We engaged Kirsten of Kirsten Johnstone Architecture following a recommendation from a builder and friend, for a large renovation just over 2 years ago.

From the first site meeting I had complete confidence in Kirsten and her ability to understand what we were after. I wasn't wrong!! Not only has Kirsten designed an amazing house, she has now turned it into a home with some incredible styling. Kirsten listened to what we were after and didn't push her own vision onto us.

The project has only recently finished following 2 years of constant works and Kirsten was there right the way through the process. The home we have, is now an amazing mix of what we wanted and Kirsten's many design ideas. The family love each and every space created and we know that the home will be well used for many years to come.

I will definitely be using Kirsten for the next project, whether its a home to live in or a weekend getaway.

We were referred to Kirsten Johnstone Architecture to help bring our home ideas to reality. We were looking to create a place that is contemporary, natural and most of all respected the National Trust - Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) of the surrounding area. Kirsten worked with us every step of the way and at all times had to balance our dreams with Council requirements and the challenges of the SLO.

We have attached some photos of our favourite design features that Kirsten created for us. These include a rammed earth wall, a custom-designed natural timber staircase complete with modern handrail leading to an uninterrupted treetop view and a beautiful exterior that will over time blend back into an indigenous landscape.

We've ended up with a home where local residents and passers-by are constantly giving us positive feedback. The one thing that's always said is your home looks like it belongs to the area. This means everything to us as we at all times wanted to create a home that was respectful now and for many years to come. We would not have achieved this result without the professionalism and experience of Kirsten.

We engaged Kirsten to design a home that incorporated many aspects that we like from Japanese architecture, while still being faithful to a modern western home.

Right from the outset we knew that Kristen had a high attention to detail. For our first meeting she had already understood all the planning overlays (and there were quite a few) for our block and the challenges this may have for our design. This gave us a great deal of comfort. 

Kirsten is upfront and honest about what is and is not feasible. The KJA team's interaction with the council along the way also very encouraging and whatever the council required was provided in a timely manner and with the outcome we were after. In one instance this meant arguing for (and receiving) a special dispensation for one breach of the block's restrictions. The ultimate design was quite innovative in how it delivered on our brief whilst managing the restrictions. 

We also liked the way the KJA team provided good examples of materials and fixtures we might use to give life to the design. For time poor people this was very helpful indeed.

Our overall experience was a very good one and we would have no hesitation in recommending Kirsten and her team to someone who wishes to design a bespoke home to enjoy!

Kirsten was our architect for every stage of a major renovation of a heritage home in Richmond. We initially selected Kirsten because of her professional approach and her design ideas for our home. Kirsten listened carefully to what we wanted and developed and integrated these ideas into what has turned out to be a fabulous space and home. We valued her guidance, advice and management through each stage of the process from initial design to dealing with our local council and the tender process to engage a builder.

During the build she was exceptional in her attention to detail and management of the build on our behalf. Her interior design skills were an additional plus during the build in ensuring a very polished and well thought out final outcome. We always felt like she was our advocate in what was at times a stressful renovation process.

We would highly recommend Kirsten to anyone considering a renovation. 

We hired Kirsten to prepare concept designs and subsequently detailed documentation for the complete renovation of our home in Brunswick.

Kirsten was a pleasure to deal with and highly collaborative in her approach. Her design approach was first class and her thoughtful consideration throughout the detailing has meant we have many lovely design features throughout our home. She prepared all tender documentation and supported us in selection of our builder. During the build she was available to answer queries and completed the final handover inspection.

I have no hesitation in highly recommending Kirsten and would absolutely use her again.

We have engaged Kirsten on three different home renovation projects. We have been extremely happy with the design process and outcome from each project. Kirsten's creativity, flexibility and professionalism enabled us to achieve excellent outcomes. Kirsten was great to work with as she was very responsive and communicated regularly with us throughout the projects.

Kirsten was strongly focussed on meeting our requirements throughout the design and construction process but also offered creative and innovative design ideas. She was able to provide many thoughtfully considered, cost effective and visually appealing design features as we moved forward. These attributes assisted us to achieve attractive and highly functional living spaces in each case.

We strongly commend KJ architecture for any prospective home builder or renovator seeking bold but practical architectural designs.