




Michael Bell Architects is the leading architectural practice for Kerrabee Park and the Upper Hunter Valley, with over 25 years of proven, on-the-ground experience. We specialise in creating exceptional country homesteads and executing award-winning heritage restorations. Our designs are a direct reflection of the local landscape, and we have a definitive track record of expertly navigating the Mid-Western Regional Council's rural, heritage, and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) planning controls.
Schedule 30 Min Free ConsultationMichael Bell Architects designs and delivers exceptional rural homes in Kerrabee Park and across the Upper Hunter Valley. With over 25 years of first-hand experience, we are a leading authority in creating new country estates and restoring heritage properties. Our expertise ensures every project successfully navigates the specific planning controls of the Mid-Western Regional Council, including those for rural, heritage, and BAL bushfire-rated sites.
Since 1998, our firm has led the way in designing homes that master the challenges of the Upper Hunter climate. We create custom homes that act as sanctuaries, working with the elements to provide shade from the harsh summer sun and warmth during cold winters. By using smart passive design, we carefully position each home to capture winter sun and cooling breezes. This approach delivers outstanding comfort all year round while significantly reducing energy costs.
Our designs are inspired by the region's architectural heritage. We draw on the timeless forms of classic homesteads, stone farmhouses, and early agricultural buildings, adapting their practical wisdom for modern country living. We integrate features like wide, shaded verandahs, which are essential for connecting indoor and outdoor life. Our material choices focus on durability and local character, using resilient Australian hardwoods like Ironbark, locally sourced sandstone, and classic corrugated steel.
This blend of heritage respect and modern design has earned us national recognition, including a prestigious National Trust NSW Award for conservation. This award, along with features in major publications like The Wall Street Journal and Australian Country Magazine, confirms our standing as leading rural architects. It is proof that we create homes of authentic character and quality, with a deep and lasting connection to the Upper Hunter landscape.
Our National Trust NSW Award is a formal acknowledgement of our expertise by the highest heritage body in the state. This peer-reviewed honour validates our specialised skill in blending modern living needs with the preservation of a building's unique historical character. It is a testament to our commitment to protecting the architectural story of rural NSW for future generations to experience.
Preserve Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’s architectural character.
We prioritise Eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, designing sustainable, forward-thinking homes for Sydney’s urban environment.
Our process is founded on first-hand site knowledge and transparent communication. We start by walking your property with you, listening to your goals and analysing the land's specific attributes. This initial step is critical for a successful outcome and ensures the final design is a true reflection of your vision, grounded in the practical realities of the site.
We act as your expert guide through the council approvals process. Navigating the Development Application (DA) can be complex, so we manage it for you, providing clarity and confidence. Our long-standing experience with the Mid-Western Regional Council allows us to anticipate challenges and prepare a thorough application that addresses all key requirements, from BAL ratings to heritage rules, smoothing the path to approval.
Throughout construction, we are your advocate on-site. We provide strong site leadership and work with a network of trusted local builders known for their high-quality craftsmanship. We ensure accountability at every stage through clear contracts and regular supervision. Our goal is to provide a well-managed, stress-free construction journey and a final result that delivers lasting value and exceeds your expectations.
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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park, 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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park’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 Kerrabee Park homeowners seeking high-quality, contextually responsive, and enduring residential design.