In Conversation with Tom Robertson Architects

Tom Robertson Architects is a Melbourne-based practice focused on residential projects. We create spaces that bring joy through collaboration and considered design. From listening to clients and learning about context, we respond with unique and enduring architecture. Our approach reflects the spaces we create: open, practical, and beautiful. We believe design is a collaborative process, grounded in trust and refined through the careful addition of layers. Balancing pragmatism and aesthetics, we favour a restrained palette of natural materials and spaces defined by elegant simplicity. Collaboration also informs the way our practice works. Our team contributes diverse skills, experiences and perspectives to every endeavour with shared enthusiasm. The result is a portfolio of contemporary architecture we proudly put our names to and places our clients love. 

What inspired you to start your own practice, and what initial challenges did you face? 

Tom Robertson Architects was founded out of a deep interest in developing my own design vision while working closely with exceptional clients and a passionate team. In addition, I was intrigued by the business of architecture and the diverse challenges it presents. At first, one of the biggest hurdles was attracting a consistent client base. With limited completed projects to showcase, we focused heavily on cultivating strong network relationships. Like any small business, the experience is intense and all-consuming. But I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, both in the architecture itself and the collaborative process with our clients. 

How has enabling closer client-architect relationships shaped your design philosophy? 

The homes we create are tailored for our clients, not for us. They're designed to address the unique needs of each client, both for the present and the future. From the very beginning of the design process, we invest significant time with the client to develop a detailed project brief. This is continually refined throughout the design phases to ensure their evolving needs are always met. This process ensures each of our designs is highly functional for the specific site and client. 

How did you develop your aesthetic of restrained materials and elegant simplicity? 

Our design aesthetic mirrors our personal philosophy on living—embracing simplicity that is anchored in functionality and liveability. We typically guide our clients away from fleeting trends, advocating instead for a timeless design approach that endures. Through developing our design process, our most successful projects apply a sophisticated material palette to create spaces that are both calming and welcoming. 

Can you share an example of how client collaboration led to a particularly innovative design outcome? 

Some of our most successful projects have emerged from clients who challenge us to think beyond our usual approach. This has resulted in creative floor plan configurations, distinctive use of colour and textures, and advanced technological specifications that elevate the design. 

What are your future aspirations for Tom Robertson Architects? 

We’re very optimistic about the future of architecture in Melbourne, as the level of design excellence is truly inspiring. Our goal is to continue shaping the landscape of housing in both Melbourne and regional Victoria. While we take great pride in the portfolio we’ve built over the past eleven years, we’re even more excited about the projects we’re currently designing and what lies ahead. 

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