meticulously designed, expertly crafted
Who We Are
Di Bartolo Architects are passionate about design, and the crafting of your building from start to finish. What we really enjoy is sharing that process directly with you, the client, and no middle men. Together, we'll work in unison on the design of your most precious project, while deferring to an intimate team of specialist consultants and designers when necessary.
We explore all ideas and options, which are rigorously tested through beautiful illustrations and workshopped through regular meetings. It’s not a fast process, but a carefully considered and satisfying experience. Our goal is to source the best materials and coordinate the very best services, engineering and construction advice to deliver an enlivened, beautiful space that fills you with joy.
We design buildings that best embody the spirit of YOU or YOUR brand
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Registered Architect, ARBV
Australian Institute of Architects
Association of Consulting Architects
Our Team
Marco Di Bartolo
DirectorMarco Di Bartolo established Di Bartolo Architects in 2018 after more than 15 years with leading architectural practices, contributing to some of Victoria's most recognised and award-winning projects.
His foundation in architecture is uniquely informed by both design and construction. Beginning his career as a qualified carpenter before completing a Bachelor of Architecture at RMIT University, Marco developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, precision and the enduring quality of well-resolved buildings.
Today, his work spans bespoke residences, hospitality, commercial environments and civic architecture. Whether designing a family home, a boutique café or a flagship automotive showroom, Marco approaches every project with the same commitment to thoughtful design, refined materiality and meticulous attention to detail.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the built environment, he believes exceptional architecture is created through careful listening, collaboration and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. The result is architecture that is timeless, purposeful and crafted to enrich the way people experience place.
Director of WellbeingCookie
Cookie is responsible for maintaining studio morale, greeting visitors and ensuring regular breaks are observed throughout the day. She has a keen eye for quality craftsmanship, an unwavering commitment to workplace wellbeing, and an exceptional ability to identify the sound of a treat packet from remarkable distances.
While her architectural qualifications remain unverified, her contribution to the studio culture is beyond question.
how we work
To achieve the best results we rigorously test design ideas through the process of hand sketches, CAD modelling and 3D visualisation. We take the client through each of the stages progressing the project in tandem
Working collaboratively, Di Bartolo Architects takes you through the design stages from concept development and finishes selections through to detail design and working drawings. Presenting a design report at each stage complete with drawings, precedents and concept renders/3D illustrations, enabling you to readily visualise your new build.
We assess your project for planning overlays and authority requirements, and when required, submit a thorough planning report to council. Once Planning and Building permits have been granted we can assist in the contractor selection/tender process. For piece of mind, we offer contract admin through the construction of your build.
project phases
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This is the foundation and most important aspect of the design process. It is where you, the client, tells me what you need. Gives me the constraints, the site, the location and the budget.
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Having finalised most parts of the brief we begin by assessing council regulations, Land surveys and the existing context. We conceptually map out spaces, mainly in plan, test whether the briefed areas will work or whether the scope may need to be modified.
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Once we have the planning right then we can begin to work on the elevations, sections and broader details. Considering materials and finishes.
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The documentation is now layered with the technical information and details. How will the builder build it, how junctions and joinery comes together and providing the building Surveyor with information for them to assess the building method, construction and compliance to prepare a building permit.
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The Construction documents along with specifications, legends and schedules and consultants documents are complied and issued to a a number of builders (normally 3).
They each provide a quote for the construction and we assess the best quote.
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During the building process, dependent on the contract that is signed between the builder and the client, the architect can act as the administrator of the contract. We can act as your agent for giving instruction, however we act independently as the assessor, valuer or certifier.
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BIM
We offer 3D Revit modelling. Coordinated BIM models with integrated consultant information modelling vastly improves resolution before construction. In turn minimising site errors or delays
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Contract Administration.
To achieve a seamless build, we can assist you throughout the entire construction period. For piece of mind, we offer traditional contract administration services to help you manage builders claims and building progress. We are also there should any design issues arise on site to promptly resolve them and to keep construction moving
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Sketch Design
For me, the process of hand sketching is equally as important as the 3D models. It isn’t about producing amazing pieces of art, I am not a great sketch artist by any stretch of the imagination, sketching is about letting the brain process another set of options quickly. There is something about putting pen to paper that gives you a different perspective. I have used hand sketching as a quick way to generate multiple ideas.
