Architest

About

Well, where do we start? We could go all the way back to 1981, when a wide eyed boy was asked by his prep teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up. An Architect wasn't the popular answer, but after eleven firemen and enough football players to field a team, it seemed only fair to be honest. That budding Architect had to then wait another 23 years to marry a girl who's prep teacher probably received exactly the same answer.

8 years later, in 2012, Natalie and Simon Castle started Architest, a full service Architectural, Interior Design and Project Management firm with a twist.

The twist? It's not being one of Melbourne's most highly regarded architectural agencies, although we are. It's not delivering amazing results for each and every one of our clients no matter what the budget, although we do.

Architest is the only firm in the country that can build a full sized physical model of your project before construction even begins. Sounds weird right? It's not. You test drive a car. You try on clothes. We simply give you the chance to try out your house, and make sure it's right, before building starts. It avoids variation costs and takes the anxiety out of the decision making process, and let's face it, building anything is stressful. Just think about the last time you put something together from Ikea!

A full sized model is only one optional part of our process though. We are happy to hold your hand and guide you through every part of design, complex council applications, tendering out to builders and all the way through construction.

Our whole aim is to help you realise your vision and make sure that you feel right at home.

Mock Up Testing

Testimonials

We were really nervous about building our new home in Mont Albert North, but with Architest on board it was such a fun and STRESS FREE experience. We love our new home, they did an awesome job.

- Marg Anderson (Mont Albert New Build)

New testimonial source

Brilliant work from the team at Architest. They lead a full redesign and renovation for our property in Camberwell. OUTSTANDING project management from Simon. Check it out here:

- Craig Scroggie (Camberwell Renovation)

New testimonial source

After considerable research in planning for our major renovation project we made the best decision in the appointment of Architest. Their vision for our home, DESIGN SKILL, attention to detail, understanding of our requirements, project management and professionalism were all incredible. It really made the process so enjoyable from beginning to end. Architest were involved all the way through design, throughout the build, and we even took advantage of their mock up service to make sure we got everything 100% right before we even went out to tender, which they also helped us with. We absolutely love our home, and absolutely loved working with Architest. We could not recommend them any higher.

- Amber M. (Balwyn Renovation)

New testimonial source

After significant research Architest was whom we chose to design and assist us with the build of our dream home in Warranwood. This is a complex build and it was paramount to us that we retained the services of an architect whom would be able to understand and implement our stringent design requirements. Architest has EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS in all aspects of the design criteria and has been providing fantastic knowledge and service in assisting us in bringing the design to its implementation

- Ash Ross (Warranwood New Build)

New testimonial source

Simon and Architest have put together an AWESOME design which is currently coming to fruition. Attention to detail has been wonderful, and the design choices are looking awesome. Simon has responded in a timely fashion when additional information has been required on site, and the builder has been very happy working with him.

- Peter Robinson (Camberwell Renovation)

New testimonial source

The best way to start a build is with Architest! Architects, graphic designers, builder contacts (optional) but the best thing is seeing your Reno/new build before you even dig a hole. You get to walk through your house and work out spaces, if the window would look better over there etc. The people at Architest are so easy to work with and full of FANTASTIC ideas. Highly recommended if it's your first Reno/new build of your 10th!

- Belinda F (Mont Albert New Build)

New testimonial source

We used the services of Architest when renovating our home recently. They looked after everything from actual bathroom, wardrope and kitchen designs to sourcing quotes for building work to then overseeing the actual project on our behalf to finally providing on-going interior design consultations.

We could not be happier with the results and think they did a beautiful job. Simon and Natalie were a delight to work with. Extremely personable, professional, HONEST AND GENUINE.

I believe they charge a very fair price for an outstanding service. I could not recommend them more!

- Fiona G. (Ivanhoe Renovation)

New testimonial source

Architest are a unique company who built our new home's floorplan to scale in their warehouse using foam blocks. It was a brilliant way for someone like me to visualise what our new home would look like in terms of spatial awareness, positioning of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, windows, doors and even our staircase. It really bought our potential renovation/build to life.

The 2 walk-throughs of our home allowed us to change some ideas and tweek some rooms we weren't sure about before we submitted our final plans to Council. Thanks to Simon and his team for having the initiative to develop such an IMPRESSIVE service that is sure to be a winner for all future renovators. Can't believe it has never been thought of before.

- Lara Heavyside (Camberwell Heritage Renovation)

Our dealings with Architest were extremely positive. The team at Architest were professional and understanding to our needs. Having the opportunity to see the actual size of rooms and areas such as kitchens and bathrooms allowed us to renovate the home