testimonials
“We came across Northbourne Architecture + Design during an online search. We had never worked with an architect or interior designer before so didn’t really know what to look for or what to expect, but we really liked their past work and were impressed with the clarity of their project approach. After talking with the director Sally over the phone, her thorough questioning and genuine interest in the project gave me confidence that Northbourne was the right fit to design and implement the renovation and interior design of our 3-bedroom home in Griffith.
Before any design work commenced, Sally put together a tailored questionnaire to help us narrow down a project brief. Although this did take some time to complete, the whole process helped us to think about all our options and figure out what we really needed. Having the clear brief outlined also meant Sally was able to provide a design that we loved and provided all our needs so there was no going around in circles or awkward conversations!
Northbourne also put together the interior design scheme for our house, which included all the materials, fittings and furniture selections. We are very pleased with the end result and feel the interiors are now harmonious with the architectural style of the house and our lifestyles.
When it came time to build, Sally put forward some builder recommendations. This was a godsend as we didn’t know of any trustworthy builders. Sally liaised with all the builders and organised quotes on our behalf. She also facilitated meetings so we could meet each of the builders, which made the decision-making process easier.
Sally dealt directly with the builder during construction. This meant we didn’t need to be on call all the time to answer the builder’s questions. This suited us because we work full time and didn’t want to be burdened with the stress! However, if there was something that required our feedback, Sally would always discuss these with us before directing the builder. Sally also reported back to us regularly during construction so we were up to speed with the progress which gave us peace of mind during this phase.
Now that the renovation is complete and all the furniture has arrived, we have been enjoying our enhanced lifestyles and wake up every morning with a big smile! The furniture Sally selected works beautifully with the overall design and has exceeded our expectations. The design details and craftsmanship are beautiful and top quality. We are absolutely delighted with the end result and very much enjoyed the process. I would highly recommend Northbourne to anyone – in fact, we have already recommended them to friends!”
Project Type: Renovation 3-bedroom home
Where: Griffith
“Sally from Northbourne is unbelievable to work with. Right from our first meeting, she took the time to thoroughly understand my vision, my property, whilst also helping me to work through factors I hadn’t thought to consider when designing my dream space.
Sally and her team were very patient and thorough when working with me through various options for my home renovation. Sally worked to create a space that was amazingly beautiful, architecturally exciting modern, whilst also blending effortlessly and fluently with my existing Edwardian home.
Working with Sally has been an exciting experience. I have been impressed with the efficiency and effectiveness of Northbourne’s service. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the costs associated have always been explained so that I can make informed decisions at each step of the process.
I was really impressed with the way Sally turned my described preferences into tangible materials that were then incorporated into the build. Incorporating timber shingles and parquetry flooring into a modern space added a class and elegance whilst also incorporating a modern edginess that I absolutely love!
Northbourne understand spatial functionality for a modern lifestyle and designed a space that includes features that are so useful. I never would have thought of built-in shelving and in-floor storage spaces. Northbourne maximised the space available and utilised every facet to create an amazing design outcome.
Sally and the team at Northbourne made what could be a daunting and stressful process, exciting and fun. Nothing was ever too much trouble and this gave me confidence and made the process really enjoyable. I felt supported and like I there was a team who were determined to help me achieve satisfaction every step of the way. The support from Northbourne was exceptional and I would highly recommend their services to anyone wanting to create something extraordinary.”
Project Type: Renovation and extension to a 2-bedroom Edwardian single-fronted home
Where: Elwood, Melbourne
“We engaged with Northbourne Designs at a critical point of setting up our cocktail bar. We hadn’t previously realised the importance of aligning the interior design with our brand and we are extremely thankful that we found Sally when we did. She worked with us tirelessly to formulate the warmth and rustic Australian feel that is the key theme the space. Throughout this process, she was very conscious of our budget suggesting creative ideas and different techniques when funds were limited. Once we had agreed on the design Sally liaised with many different suppliers to find the perfect pieces and then worked closely with the contractors to ensure that the designs were delivered to the highest level of quality. She completed our project within our restrictive deadlines and with high levels of professionalism.
Northbourne Designs were instrumental in creating the bar that we had envisioned. We receive compliments on our bar’s interior architecture regularly, which without Sally’s clever ideas and eye for detail wouldn’t have been the case. We loved working with Northbourne.”
Project Type: Hospitality – Interior Design
Where: Fitzroy, Melbourne
“The renovation to our home is more beautiful and the spaces work better than we could have imagined. Having Northbourne design both the architecture and the interiors removed the overwhelming amount of decision making, and the results are truly stunning – giving Northbourne creative licence was a fantastic decision. Northbourne’s attention to detail and genuine concern for getting things perfect made the company a joy to work with.”
Project Type: Renovation to a 3-bedroom double-storey single-fronted home
Where: Toorak, Melbourne
“Sally and the team from Northbourne transformed our pre 1970s home into a modern spacious light filled home. The beautiful bush landscape was incorporated into every aspect. Another important detail was storage which was designed with amazing precision. I would thoroughly recommend Northbourne who managed to embrace our needs budget and integrated beautiful design without breaking the budget.”
Project Type: Renovation – 3-bedroom family home
Where: Canberra
“During the process of building our house, we engaged Northbourne Architecture and Design to provide the lighting plan and custom built-in storage. We knew that getting the lighting and storage right was important as it can have a big impact on the feel of each space.
The plan Sally came up with was fantastic, with so much attention to detail, suggesting clever ways to use lighting and storage units to enhance different spaces. Both indoor and outdoor spaces were included.
She also included a list of suggested products, location of all powerpoints, media points and light switches.
It took so much stress out of the process for us. Highly recommend using this firm.”
Project Type: Lighting + Custom Joinery for a New Home
Where: Canberra
“Northbourne transformed our family home, from dull and outdated to absolutely fabulous. Sally was able to integrate all our needs (plentiful light, cosy living with fireplace, the right temperature whether it’s hot or cold outside, abundance of storage, maximising spaces) as well as creating a modern, beach house feel in the middle of an urban sprawl.
There is not a week that has gone by where either myself or my partner has not said ‘I love our house.’”
Project Type: Renovation + Extension to Existing Terrace House
Where: South Yarra, Melbourne