Melbourne's Developer's Architect. 210+ development projects. Registered architect-led from feasibility through to permit. We help developers understand what their sites can deliver — and then design to maximise development potential.
Free 30-minute strategy session · No obligation
Most developers spend weeks choosing a site and days choosing their architect. That's backwards. Your architect's approach to yield, council strategy, and design economics directly impacts whether your project hits its margin targets—or falls short.
Optimises for aesthetics and design awards
Treats council as an obstacle to work around
Hourly rates — costs escalate unpredictably
Limited understanding of development margins
Treats every project the same, regardless of type
Speaks in architectural jargon, not ROI
Optimises for yield per sqm and ROI
Aligns with council as a stakeholder from day one
Fixed fees — your quoted price is your final price
Every design decision filters through commercial viability
Specialises in developer projects: dual occ, townhouse, apartments
Speaks developer: GDV, margins, feasibility, yields
Find out what your block could become — dwelling capacity, council requirements, and whether the numbers stack up.
Check Your Site's Potential →Free instant result — no sign-up required
You know you need an architect. See why Melbourne's smartest developers choose us for yield-optimised designs and 98% approval rates.
Book a Strategy Call →Free 30-minute consultation
SQM Architects is a Melbourne-based architectural practice specialising in property development projects across the eastern suburbs. With over 15 years of industry experience, our ARBV-registered team has delivered over 210 development projects—including dual occupancies, townhouses, and apartment buildings—with a 98% planning approval rate. Our clients have achieved a 67% repeat client rate. We operate under Victorian planning regulations including Clauses 54, 55, and 56 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
We built this tool so you’d never have to pay for a basic feasibility check. Powered by Victorian Government data — results in 60 seconds.
Each Melbourne council has different requirements and approval processes. Working with someone who knows your council can save significant time.
Many sites have more development potential than owners realise. The right zoning analysis can reveal opportunities that significantly improve your returns.
Projects designed with council requirements in mind from day one face fewer delays and amendments. Strategy matters more than luck.
Curious about your specific site? Talk to an architect
Start with our free 7-Point Site Assessment Checklist — the screening framework experienced Melbourne developers use to evaluate sites from their desk.
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From feasibility to permit-ready projects. Architecture designed to support your development goals across all project types.
Custom homes, architectural renovations and extensions. Thoughtful design that enhances how you live.
End-to-end project support from council strategy to construction. Expert guidance at every stage of development.
After years of watching Melbourne developers pay for beautiful designs that didn’t stack up financially, our founder Sammi built a practice around one idea: your architect should be your most profitable hire — not your most expensive.
While other architects discuss form and materiality, we discuss GRV, yield-focused design, and approval strategy. Our practice was built specifically for developers who measure success in returns—not design awards.
Every design decision filters through a commercial lens. We’ve walked away from projects that don’t stack up financially, and we’ll tell you honestly if yours won’t either.
Zoning, overlays, and profit potential assessed
Maximum yield within planning constraints
Council-specific approach and lodgement
Cost optimisation without compromising value
Documentation and builder coordination
Google Reviews
I recently had a 30-minute strategy consultation with Sammi to discuss a potential renovation, and it was incredibly valuable. She was approachable, honest, and clearly very knowledgeable. Sammi took the time to understand my initial ideas and offered thoughtful insights and practical considerations that I hadn’t previously thought about. It was a genuinely helpful session, and I appreciated her balanced advice and openness. I would happily recommend her to others considering architectural advice for a professional renovation.
We were first time developers and had no idea where to start. The team walked us through everything step by step from the initial feasibility right through to construction drawings. No surprises with fees either which was refreshing. They even helped us understand what questions to ask the builder. Would definitely use them again for our next project.
Today I discussed a problem regarding my deck extension and access to it I had a reasonable idea of rules and regulations. However Sammi's advice was clear, concise and very illuminating. Her information crystallized what i need to do going forward and for that I am extremely grateful I initially found SQM architects online website whilst googling for information on decks and ramps in Victoria I found their site to be so clear easy to comprehend Des Ryan Warrnambool Vic
We needed SQM on short notice to conduct a review of a property we were thinking of purchasing to help assess any potential overshadowing and overlooking issues if we were to add a second story. They were responsive, friendly, thorough, and took the time to talk through the final report. Thanks Sammi.
Used SQM for our duplex in Templestowe. Sammi knew exactly what Manningham council would and wouldnt approve which saved us a lot of back and forth. Got our permit first go. The whole process from initial sketches to final approval took about 4 months which was faster than we expected. The team was always available to answer questions and the fixed fee meant no budget surprises. Highly recommend for anyone looking to develop in Melbourne.
Second time using SQM for a development in Box Hill. They remembered our preferences from the first project which made things much quicker. The drafting team is very responsive and Sammi really knows how to navigate Whitehorse council requirements. Already planning our third project with them.
I would like to express my gratitude towards SQM Architects (Sammi) for going above and beyond to assist us with an issue we are having with our newly constructed home due to issues with a neighboring property. Sammi was generous with her time and provided valuable knowledge. She was patient in explaining the steps to resolve our issue and showed genuine interest in helping us. Thanks, Conrad
Thank you SQM! Great design and alway appreciate your friendly advices.
Every commitment below is contractual, not marketing. If we fall short, there are consequences — and you’ll see them in writing before you sign.
If your site doesn’t stack up commercially, we’ll tell you before you spend a cent on design. We’ve turned away $200K+ in potential fees because the projects didn’t work for our clients. Your interests come first — even when it costs us.
Book a strategy call and walk away with actionable clarity about your site’s potential — whether you hire us or not. No sales pitch. No ‘we need to scope this first.’ You’ll know your site’s development capacity, likely council issues, and ballpark feasibility within 30 minutes.
Your quoted fee is your final fee, confirmed in a written agreement before any work begins. No hourly creep. No ‘additional scope’ surprises. If anything falls outside the agreed scope, we discuss and quote it separately — before we touch it.
Our pre-purchase feasibility assessment starts from $1,500. The wrong site choice costs $100,000+. For a fraction of a typical project budget, you’ll know exactly what’s buildable, what council will require, and whether the numbers work — before you commit.
98% planning approval rate across 210+ Melbourne projects. We design with council requirements built into every decision from day one. If a design issue causes a refusal, we redesign at no additional cost.
Your core developer strengths
End-to-end project delivery
Free Strategy Call
You’ve seen the numbers. Now get the strategy. A 30-minute session with our Principal Architect to map your project’s profit potential and approval pathway.
210+ developers have started here. We’ll tell you honestly if we’re the right fit.
Property development success in Melbourne's eastern suburbs starts with understanding both the planning system and the developer's financial goals. We design for returns, not awards.
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A free strategy session with our Principal Architect — your site’s dwelling capacity, estimated margin, and approval pathway. Yours whether you hire us or not.
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