Top-Rated Architect Near You In Berry Sydney - Michael Bell Architects Since 1998
Michael Bell Architects is a leading architectural practice delivering residential, rural, and heritage projects throughout Berry and the Shoalhaven. With decades of experience navigating local planning controls, heritage overlays, and bushfire zones, we specialise in crafting architecturally significant homes that respond to Berry’s village character, escarpment settings, and regional identity.
Schedule 30 Min Free ConsultationTrusted and Experienced Architects for Berry & The South Coast
With over 25 years of award-winning practice across Berry and the Shoalhaven, we specialise in architecturally significant residential and heritage design. Our portfolio spans rural estates and Georgian-style restorations, with standout projects like Luanja Estate reflecting Shoalhaven’s built legacy. We’re trusted for crafting bushfire-resilient, council-compliant homes with timeless design integrity across NSW’s South Coast.
Established Excellence and Award-Winning Designs
Michael Bell Architects creates high-performance residential and heritage architecture throughout Berry, Shoalhaven, and the NSW South Coast. With over 25 years of experience, we design climate-responsive rural homes, architecturally significant lifestyle properties, and period house renovations that reflect local identity, built character, and planning compliance.
Our design work ranges from bushfire-compliant homesteads on acreage to adaptive reuse of Georgian, Federation, and Victorian dwellings in heritage conservation areas. Each home is tailored to site, orientation, and material context, integrating seamlessly with Berry’s village scale, Shoalhaven’s escarpment edge landscapes, and regional architectural traditions.
Our leadership in rural and heritage architecture has been recognised with the National Trust NSW Award for conservation. We are also featured in leading design publications including The Wall Street Journal, Kanebridge Quarterly, and Australian Country Magazine. These honours confirm our standing as trusted residential and heritage architects delivering enduring, contextually intelligent architecture in southern New South Wales.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Projects
Michael Bell Architects has earned national recognition for conservation architecture that respects and reactivates historical buildings. Guided by the Burra Charter, our approach is curatorial, precise, and deeply contextual. The National Trust NSW Award affirms our commitment to preserving regional heritage while adapting historic homes for contemporary life across Berry and the Shoalhaven.
Architectural Services for Berry's Homes
Heritage Restoration
Preserve Berry’s historical charm with our expert restorations, blending timeless heritage with the functionality of modern living.
Residential Design & Renovations
From family homes to luxury additions, our designs enhance life style while aligning with Berry’s architectural character.
Sustainable Design
We prioritise Eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, designing sustainable, forward-thinking homes for Sydney’s urban environment.
Our process.
Our process begins by developing a comprehensive brief and conducting in-depth site analysis. We assess topography, climate, orientation, view corridors, and any environmental or heritage constraints. This research forms the foundation of a site-responsive design strategy tailored to your goals. From the outset, we align concept development with the regulatory context of Berry and the Shoalhaven.
Schematic design evolves into detailed development drawings that form the basis of your Development Application. We prepare all technical documentation required by Shoalhaven City Council, including Heritage Impact Statements, Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) reports, and consultant coordination. Our experience ensures a streamlined and compliant application, reducing risk and improving clarity for all stakeholders.
During construction, we oversee contract administration and quality assurance to maintain design intent through every stage. We collaborate with master builders, heritage trades, and consultants to deliver precision-built outcomes that reflect our architectural vision. This end-to-end approach ensures each home is crafted with integrity, resilience, and enduring value within its landscape and planning context.
Explore Our Projects in Berry and Surrounding Neighborhoods
Testimonials: See What Customers Say in Berry or Nearby Areas
Tom Walsh
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.
Linda, Agnes Banks
“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.”
The Experts Behind Every Project
Michael Bell
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
Michele Bell
General Manager
Contact Us – Start Your Project in Berry Today
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.
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How can we help you?
What makes Michael Bell Architects a leading residential architect in Berry?
Michael Bell Architects is known for delivering bespoke residential designs that respect Berry’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.
Do you handle Woollahra Council development approvals for Berry homes?
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.
Are you experienced in heritage restoration projects in Berry?
Absolutely. We specialise in sensitive restoration of Federation homes, Art Deco residences, and heritage-listed properties within Berry’s conservation areas. Our expertise ensures heritage integrity is preserved while enhancing comfort and modern living standards.
How do you integrate sustainable architecture into Berry home designs?
Our designs incorporate passive solar principles, water efficiency, local material selection, and resilient building methods suited to Berry’s marine climate. Sustainability is embedded in both heritage restorations and new contemporary homes.
Can you design modern homes that complement Berry’s character?
Yes. As luxury architects Sydney residents trust, we create contemporary homes that respect the scale, rhythm, and material palette of Berry’s streetscapes while offering modern living spaces designed for coastal lifestyles.
Do you manage the entire architectural process for Berry projects?
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.
What types of residential projects do you specialise in for Berry?
We specialise in bespoke homes, heritage restorations, dual occupancy developments, and contemporary infill housing tailored to Berry’s unique topography, planning regulations, and harbourside setting.
How do you approach view-sharing regulations in Berry?
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.
What sets Michael Bell Architects apart from other architects in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs?
Our deep local knowledge of Berry, 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.
Do you design homes specifically for Berry’s coastal climate and terrain?
Yes. Our site-responsive designs address steep slopes, flood-prone areas, salt exposure, and harbourfront challenges. We select materials and building techniques suited to Berry’s coastal environment for longevity and performance.
Can you assist with heritage impact statements for Berry projects?
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.
How long does it take to complete a residential project in Berry?
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.
Do you offer luxury residential design services in Berry?
Yes. Michael Bell Architects Sydney specialises in luxury residences, combining bespoke design with high-quality materials, refined detailing, and thoughtful spatial planning that enhances Berry’s premium lifestyle.
What is your approach to client collaboration on Berry projects?
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.
Why should I choose Michael Bell Architects Sydney for my Berry home?
With a proven track record, expertise in heritage and coastal architecture, and a personalised approach to each project, Michael Bell Architects is trusted by Berry homeowners seeking high-quality, contextually responsive, and enduring residential design.