Residential Building Designer Melbourne

— About Us

Experienced residential designers creating personalised, practical homes.

At Manzel Studio, our residential building designers create homes, extensions, and renovations with clarity, care, and technical precision.

Each design is shaped around your goals, site, budget, and day-to-day needs, ensuring the final outcome feels personal, practical, and built to last.

Designed to suit your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.

From early feasibility through to permits and documentation, our team guides you through each stage with honest advice and a clear process, helping you move forward with confidence.

More About Us

— What We Design

Helping you create the home you dream of.

From new builds to extensions and renovations, Manzel Studio helps shape practical, thoughtful spaces around your site, lifestyle, and future plans.

01 / New Builds

Custom homes from the ground up.

Helping you create a custom home shaped around your area, lifestyle, and goals.

02 / Home Extensions

More space without losing character.

Helping you add more space while keeping the original character of your home.

03 / Home Renovations

Better comfort, flow, and function.

Helping you improve comfort, flow, and everyday function.

— Multi-Residential Capability

Multi-residential building designer.

Manzel Studio specialises in feasibility and design for dual occupancy, townhouses, and multi-dwelling projects. We help you understand your site's potential, maximise value, and navigate the planning process with confidence. As experienced multi-residential building designers in Melbourne, we work across:

Maximise your block by building two separate dwellings on a single title. Ideal for homeowners looking to generate rental income or sell one residence.

Design multi-level attached or semi-detached homes that deliver modern living across compact footprints. Perfect for urban infill and high-density sites.

Create two independently accessed homes built side by side on a subdivided lot. A cost-effective way to unlock the full development potential of your land.

— What"s Included

What every home project includes.

Every Manzel Studio engagement covers the full spectrum of services you need to bring a residential project to life — from idea to approval to construction.

Design & Construction Drawings

Bespoke plans shaped around your site and vision.

Feasibility Reports

Clear advice before you commit.

3D Rendering

Realistic visuals of your future space.

Planning Permit Support

Council-ready documentation.

Building Permit Documentation

Detailed drawings for approvals and builder clarity.

Energy & Sustainability Reports

Designed for long-term performance.

Council Liaison

Support with RFIs and council communication.

Construction Support

Guidance to help protect the design intent.

— How We Work

Our four-phase process.

Every Manzel Studio project follows the same trusted four-phase process. You'll always know what stage we're at and what's next.

01

Phase 01

Strategic Discovery

Goals, site, budget, and opportunities are explored to shape the right direction.

02

Phase 02

Concept Development

Thoughtful concepts and 3D visuals bring the design vision to life.

03

Phase 03

Documentation & Permits

Detailed drawings, reports, and permit-ready documentation are prepared for approval.

04

Phase 04

Project Support & Final Styling

Construction support and final details help bring the project together with care.

Start Your Project

— Why Manzel

Why homeowners choose Manzel Studio.

Expert guidance, thoughtful design, and clear support from first ideas through to final approval.

Fast Permit Support

Clear documents and council insight to keep things moving.

Story-Led Design

Homes shaped around your lifestyle, site, and vision.

End-to-End Expertise

Drawings, permits, 3D visuals, and reports in one place.

Sustainable Thinking

Smarter design for comfort, efficiency, and longevity.

Statewide Capability

Support across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Transparent Process

Clear steps, honest advice, and direct communication.

— Where We Work

Residential building designers across Melbourne & Victoria.

Our team has delivered residential projects across Melbourne's inner north, eastern suburbs, bayside, and beyond. Wherever your site is in Victoria, we know how to navigate the local planning landscape.

PrestonCoburgReservoirBrunswickElsternwickTemplestoweIvanhoeSpotswoodDoncasterFawknerLalorCraigieburnSafety Beach

Client Testimonials One

"

We have been working with Manzel Studio for many years — they are a hidden gem in the design industry as they offer an efficient service and competitive price. The work is very high quality and we will continue working with them for years to come.

Ayden Frigerio

Property Owner

Client Testimonials Two

"

Manzel Studio has exceeded my expectations and restored my faith in the industry. They listened to the brief and really enhanced the end design. Finally, a non-generic building design firm that goes beyond the norm. Great job — many thanks.

JMS Fencing

Commercial Property

Client Testimonials Three

"

Manzel Studio has a professional team, great service, clear communication, and delivered beautiful results. Highly recommend them to everyone, always.

Ali Mouhamad

Property Owner

What's the difference between an architect and a building designer?

Both can design beautiful homes. Architects are university-trained and registered with the ARBV, while building designers are also formally qualified, registered, and insured. Manzel Studio is registered with the Building Practitioners Board as a Draftsperson — Building Design (Architectural), delivering design quality with practical, cost-effective execution.

How long does a residential project take?

Most home projects take around 12 to 18 months from the first consultation through to completion, depending on the project size, council requirements, and builder timelines. At Manzel Studio, the design and documentation process is kept clear and efficient to help your project move forward with confidence.

Do you handle the planning permit process?

Yes. We manage the full town planning submission and represent you in council communications, RFIs, and (where required) VCAT support. Our designs are prepared with council requirements in mind from day one to maximise approval success.

Can you design for heritage or character overlay properties?

Absolutely. Period and heritage homes are a Manzel speciality. We've delivered sympathetic extensions and renovations across Melbourne's inner suburbs, working closely with council heritage advisors to secure approval the first time.

Do you only work in Melbourne?

No. While we're based in Preston and work extensively across metropolitan Melbourne, we've delivered projects in regional and coastal Victoria including Safety Beach and Wesburn.

Can you work with my existing builder?

Yes. We regularly collaborate with client-nominated builders and provide the documentation needed for accurate quoting and a quality build. If you don't have a builder yet, we can recommend trusted partners.

What does a free consultation include?

A 30 to 45 minute conversation about your site, goals, and budget. We'll review what's possible, outline likely planning considerations, and explain how we'd approach the project. No obligation, no pressure.

How much does a residential building designer cost?

Fees depend on the scope and complexity of your project. After our free initial consultation, we provide a detailed, fixed-fee proposal so you know exactly what's included from day one.

Residential Building Designers in Melbourne