Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Melbourne
Established in 1996 by Annick Houle and Stephen O'Connor, our architecture, interiors, and landscape design practice operates globally from inner-city Melbourne. With over 30 years of combined experience, we specialise in creating award-winning residential, cultural, and commercial projects that celebrate cultural heritage, environmental context, and human-centric design. Our principal-led approach ensures meticulous attention to detail across all project phases, from initial briefs to construction execution.Recognised as one of Australia's leading design practices, we maintain strong industry affiliations through university lectures and professional forums. Our work consistently appears in major architectural publications and has received numerous accolades, including multiple National Houses Awards and Victorian Architecture Awards. We prioritise sustainable, multi-layered environments that stimulate the senses while delivering tailored spaces that promote wellbeing and belonging.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Urban Planning
Cultural Projects
Residential Design
Commercial Buildings
Museum Design
Education Facilities
Wineries
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of global architectural experience with award-winning designs
- Our principal-led approach ensures direct expertise on every project
- We integrate sustainable practices with cultural and environmental sensitivity
- Our work appears in major international architectural publications
- We maintain dual architectural registrations in Victoria and New South Wales
Associations and certifications
- Australian Institute of Architects
- Architects Registration Board of Victoria
- NSW Architects Registration Board
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services create contextually responsive spaces that balance functionality with aesthetic innovation. Specialising in residential, cultural, and commercial projects, we deliver tailored solutions that enhance environmental sustainability while maintaining strict budget parameters. With global experience across 20+ countries, our designs consistently achieve award-winning results through meticulous attention to detail and client collaboration.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that reflect occupants' lifestyles while optimising spatial efficiency. Our approach integrates material selection, lighting design, and ergonomic considerations to create spaces that evolve with users' needs. Recent projects demonstrate our ability to transform both heritage and contemporary buildings into functional, aesthetically cohesive environments.
Landscape Design
Our landscape architecture connects built environments with natural contexts through sustainable planting schemes and hardscape elements. Services include site analysis, ecological restoration, and outdoor living space creation. Recent work demonstrates expertise in integrating native vegetation with modern architectural forms while maintaining biodiversity.
Cultural Projects
Specialising in cultural institutions, we design spaces that enhance public engagement with art and history. Our portfolio includes museum extensions, gallery renovations, and heritage conservation projects. Each solution balances preservation requirements with modern accessibility standards while creating immersive visitor experiences through strategic spatial planning.
Residential Design
We create bespoke residential environments that respond to clients' lifestyles and site conditions. Services range from new home construction to property renovations and adaptive reuse. Our approach prioritises natural light integration, energy efficiency, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections while maintaining strict adherence to local council regulations.
People
Stephen O'Connor
Principal Architect
BA (Hons) McGILL, BFA, BArch (Hons) RISD, MDS HARVARD, Grad Dip Landscape Design UNI of MELBOURNE. Registered Architect ARBV, NSWARB. 30+ years experience across institutional, commercial and residential projects in Melbourne, Sydney, London and New York.
Annick Houle
Principal Architect
BA (Hons) McGILL, BFA, BArch (Hons) RISD, MDS HARVARD, Grad Dip Landscape Design UNI of MELBOURNE. Registered Architect ARBV. 25+ years experience in cultural projects and landscape design, with particular expertise in heritage conservation and institutional architecture.
Questions
What architectural styles does O'Connor and Houle specialise in?
We create contextually appropriate designs that blend modern functionality with historical sensitivity. Our portfolio includes contemporary residences, heritage restorations, and institutional buildings that respect their environmental and cultural contexts.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our practice manages diverse projects including private residences, museums, education facilities, wineries, and commercial buildings. We maintain equal expertise across both sectors with dedicated principal oversight.
What areas do you service?
While based in Melbourne, we undertake projects across Australia and internationally. Our team has completed successful projects in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and multiple overseas locations.
Are your architects registered professionals?
Both principals hold current architectural registrations in Victoria and New South Wales. We maintain active memberships with the Australian Institute of Architects and regularly contribute to industry forums.
What sustainability practices do you incorporate?
We integrate passive design principles, local material sourcing, and energy-efficient systems into all projects. Our approach prioritises environmental responsiveness while maintaining design integrity and functional requirements.
How are project timelines managed?
We establish detailed project schedules during briefing stages, with regular progress reviews. Our principal-led approach ensures efficient decision-making while maintaining flexibility for client input throughout the design process.
