




Michael Bell Architects specialises in residential design in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, with over 25 years of experience. We create custom homes and restore heritage properties located in conservation zones, with careful consideration of harbour views, council controls, and long-term living needs across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Schedule 30 Min Free ConsultationMichael Bell Architects brings decades of architectural experience to projects in Bellevue Hill. Our work responds to heritage-listed properties, conservation zones, and the planning controls of Woollahra Council. We design homes for steep sites with harbour or ocean views, adapting to the local climate and context. Styles range from Inter-war and Art Deco to refined contemporary, using materials that balance durability, character, and site conditions.
Michael Bell Architects has built a legacy of residential architecture in Bellevue Hill that reflects both design excellence and local insight. With more than 25 years of experience in the area, the practice is known for creating homes that respond to steep terrain, harbour views, and the planning controls that shape one of Sydney’s most historically layered suburbs.
A notable example is the transformation of an Art Deco home that had undergone a poorly considered 1980s conversion. Originally two apartments merged into one, the structure lacked spatial cohesion. The redesign re-established balance through improved circulation, open planning, and careful preservation of original detailing. The result is a light-filled, contextually respectful home with enduring value.
Across Bellevue Hill, the studio continues to deliver work that responds to conservation requirements, view corridors and challenging site conditions. Projects are resolved through scale, proportion and material restraint. Each home reinforces the architectural identity of the suburb and contributes to its ongoing legacy of considered residential design.
Michael Bell Architects has established a legacy of award-winning homes throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales. Known for heritage-sensitive design and work recognised by the National Trust (NSW), the studio delivers projects that honour local character, respond to planning frameworks, and contribute to the evolving fabric of residential architecture.
Preserve Bellevue Hill’s historical charm with our expert restorations, blending timeless heritage with the functionality of modern living.
From family homes to luxury additions, our designs enhance life style while aligning with Bellevue Hill’s architectural character.
We prioritise Eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, designing sustainable, forward-thinking homes for Sydney’s urban environment.
Designing in Bellevue Hill begins with your goals. Every home is shaped by how you want to live, the opportunities within your site, and the planning regulations that guide what’s possible. Zoning, height, floor space ratio, and setbacks are assessed under Woollahra Council’s LEP and DCP. If a site includes a heritage listing or falls within a conservation zone, the process includes engagement with heritage consultants and the preparation of Heritage Impact Statements.
Site conditions such as slope, harbour views, orientation, and privacy influence early design decisions. Each project is developed using passive solar strategies, BASIX-compliant features, and spatial planning that enhances light, flow, and thermal comfort. Throughout the design phase, input is collaborative, ensuring outcomes reflect both intent and compliance.
As the design takes shape, architectural style and material resolution are guided by context and character. Some homes align with Bellevue Hill’s Inter-war or Art Deco heritage, while others introduce contemporary form. Every detail is reviewed in partnership to ensure your vision is realised within planning parameters and built with clarity and purpose.
Master Builder
It has been my pleasure to work with Michael Bell and his office over the past 20 years. He has a unique sensitivity to clients, tradesmen and building codes which culminates in the delivery of an outstanding finished residence. While exercising his endless creativity he has a keen sense for practical solutions on and off site which results in much loved homes which are comfortable to live in, and his commercial projects get praise and recognition from all his clients.
“We couldn’t be happier with what Michael and Michele have done,” Linda adds. “In my entire life I never dreamed I would have a home like I do now. The difference that they have made to my functionality is unbelievable. When you live at work, it can be difficult to switch off. But now I can go into the house and look around and know that I have chosen every single thing in it, I feel such a sense of refuge and distance from the business. It’s still right there on the doorstep, but it feels much more removed.”
Principal Architect
Michael has an enthusiastic interest and modern approach to classic design, providing his clients with homes to suit their personalities, family, and lifestyles. He has a deep understanding of how beautifully articulated buildings enrich the lives of current and future owners. With over 30 years’ experience in the high-end residential sector in both Town and Country areas, many people have witnessed their properties transformed into stunningly beautiful and extremely high value investments. Hailing from rural Victoria, Michael's background has instilled in him a resourceful mindset, infusing his approach to both life and work with a pragmatic sensibility. Every client’s needs are different, and this individuality is the cornerstone of the bespoke designs he conceives for them. Michael's passion for exploring less-travelled parts of the world has gifted him with a profound appreciation for a diverse range of architectural styles and their charming idiosyncrasies. Beyond his professional life, he finds joy in riding the waves as an avid surfer and actively participates in grassroots motorsport, making him a multifaceted creative soul.
B Arch, UTS. Reg Arch NSW 6335 Vic 6492
Michele's career spanning three decades, combines the realms of business management and design, delivering invaluable benefits to countless clients. Her journey with MBA, has allowed her to cultivate an extensive knowledge of the design and architecture industry. In her current role as General Manager, Michele orchestrates the seamless operation of MBA day to day. With a strong understanding of our clients' needs, she serves as an exceptional liaison across all facets of our organization. Michele's ability to navigate between financial matters and design solutions, staff necessities, and the meticulous assessment of builder's claims (just to name a few) exemplifies her multifaceted expertise, making her an indispensable asset to MBA.
Assoc Dip Business Management, Dip Interior Design
General Manager
If you’re ready for an initial complimentary consultation with Michael, please book a date and time convenient below.
Initial consultations are limited to 30 mins at no charge, via video call or face to face in our Ultimo studio. If you would like Michael to attend your site, he would be pleased to do so, however an hourly rate fee will be charged.
Michael Bell Architects is known for delivering bespoke residential designs that respect Bellevue Hill’s heritage, coastal environment, and community values. With over 25 years of experience in high-end residential architecture, we specialise in homes that balance timeless design with modern functionality.
Yes. We have extensive experience with Woollahra Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Heritage Conservation Areas, foreshore building lines, and view-sharing policies. We manage the entire approval process, ensuring your project meets local planning controls.
Absolutely. We specialise in sensitive restoration of Federation homes, Art Deco residences, and heritage-listed properties within Bellevue Hill’s conservation areas. Our expertise ensures heritage integrity is preserved while enhancing comfort and modern living standards.
Our designs incorporate passive solar principles, water efficiency, local material selection, and resilient building methods suited to Bellevue Hill’s marine climate. Sustainability is embedded in both heritage restorations and new contemporary homes.
Yes. As luxury architects Sydney residents trust, we create contemporary homes that respect the scale, rhythm, and material palette of Bellevue Hill’s streetscapes while offering modern living spaces designed for coastal lifestyles.
We provide end-to-end services from initial concept design, Woollahra Council approvals, detailed documentation, contractor coordination, through to construction oversight. Our client-centred process ensures a smooth journey from start to finish.
We specialise in bespoke homes, heritage restorations, dual occupancy developments, and contemporary infill housing tailored to Bellevue Hill’s unique topography, planning regulations, and harbourside setting.
Our design strategies carefully consider neighbouring views and council view-sharing principles. We optimise building forms, setbacks, and heights to achieve desirable outlooks while maintaining planning compliance.
Our deep local knowledge of Bellevue Hill, combined with a legacy of award-winning design, personal attention to every client, and a strong understanding of heritage, coastal design, and council regulations, makes us a trusted architectural partner in the Eastern Suburbs.
Yes. Our site-responsive designs address steep slopes, flood-prone areas, salt exposure, and harbourfront challenges. We select materials and building techniques suited to Bellevue Hill’s coastal environment for longevity and performance.
Yes. We prepare comprehensive Heritage Impact Statements (HIS) as part of development applications, ensuring all works align with Woollahra Council’s heritage guidelines and contribute positively to the local character.
Timelines vary by project scope. Typically, design and approval stages take 3–6 months, while construction ranges from 6–12 months. We provide realistic timeframes and manage every phase to keep your project on track.
Yes. Michael Bell Architects Sydney specialises in luxury residences, combining bespoke design with high-quality materials, refined detailing, and thoughtful spatial planning that enhances Bellevue Hill’s premium lifestyle.
We prioritise transparent communication and collaborative design, ensuring your vision is reflected in every aspect of the project. Our tailored approach delivers homes that are both highly personal and contextually sensitive.
With a proven track record, expertise in heritage and coastal architecture, and a personalised approach to each project, Michael Bell Architects is trusted by Bellevue Hill homeowners seeking high-quality, contextually responsive, and enduring residential design.