The key to luxury building success, at home or abroad

Perched on a plateau above a steeply sloping site, the Costa Brava House by Mathieson Architects is a luxury abode in north eastern Catalonia commanding panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Image credit: Romello Pereira.

It’s often said that for a high-end project, getting the architectural outcome you desire involves a perfect synchronicity between a great design, a willing client, and a talented builder. For Mathieson Architects, knowing how to select the right builder for each project is key to the success of the build, whether it’s at home or overseas.

Having completed numerous stunning projects in Australia and internationally, the Sydney-based practice has learned that finding the right builder doesn’t follow a single formula. The right builder might be appointed early in the process or brought on once the documentation is complete; they might be an established company or a younger team looking to make their mark. What matters most is the relationship between the people involved.

“The right builder is one who’s enthusiastic about the design and they want a good outcome,” says Mathieson Architects’ director, Phillip Mathieson. “Whether they come in early or after all the drawings are finished, they must be enthusiastic.”

This is particularly important on complex residential projects, where the architect, builder and client may be working together for many months or even years.

Mathieson Architects assesses the fit on a project-by-project basis rather than relying on a fixed group of preferred builders. Even with a contractor the practice has worked with before, there is an element of re-evaluation each time.

“They always need to sell themselves to the client and probably sell themselves to us a little bit each time as well, because who knows, maybe their team’s changed since we last worked with them,” Mathieson explains.

A stunning four-level residence in Bondi, was designed by Mathieson Architects to maximize a compact 120m2 site, featuring breathtaking views, high-quality finishes, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

For clients, that means looking beyond a tender price or a builder’s years in the industry. Experience is valuable, but so are communication skills, a genuine interest in achieving design not just build outcomes, and an ability to work with the wider team.

While the tendency, especially on high-end projects, is to choose the team with the most experience, there can sometimes be good reasons to choose a less established builder. A younger company may be particularly keen to take on a project that gives it the opportunity to build a flagship piece of work, for example. But the trade-off can be less experience or a less developed communication and administrative structure.

“That’s why you’re getting the deal,” Mathieson says. “If a client’s expecting more, it’s less about the outcome. It’s more about how much handholding and communication the clients need to feel comfortable.”

The same principles apply when the project is on the other side of the world, although there is an additional layer of complexity. When Mathieson Architects works internationally, the practice typically works alongside a local architect or firm that can navigate local approvals and regulatory requirements.

“We’re doing all the design and all the documentation and they’re just facilitating the approval side, occasionally giving advice on specific regulations,” says Mathieson.

A graphically simple composition, Red Hill House has been designed by Mathieson Architects with a singular approach to architecture, interiors and landscape.

Finding the right construction team overseas requires research into how building is organised in that particular location, as procurement, tendering and builder engagement can vary considerably between countries and even between cities.

On a recent project in Spain, Mathieson Architects arranged to communicate via video call, holding progress catch-ups across continents and time zones. The builder would walk around the site with an iPad, showing the architects what was happening and discussing challenges in real time as they arose.

“We would talk about any issues that were coming up, and make suggestions together about how to overcome the problem,” Mathieson recalls.

It is a simple example, but one that illustrates that international capability depends on building a strong local team, establishing clear communication and creating a way for decisions to be made while the work is happening.

For clients embarking on a luxury build, locally or overseas, that can be one of the most important decisions of all. The finished house may be the visible expression of the architect’s design, but the quality of the experience and the result depends on the people working together behind it.

For homeowners considering a renovation or new home in Australia or abroad, ArchiPro makes it easier to find the right people for the journey. Explore projects by leading architects and designers, and connect with professionals who can help turn complex briefs into luxury homes.