials, finishes, and furnishings.

  • Site Analysis: Evaluating the site conditions, including topography, climate, and accessibility.

    Zoning and Land Use: Assessing zoning regulations and land use restrictions to determine allowable building types and densities.

    Market Analysis: Studying market demand and economic factors to determine the project's viability.

    Cost Estimation: Developing preliminary cost estimates for construction, materials, and labor.

    Concept Development: Creating initial design concepts and layouts to explore different development scenarios.

  • Regulatory Approvals: Navigating the regulatory approval process, including interactions with planning authorities and other regulatory bodies.

    Planning Reports: Production of Rescode Assemenents and Town Planning Reports. Coordination and obtaining specialist reports to address overlay controls, including:

    • Bushfire Management Overlay - Bushfire management plans and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assements

    • Heritage Overlays - Heritage Impact Statement an Conservation Management Plans

    • Floodway and Land Subject to Inundation Overlays - Flood Risk Assessments and Hydrological Reports

    • Environmental Overlays -Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Flora and Fauna Assessment and Tree Survey and Arborist Reports

    • Erosion Management Overlay - Erosion Management Plan (EMP)

    • Significant Landscape Overlay - Landscape Impact Assessment and Visual Impact Assessments

    • Environmental Audit Overlay - Environmental Site Assessment and Environmental Audit Reports

    • Vegetation Protection Overlay - Vegetation Management Plan and Ecological Assessment

    • Design and Development Overlay - Urban Design Report

    • Development Plan Overlay - Development Plan and Architectural Plans Diagrams and Schedules

  • Construction Drawings: Preparing detailed drawings and specifications for construction.

    Building Permit Applications: Assisting with obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.

    Building Code Compliance: Ensuring designs meet all relevant building codes and regulations.

  • Construction Administration: Overseeing the construction process to ensure compliance with design and specifications.

    Site Visits: Conducting regular site visits to monitor progress and address any issues that arise.

    Quality Control: Ensuring that construction meets our required quality standards.

  • Conceptual Visualisation: Creating 3D models to visualise design concepts and ideas.

    Architectural Rendering: Producing high-quality, photorealistic images of buildings and interiors.

    Animated Flythroughs: Producing animated sequences to showcase the flow and functionality of spaces.

    Virtual Reality (VR) Integration: Developing VR experiences to immerse clients in the design for a more interactive understanding.

  • Sustainable Design: Incorporating environmentally friendly practices and materials into the design.

    Historic Preservation: Restoring and preserving historic buildings.

    Adaptive Reuse: Repurposing existing structures for new uses.

    Lighting Design: Designing lighting systems that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of spaces.

  • Client Consultation: Working closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and goals.

    Expert Advice: Providing expert advice on materials, technologies, and design trends.

    Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Assessing the performance of a building after it has been occupied to ensure it meets the users' needs.

We create healthy spaces that breathe and connect their occupants with the unique qualities of the land in which they live.

We are Experts in:

Wellness & sustainability

  • Designing homes that enhance physical and mental health through thoughtful, healthy living environments. Read more

  • As experts in integrating natural wellness elements, we design hot springs, saunas, and ice caves that offer rejuvenating and immersive experiences.

  • Embracing sustainable design principles to create eco-friendly spaces that balance environmental responsibility with aesthetic appeal.

  • We work closely with our team of specialist in PassivHaus consultants to achieve ultra-low energy buildings that offer superior comfort and sustainability.

  • Designing homes that meet NatHERS standards, aiming for 7-star ratings to ensure energy efficiency and comfort.

  • Utilizing sustainable materials to create eco-friendly buildings that stand the test of time.

Construction innovation

  • Innovating with prefab construction methods to deliver high-quality, efficient, and sustainable building solutions. Read more

  • Exploring cutting-edge material innovations to enhance durability, sustainability, and aesthetics in our designs.

  • Leveraging BIM technology to streamline construction processes, ensuring precision and collaboration from design to completion.

Complex sites

  • Balancing aesthetic and functional needs while navigating regulatory landscapes to achieve successful town planning outcomes.

  • Designing homes that harmonize with hilly terrains, offering stunning views and seamless integration with the landscape.

  • Specializing in BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) designs to create safe, resilient homes in bushfire-prone areas.

“Thank you for always taking onboard our concerns and thoughts during the construction of our house. We are so happy with the results”

Ken H.

“I can’t wait to get home now! The house is full of sunlight and joy.”

Trish P.

“We learnt so much during the design and construction of our home, trusting your process has resulted in such a beautiful home for my family to grow up in”

Linda N.

Get in touch.