architecture + interiors

design more + consume less

“In choosing an architect it was important

for us to be comfortable that the person

possessed a rare combination of qualities,

creativity, pragmatism and a sound ability to

manage the outcome. Our faith in Antony

Di Mase was well placed”

– John Hunt

RESIDENTIAL FOL IO

01 STUDIO

02 PROJECTS

03 PROCES S

04 TEAM

Sustainable architecture that captures the imagination of the people it serves. This is our focus as an architectural practice. It has been a source of inspiration, energy and satisfaction since 2001 when Antony Di Mase first established an office in North Fitzroy.

Our approach is informed by a philosophy of creativity, co-operation and environmental awareness. We are inspired to design structures and spaces with a physical and emotional connection to their landscape. Rather than reshape the environment to suit pre-conceived ideas, we embrace the challenge to craft new buildings as natural extensions of their context. We also look to context when giving new life to existing structures, drawing inspiration from an interesting floor plan, a distinctive detail or the neighbourhood setting.

Our energy comes from engagement and collaboration with our clients. A building is a framework and a setting for human activities. As such, it must be more than a ‘warehouse for stuff’ or a showcase of design ideas. A successful building is a place of comfort, utility and security. Integral to this success is clear and effective collaboration between client and architect – collaboration Di Mase Architects value from start to finish. Our clients are part of our team and our creative drive to realise great architectural design.

Our satisfaction comes from the knowledge that, with each new project, we can learn and do more to measurably reduce our impact on the planet, whilst providing an architecture that responds to the specific people and landscape it serves. Our commitment is to constantly challenge our creativity and our understanding of how buildings work, and to do what we can to build a sustainable future.

01 STUDIO

Rarely is our work about the application of a single idea - rather design emerges from a continuous process of refinement that reveals something of the site itself. The process of architectural design is to unearth hidden qualities in the site, the brief and the client – and to reflect these insights in architectural form.

This process reveals the essence of architecture, a setting and a framework for human activity and experience. The expansion and contraction of space, the way in which psychological boundaries of space can exceed the physical limits of a site and the way in which new structures can embed themselves into their setting – these qualities act as stimuli and inspiration to us as architects.

We design spaces focussing on materials, craft, textures, place + ideas.

02 PROJECTS

“The beauty of Antony Di Mase’s work

lies in its deceptive simplicity. This

project is not heroic in scale, but it does

tell a tale of intricate details, woven by

an architect who understands the old

‘less is more’ maxim.”

- Christopher Moore

We believe family housing and the renovation of old buildings is an important part of providing services to the community. Our sense is that a majority houses are not fulfilling the needs of a contemporary lifestyle and that changes are needed to the layout of spaces and the provision of services to better meet the needs of people.

Issues such as environmental awareness and housing demand are making it increasingly necessary to rethink and adapt our existing built fabric and we see great benefits in providing such services to our clients.

re f resh

In this narrow Melbourne terrace we embraced the seperate rooms of the existing building, breaking up the long side facade with two glazed courtyards and using colour to help define distinct spaces. A more open-plan approach may have betrayed the tight confines of the site and created an imbalance between old and new; instead our carefully considered design helped instil a genuine sense of comfort, harmony and privacy.

rev i t a l i se

The aim with this house on a corner block in East Ivanhoe was to create a harmony of contemporary style and the post-war tradition that typifies much of Ivanhoe. The use of outdoor space and landscaping was very important – the articulation of timber details responds to the established vegetation, which was preserved through construction.

Care was taken to design appropriate shading above exposed glass, remembering simple lessons learned in the design of Australian houses before the widespread availability of energy-intensive air conditioners.

re - imag ine

The Di Mase Architects approach to design is built on the foundation of our philosophy and our design themes.

Characteristics of our process include:

• Working closely and continuously with our clients to hone a precise understanding of their needs. We understand that neither you nor we can be absolutely clear about these needs from the beginning.

• Thorough investigation of the site and existing structures (where relevant), their limitations and their opportunities. This is where our creativity takes hold as we look for ways to pare the existing back to its essence or express a sense of place

• Ongoing refinement of design as the project - and our mutual understanding of the ultimate goal - matures.

• Dedicated support from our office staff and any sub-contractors who we might engage on your behalf. Our clear values are shared by all who work with us.

• Absolute honesty and transparency throughout.

03 PROCES S

In the initial concept and feasibility stage, our focus is on meeting the client’s brief in the most logical and efficient way possible. Our aim is to be creative and responsible in equal measure. We will clarify your requirements, consider the possible issues, spatial requirements and planning, and offer a solution and design direction that reflects the needs of your brief.

Once we have established a conceptual design response we set about developing a clear sense of the scope of works that the project is likely to encompass. This enables us to get a builder’s estimate or professional cost plan as required, which will be used to determine how best to proceed with the greatest possible level of confidence and surety.

Stage 1 attracts a lump sum fee depending on the scale and complexity of the project

Stage 3 comprises core architectural services, including:-

• design development• consultant + documentation co-ordination• contract documentation• contractor selection• contract administration

At this stage, Di Mase Architects develop the agreed design to the required level of resolution and prepares drawings for construction. We work to extremely high standards of documentation in order to limit the risk of confusion or variation on site. We assist the client in selecting a contractor, administer the contract and provide ongoing support and clarification throughout the construction process.

Stage 3 attracts a lump sum fee based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of works.

Stage 2, if required, is to develop drawings and documents for submission to council in order to obtain a planning permit. This can include pre-application meetings, more detailed plans and elevations, solar studies, indicative finishes selection, and other requirements that vary from council to council.

Stage 2 attracts a lump sum fee depending on the complexity of the submission.

1 .CONCEPT 2.TOWN PLANNING 3.FULL SERVICES

Typical residential services consist of three parts. To ensure flexibility and transparency, each stage is covered by a separate, written agreement.

se rv i ces

Antony is well known for his finely detailed architecture and interiors,

his thorough approach to design services and his implementation of

sound, design-driven processes.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1987, Antony

worked for various architectural firms including Max May Architects,

Neton Hutson, McGlashan Everist, Mitchell Giurgola + Thorpe and

Maddison Architects. Di Mase Architects was established in 2001.

Antony has extensive experience small and large architectural

projects, interiors, urban design advice and more. Over the years he

has developed strength in his main areas of interest, particularly with

respect to giving new life to old buildings, crafting new buildings into

the existing landscape and the application of a holistic approach to

sustainable architecture.

Antony Di Mase – Principal

Angelique Brett has been with Di Mase Architects

since 2005. She has recently completed a

combined Masters of Architects/Bachelor

of Property and Construction and plays an

active role in client communication, project

management and design and documentation co-

ordination.

Angelique Brett – Project Architect

Jim Stewart – Architectural Assistant

Niea Nadya – Project Architect

Jim has been assisting the practice in key areas

of marketing, agreements and submissions since

the start of 2009. He has recently completed a

Graduate Certificate of Sustainability and has

brought a keen awareness of environmental

issues to the office.

Niea’s strength is in 3-D rendering and in

computer aided drawing for all of our projects.

Neia has been a reliable and hard-working team

member since 2008 and continues to excel

in ensuring the documentation packages we

produce are detailed to the highest standards.

04 TEAM

We hope you have en joyed ou r work . . .

Further projects + practice details can be viewed at www.dimasearchitects.com.au

OR

Feel free to contact Antony Di Mase by email or phone:adm@dimasearchitects.com.au | 03 9482 5144