




Since 1998, Michael Bell Architects has been designing custom-built homes and restoring heritage properties across Mosman. With extensive experience in residential architecture and a deep understanding of the local landscape, the studio creates site-specific designs that maximise light, space, and views while reflecting the architectural identity of Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Schedule 30 Min Free ConsultationMichael Bell Architects brings decades of experience to residential and heritage architecture in Mosman, Sydney. Notable projects include a Mediterranean-style home with harbour views and outdoor terraces, and the redesign of an Arts and Crafts residence. Each home is tailored to its site, meets Mosman Council’s planning controls, and reflects the area's architectural character and coastal lifestyle.
Michael Bell Architects has delivered residential architecture in Mosman since 1998, with over 25 years of consistent experience in custom home design. Recognised by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) for continuing architectural traditions across the state, our work reflects lasting quality, strong design principles, and attention to context.
Our homes are designed to respond to Mosman’s coastal climate, harbour views, and streetscape patterns. With passive solar planning, natural ventilation, and durable materials such as sandstone, timber, and glass, each design supports comfort, sustainability, and long-term function.
We work with a detailed understanding of Mosman Council’s planning controls, including heritage overlays, bushfire zones, and view-sharing regulations. This ensures that each project is both compliant and well integrated into its setting. Our experience supports smooth approvals and outcomes that align with the area’s character and lifestyle expectations.
Michael Bell Architects is a Sydney-based, award-winning practice recognised by the National Trust (NSW) for excellence in heritage architecture. With deep expertise in adaptive reuse and rural design, the studio restores and reimagines historic buildings across NSW. Each project reflects a commitment to quality, local history, and preserving Australia’s built heritage.
Preserve Mosman’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 Mosman’s architectural character.
We prioritise Eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, designing sustainable, forward-thinking homes for Sydney’s urban environment.
Designing a home in Mosman starts with your goals and a close study of your land. The site is reviewed for sun, slope, breeze, views, and landscape features. Local rules are checked early. These include Mosman Council’s planning controls, heritage overlays, view-sharing rules, bushfire and coastal codes, BASIX energy targets, and what is needed for a smooth development application.
Early design ideas are shaped by both your vision and the local setting. Concepts are created to match the Mosman Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP). Plans are refined to suit the site, improve light and flow, and meet council policies. Detailed drawings, shadow studies, and planning documents help move the project through approvals with confidence.
After approval, the focus turns to building. Our team works with skilled consultants, engineers, and builders who understand the design. Each step is managed with care to meet timelines, protect quality, and keep everything on track. The result is a home that fits the site, meets all local standards, and supports the way you want to live in Mosman.
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 have completed multiple projects with Michael across Sydney and rural NSW, including major projects for Coolmore Australia and private residential projects in both Point Piper, Mosman & Agnes Banks. Michael has a strong understanding of architectural principles and a desire to create detail quality as well as great aesthetic vision when creating architectural designs. Michael along with Michele is attentive to his client’s wishes and needs and this approach is apparent in the finished product. I have enjoyed working with Michael, and Michael’s ability to work collaboratively with his peers means that good communication and professional insights allow problems to be resolved quickly resulting in a better outcome. I would recommend Michael Bell and Michael Bell Architects to any future clients. The company’s vision, creativity and dedication make them second to none and an outstanding choice when requiring the services of a professional architectural firm”
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 Mosman’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 Mosman'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 Mosman’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 Mosman’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 Mosman’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 Mosman, 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 Mosman’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 Mosman’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 Mosman homeowners seeking high-quality, contextually responsive, and enduring residential design.