Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Residential Architecture Experts in Fairfield
Established in 2008, Windiate Architects is a boutique architectural practice led by Gary Windiate, a seasoned architect with over 20 years of experience in the UK and Australia. Our hands-on approach prioritises client collaboration, translating individual lifestyles and aspirations into functional, aesthetically pleasing designs. Specialising in residential projects, we focus on empathy and precision, addressing challenges in urban spaces, heritage renovations, and sustainability. Our team delivers end-to-end services, from concept design to construction administration, ensuring seamless project execution. With a portfolio spanning Melbourne and regional Victoria, we pride ourselves on creating spaces that harmonise with both people and their environments.Our commitment to accessibility ensures high-quality architectural solutions are attainable for all clients, regardless of project scale. Backed by long-standing partnerships with trusted consultants, we optimise budgets and timelines while maintaining design excellence. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, creativity, and ability to exceed expectations in complex projects. Our practice reflects a philosophy where every design decision enhances livability and future-proofing, ensuring homes evolve with their occupants' needs.
Services
Architectural Services
Feasibility Studies
Internal Replanning
Landscape Design
Town Planning
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Gary Windiate personally leads every project with 20+ years of architectural expertise.
- We specialise in complex residential projects requiring heritage sensitivity and urban ingenuity.
- Our end-to-end service ensures seamless project delivery from concept to completion.
- Client-focused approach prioritising individual lifestyle needs and budget optimisation.
- Proven track record in navigating Melbourne's planning regulations and approvals processes.
What people say
Professional and thorough
Creative solutions
Excellent service
Exceeded expectations
Seamless project delivery
Services
Architectural Services
Windiate Architects provides comprehensive architectural services from concept design to construction completion. Our end-to-end approach ensures design integrity throughout the project lifecycle, with Gary Windiate personally overseeing all stages. We specialise in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing residential spaces that adapt to evolving lifestyle needs while maintaining budgetary control.
Feasibility Studies
Our feasibility studies assess project viability through site analysis and concept planning. This service helps define project scope and budget parameters, offering a fixed-fee option that transitions seamlessly into full architectural services. We produce detailed existing conditions drawings and concept plans to guide informed decision-making.
Internal Replanning
We specialise in transforming interior spaces to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Our approach maintains structural integrity while modernising layouts for improved livability. Services include bathroom/kitchen redesigns and complete internal renovations tailored to specific client requirements and spatial constraints.
Landscape Design
Our landscape design services create cohesive transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. Collaborating with award-winning designers, we develop functional exterior spaces that complement architectural styles while addressing site-specific challenges like orientation and climate considerations.
Town Planning
We manage the complete town planning process for residential and commercial projects. Services include preparing planning applications, negotiating with councils, and securing permits. Our expertise ensures compliance with local regulations while maintaining design intent and project timelines.
People
Gary Windiate
Principal Architect
With over 20 years' experience in the UK and Australia, Gary Windiate leads every project personally. His expertise spans residential design, heritage renovations, and urban infill projects. Gary's client-focused approach combines creative vision with practical problem-solving to deliver tailored architectural solutions.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture including renovations, extensions, and new builds. Our services cover feasibility studies, concept design, town planning, and construction administration across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritise personal involvement, with Gary Windiate leading every project. Our process begins by understanding client lifestyles and aspirations, creating designs that evolve with their future needs through regular consultation and iterative design reviews.
Can you handle heritage-listed properties?
Yes, we have extensive experience with heritage renovations. Our approach maintains historical integrity while integrating modern functionality, successfully navigating council requirements for protected buildings across Melbourne's inner suburbs.
What areas do you service?
We work throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria, including areas from Windsor to Woodend, South Melbourne to the Yarra Valley, and coastal locations like Lorne and Cape Patterson.
How are your fees structured?
Our fees are tailored to project requirements, offering flexible service levels from comprehensive end-to-end management to specific design phases. Feasibility studies are available at fixed fees that apply toward full project costs.
Do you offer town planning assistance?
Yes, we manage the complete town planning process including permit applications, council negotiations, and compliance documentation. Our expertise ensures smooth approvals for both residential and commercial developments.
Reviews (6)
William Robb
Mar 14, 2021
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There were many challenges in the brief we gave to Gary. We wanted a contemporary house in a heritage area. We also wanted a house that would be easily accessible for older and disabled persons. The land is narrow and slopes to the rear. Gary worked collaboratively with us on the design; he listened and constructively resolved the many issues that confronted us. The Council provided very few guidelines in relation to these requirements, but Gary was able to work through the impediments and obtain the approvals. We wanted a modern house that would stand as an equal to the historic 1880s terraces
David Scaletti
Dec 16, 2020
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Before engaging Windiate Architects we carried out an extensive search of architects whose work appealed to us, and eventually narrowed the list down to three potential candidates. We then Interviewed each architect to decide which one we would engage. The deciding two factors that made us opt for Gary was that we liked what we saw in his resume, and importantly to us, we felt we could best work with Gary on an ongoing basis. Simply put, there was an easy relationship between us that made us feel that the process of designing our home would be a pleasant experience with Gary. During initial
Michael Taylor
Nov 14, 2020
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We're midway through a fairly major project with Gary and have found him and his team invaluable in delivering against our intent (and the design requirements we didn't know we had). Windiate Architects have an excellent grasp of functional design and have made the absolute best of our challenging site dynamics.
Gary in particular also has a great manner and is a good problem solver.
Gary in particular also has a great manner and is a good problem solver.
Ali T.
Jan 11, 2019
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We met with several architects before choosing Gary Windiate to work with us on the design of a major renovation and extension to our heritage listed home. We could not be happier with our choice. Being a builder by trade and my wife with a keen eye for design, we both wanted to be hands-on during both the design and construction phases. Gary was very flexible to accommodate our involvement and structured his service offering and costing proposal to reflect that. He was such a calm yet dynamic force throughout the long process. He is supported by a skilled team and together they successfully managed
Tally Konstas
Nov 17, 2018
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After speaking to a number of architects it was a difficult decision and we ultimately selected the person we felt the most comfortable with in entrusting him with designing our family home in St Kilda West. We couldn't have made a better decision as Gary was instrumental in coming up with extremely visually effective, practical and cost effective designs which is very rare that I can use these 3 words in the same sentence. Furthermore his knowledge with planning controls in an heritage overlay area made the project efficient and took out the guess work. We have been so impressed and pleased with
Lisa Montague
Jul 07, 2018
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We engaged Windiate Architects in both consultation and design services. Gary Windiate and his team were great to work with, professional and prompt in response to questions. Gary's creativity, commitment, passion and desire to fulfill our vision was a joy to behold. We highly recommend Windiate Architects for their residential design and expertise.
