Bespoke French Provincial mansions, contemporary residences and prestige developments — shaped by timeless design, planning intelligence and considered living.
Vaastu Designers is a Melbourne luxury home design and development studio specialising in bespoke homes, knockdown rebuilds, dual occupancies, townhouses, boutique apartments and residential and commercial developments.
A memorable home begins with more than a striking façade. We bring proportion, natural light, privacy and the flow of daily life into the same conversation as the site, planning requirements and detailed documentation. The aim is a design that feels distinctive on arrival and comfortable to live in.
Balanced proportions, natural light and connections to the garden.
Different expressions. Considered living.
Classical proportions or contemporary form: a clear design direction brings the façade, internal planning and connection to the garden into the same conversation.
Le Château d’Or · Balwyn North
Composed façades, classical proportions and family living.
Lumin Contemporary Residence · Camberwell
Light, volume and connections between indoor spaces and garden outlooks.
Explore the studio
Find the work and guidance most relevant to your project.
Read about design scope, fees, approvals, consultants and the information useful for a first conversation.
Our studio
Melbourne Luxury Design Expertise Since 2009
Explore the people and thinking behind the studio’s residential and commercial work.
Vaastu Designers
Vaastu Designers — Luxury Design Studio
Our work brings together the character of a place, the ambitions of its owner and the practical decisions that give a design substance.
From a bespoke family residence to a multi-dwelling development, we begin with the people who will use the spaces and the possibilities of the site.
Led by Nupur Tomar, Vaastu Designers connects creative design with town planning knowledge and detailed documentation. The studio’s published portfolio spans French Provincial and contemporary homes, residential developments and commercial projects across Melbourne.
Nupur Tomar · Gold Medallist
Bachelor of Architecture · IIT Roorkee, India
Master of Planning & Design · University of Melbourne
The strongest design ideas grow from a clear understanding of the land.
Orientation, neighbouring homes, trees, access, privacy and the planning context can influence the building long before materials and finishes are selected.
We consider these relationships as the design develops, coordinating relevant consultant input and preparing the drawings needed for the agreed project stages. This gives the design a clearer foundation and helps clients understand the decisions ahead.
Explore the studio’s existing services to understand the scope that may suit your project.
Residential & commercial
A clear vision for every kind of project.
Choose the part of our work that is most relevant to your brief.
Luxury Residential Developments
We design homes around the experience of living in them: a welcoming arrival, generous shared spaces, quiet places to retreat and a natural connection to the outdoors.
For developments, the brief also considers the identity of each home and how the buildings work together on the site.
Bespoke French Provincial and contemporary homes
Knockdown rebuilds, dual occupancy and townhouse developments
A commercial building needs a clear identity and a layout that supports its intended use.
We bring together the experience of visitors, the needs of operators and the wider site strategy across childcare, healthcare, retail, industrial, hospitality and community projects.
Childcare centres and medical facilities
Retail, industrial and warehouse developments
Reception centres, Hindu temples and places of assembly
From a bespoke family home to a residential development, explore the design direction that suits your site and the way you want to live.
French Provincial Homes & Mansions Melbourne
Classical proportions, a composed façade and a considered sense of arrival give a French Provincial home its presence.
We develop the exterior and interior planning together, connecting symmetry and detailing with the way your family wants to live.
From the entrance and staircase to the kitchen, private rooms and garden, each part should belong to the same design. Explore our portfolio to see how this approach can take shape across different sites and briefs.
Balanced façades, roof forms and window proportions
Family living, refined interiors and landscape connection
Contemporary design can feel sculptural and calm at the same time.
We work with building form, light, outlook and material expression to create a clear relationship between the home, its garden and its surroundings.
The plan starts with your routines: how you arrive, gather, cook, work and retreat. Generous glazing, open spaces and changes in scale are considered alongside privacy, shading and the practical needs of the household.
Clean forms, natural light and a cohesive material palette
Two homes on one property need a coordinated site strategy and a distinct sense of address.
We consider orientation, access, parking, private open space and the relationship between the dwellings as part of the developing design.
Whether the brief is to retain a home, create space for family or explore a development, the arrangement should be tested against the site and intended occupants. The objective is to give each residence a practical plan and its own identity.
Individual entries, privacy and usable outdoor areas
A coordinated response to access, landscape and neighbourhood character
A townhouse development is a collection of homes, not simply a repeated floor plan.
We consider the streetscape and overall site layout alongside the light, privacy, storage and outdoor connection of each dwelling.
Building form, vehicle access and landscape are developed together so that practical requirements contribute to a coherent design. The approach responds to the intended residents and the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
A coherent streetscape with individual residential identity
Floor plans, circulation and landscape considered together
A boutique apartment building should offer a recognisable address and homes that feel private, comfortable and practical.
We consider individual floor plans together with shared entrances, circulation, balconies, services and the overall building form.
The quality of apartment living also depends on less visible decisions: room proportions, storage, the position of windows and the relationship between neighbouring homes. These details deserve the same attention as the façade.
Daylight, privacy and useful indoor and outdoor spaces
Individual dwelling layouts coordinated with the whole building
Terrace homes bring individual residences into a connected built form.
We consider the rhythm of the street, the clarity of each entrance and the way internal spaces receive light and relate to private outdoor areas.
A well-considered terrace brief balances efficient use of land with the daily experience of the people living there. Room relationships, circulation, privacy and the design of the shared streetscape all have a role.
Distinct entrances within a coordinated building composition
Explore design for business, care, hospitality and community, with practical requirements considered alongside the character of each place.
Childcare Centre Design Melbourne
A childcare centre should feel welcoming to families and support the routines of educators and operators.
We consider arrival, activity spaces, indoor–outdoor relationships and movement through the building as part of a coordinated design.
The site strategy also needs to account for access, parking and neighbouring properties. The centre’s operating brief and relevant specialist advice help shape the proposal as it develops.
Learning spaces and outdoor connections
Family arrival, staff needs and operational planning
A medical centre brings patients, practitioners and support staff through the same building for different purposes.
We consider how arrival, waiting, consultation and supporting spaces relate, with attention to privacy and a clear, practical layout.
The design begins with the proposed services and operating brief. Access, circulation, parking and the arrangement of internal spaces are considered alongside the identity of the building and its relationship with the site.
A clear patient journey and functional internal relationships
Retail design connects the experience of a place with the way it operates.
We consider visibility, arrival, movement and the relationship between tenancies, shared areas and the street.
A distinctive development needs more than an expressive façade. Site access, parking, servicing and a coherent overall layout help shape a proposal that responds to the business brief and its surroundings.
Street presence, customer arrival and spatial flow
Tenancies and supporting site functions considered together
Industrial and warehouse design begins with how the site and building will be used.
We consider the relationship between vehicle movement, loading, storage, work areas and office accommodation where these form part of the brief.
Building layout, access and external areas need to work as one plan. The design responds to the proposed operation and site constraints while giving the development a clear and considered built form.
Operational layout, loading and site circulation
Building form coordinated with access and external areas
A reception centre should create a memorable arrival and an enjoyable experience for guests.
We consider the sequence from entry to gathering and event spaces, alongside the supporting areas that make the venue practical to operate.
The design brief brings atmosphere, circulation, access and service requirements together. Weddings, cultural celebrations and other events may place different demands on the layout, so the proposed use informs the design from the beginning.
Places of worship and community gathering need to reflect the people, traditions and activities they serve.
We develop the design around the client’s cultural and spiritual brief, considering prayer, ceremony, gathering and the movement between spaces.
The proposal also needs a clear relationship with the site, including arrival, access and supporting facilities. The aim is a welcoming, coherent place that respects its purpose and community.
Cultural requirements, prayer and ceremonial flow
Community gathering, access and coordinated site planning
Understand the services that can help move your project from an initial idea to coordinated documentation. The scope depends on your site and proposal.
Town Planning Permit Melbourne
A planning proposal needs to explain both the design and its response to the site.
We prepare planning drawings and coordinate relevant information about the building form, neighbourhood context, access, landscape and adjoining properties.
Where included in the agreed scope, our work can also involve consultant coordination, design responses to council requests and endorsement documentation. The applicable requirements and assessment pathway depend on the property and proposal.
Site review may consider applicable residential planning standards, including ResCode where relevant, alongside overlays, setbacks, overlooking, private open space, access and landscaping. Where included in our scope, we coordinate design information and responses to council requests for further information.
Detailed documentation carries a design beyond the concept stage.
We prepare working drawings and coordinate the agreed project information so that the design can be reviewed, priced and developed with the relevant consultants.
The drawing scope is tailored to the project and may include plans, elevations, sections and construction details. Building permits are assessed and issued by the relevant building surveyor; our role is the design and documentation support agreed for your project.
Coordinated working drawings and project details
Documentation for consultant and building-surveyor review
Clear drawings make a project easier to understand and coordinate.
Our drafting services support the development of plans, elevations, sections and other documentation appropriate to the agreed stage and scope.
We consider the relationship between the drawings and the broader design rather than treating each sheet in isolation. The required information depends on the proposal, consultant input and the purpose of the drawing package.
Readable, coordinated design and documentation drawings
Subdivision planning begins with how the proposed lots, access and future development fit the property.
We consider the site arrangement alongside relevant planning constraints and the project’s longer-term objectives.
The work may require input from a licensed land surveyor and other specialists. Our design and coordination scope is established around your proposal, with lot boundaries, access and the relationship to proposed buildings considered together.
Depending on the site, subdivision considerations may include zoning or a precinct structure plan, servicing, access, staging and the proposed lot arrangement. Feasibility and any lot-yield assumptions need to be assessed with the relevant specialists and authority requirements.
Lot arrangement, access and development context
Coordination with the relevant project specialists
A home earns its place in a family’s life through the way it feels and functions, year after year. For us, luxury is expressed in proportion, natural light, privacy, material character and the ease of moving between spaces.
A generous arrival can lead to calm everyday living. Formal entertaining can sit comfortably alongside family routines. A close connection to the garden can coexist with the privacy of a retreat. Bringing these qualities together is the work of a considered design.
01
Beauty With Planning Intelligence
We consider the visual idea alongside orientation, neighbouring properties, access, landscape and the planning context. These relationships help shape a design that responds to its place.
02
Homes Designed Around Real Life
Your brief may include multigenerational living, guests, working from home, private retreats or generous entertaining. We explore how those needs fit together, rather than relying on a standard arrangement of rooms.
03
Timeless Design Beyond Trends
Proportion, coherent materials and resolved room relationships give a home its character. We use the chosen design language to connect the façade, interior spaces and landscape, instead of treating them as separate statements.
04
Development Thinking From Day One
For a development brief, we consider the intended residents or users alongside access, circulation, site efficiency and documentation. These design decisions can inform feasibility discussions with the project’s relevant advisers.
Client perspectives
Client Impressions
Clients share their experience of working with Vaastu Designers.
We had a great experience working with Nupur on the design of our French Provincial home. This was a high-end investment project for us, and she understood the brief from the start.
Nupur used her imagination to create a design that feels elegant, luxurious, and well-balanced, while still being practical and market-ready. Her attention to detail, especially around the façade, mouldings, and proportions, really brought the French Provincial style to life.
She was very patient and accommodating throughout the process, making multiple revisions until we were fully satisfied. That level of commitment made a big difference to the final outcome.
She was also very collaborative, working closely with our builder and staying open to discussions to ensure everything aligned and translated smoothly into the final drawings.
Overall, very professional, creative, and easy to work with. We’re really happy with the outcome and confident the design will stand out in the market. Highly recommend Nupur
Ray Chiuchiarelli
★★★★★5 out of 5
We found Nupur and staff of Vaastu Architects very professional.
They were of the utmost helpful in designing our new house in Canterbury. They worked well with the builder if there was any changes or queries that needed to be looked into.
Our builder was very impressed with the 3D plans, which were supplied to him. It benefited him in constructing the house. We also found that they were very competitive in the fees that they charged. We could not of been more pleased with the service and the many times that we had meetings with them.
Michael Leipnik
★★★★★5 out of 5
We used Vaastu Architects for our recent Commercial project, 8 shops and Office complex. They were extremely professional and presented plans and drawings on time and as we discussed.
Nupur added significant experience to the project which was invaluable.
Office Lathas
★★★★★5 out of 5
Amazing experience with Vaastu. Both Nupur and Vipul detailed our options for a side-by-side town houses, that accommodated all our Wishlist within the constraints of the land.
Thank you guys, for your patience with our requirements.
More Google reviews — Read more
Maria Gomes
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur Tomar and her husband Vipul Patel made the entire planning and execution of our project seamless and stress free.
From the beginning ,we felt supported and understood in what we wanted to achieve; from our boutique dental practice to a beautiful and practical home to entertain our large extended family of varying age groups.
Being keen to use our available space with as little disruption to the environment as possible, we managed to keep most of our beautiful trees with the result that we have a beautiful garden with lots of birds!
We found Nupur and Vipul a very easy going and open team, listening to our ideas while dealing knowledgeably with a very challenging site and a very environmentally conscious local council!
Thanks to Vaastu Architects and our builder Siva( Instep Designer Homes) our project was completed on time and within budget and we are happy to say that our house still looks brand new!
Siby kuriachan
★★★★★5 out of 5
Our dream house got designed by Nupur from Vaastu Architect . I must say that the entire procress was very smooth and more importantaly the design has been very detailed, including the recommendations for the matrials to be used .This helps us to get the right quote form the builders especially being new to this exercise.Thank you .
1Happy World
★★★★★5 out of 5
We had a fantastic experience working with Vaastu Architect and especially Principal architect Nupur on our clinic project. They truly understood the needs of a healthcare space—delivering a design that is both functional and welcoming.
The team was professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout. Their attention to detail and ability to bring our vision to life exceeded our expectations.
Highly recommend them for anyone looking for thoughtful, high-quality architectural work!
Ruwi
★★★★★5 out of 5
I recently had the pleasure of working with Nupur from Vaastu Architects on designing a custom house plan, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, patience, and excellent communication throughout the process, always responding promptly and thoroughly to my inquiries. The team at Vaastu Architects were incredibly accommodating, making numerous changes to meet my specific requirements and ensuring my vision was fully realized. Their dedication to client satisfaction was evident in every step, making them an outstanding choice for anyone in need of a custom house plan. Highly recommended!
Jitesh Chheda
★★★★★5 out of 5
We have had a fantastic experience working with Vaastu Architects. Vaastu designed our landscaping for our back and front yard and they did a wonderful job. Both Nupur and Vipul came up with a uniquely beautiful design for our backyard. It was a very pleasant experience working with them. We would highly recommend Vaastu Architects to design your new home.
Pratik Palan
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur and vaastu really helped us with our permit. They helped us select the site and right until the vcat. She was really helpful in explaining the details of the whole process. We eventually went to vcat and up until the last min she was quiet helpful. Her designs are really great and so is attention to detail. Thanks nupur and team.
J S
★★★★★5 out of 5
Fantastic architect. Professional, responsive, and highly knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They deliver great design, provided practical advice, and make everything run smoothly. Highly recommend.
Sudesh Sapla
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur from Vaastu Architect has an exceptional eye for design and a remarkable understanding of how to blend aesthetics with functionality. Her expertise goes far beyond traditional Vaastu — she creates spaces that feel modern, elegant, balanced, and thoughtfully planned in every detail.
What impressed us most was her ability to understand our vision and translate it into a design that was both visually stunning and highly practical. From space planning to material suggestions and overall layout, every recommendation reflected deep architectural knowledge and refined design sensibility.
Her professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Nupur to anyone looking for a designer who combines architectural excellence with genuine expertise in creating harmonious living spaces.
rajani reddy bommareddy
★★★★★5 out of 5
Had a wonderful experience working with Vaasthu Architects. Nupur was thorough professional, approachable, and very attentive to our requirements throughout the project. Their design ideas were modern, practical, and thoughtfully planned with great attention to detail. Communication was smooth from start to finish, and they ensured the entire process was stress-free. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for quality architectural and design services.
vipin rana
★★★★★5 out of 5
Working with Vaastu designers has been an absolute pleasure. Nupur and Vipul bring a rare blend of creativity, efficiency, and deep expertise that truly sets them apart. Their understanding of French home design is exceptional — every detail feels thoughtfully curated, elegant, and timeless.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly they translated ideas into reality, always staying ahead of timelines without compromising on quality. Their professionalism, clear communication, and commitment to excellence made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
I highly recommend Vaastu . Truly outstanding work!
Sasmita Mohapatra
★★★★★5 out of 5
We had a great experience through our journey of building our beautiful house with Nupur at vaastu architects thanks to her for all the inputs and she was very approachable
Rekha Gupta
★★★★★5 out of 5
We loved working with Vaastu Designers Atelier for our home design. Nupur is so efficient, professional, and creative – she made the process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend her work!
Shabana Gulrajani
★★★★★5 out of 5
We had the absolute pleasure of working with this dynamic husband and wife duo on our project, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, their vibrant personalities and collaborative approach made the entire process not only smooth but genuinely enjoyable. What stood out most was their ability to truly listen and understand our vision—then take it even further with thoughtful, creative solutions that elevated the entire design.
Their professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for what they do was evident every step of the way. What began as a working relationship has turned into a valued friendship, and we’re incredibly grateful for the care and commitment they brought to our home. Highly recommend!
Sushil Kumar
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur and Vipul both are very professional and helpful. We did multiple changes at multiple time but they were patient with us. They helped and guided us throughout the design phase to put our vision into reality . Highly recommended.
Ravinder Singh
★★★★★5 out of 5
Vaastu Architects brought our vision to life with their creativity and expertise. They were responsive, communicative, and made the design process enjoyable. The final product is beautiful, functional, and reflects our style perfectly. Highly recommended
Travis C
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur and the team at Vaastu architects are highly professional and innovative with their designs. Spaces are designed exceptionally well with functionality and style at the forefront. I look forward to working with them in the future.
Bill Diniotis
★★★★★5 out of 5
Vaastu Unbelievable to work with very professional and knowledgeable the attitude and approach is excellent . Amazing team looking forward in doing more projects in the coming future
V K Dhingra
★★★★★5 out of 5
If you are looking to get your dream house designed, architecturally correct..you don't need to look further..and support you get from Nupur Ji is beyond your imaginations..Highly recommended..Thanks Nupur Ji and team for the work you have done for us
Roger Diaz
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur is great to work with. Her design speaks for itself.
A A
★★★★★5 out of 5
I would highly recommend Vastu consultants for all your projects.
We recently went through the process of designing our new home and the design and service was outstanding.
Nupur and her team have excellent knowledge about new designs and especially in creating ideas and executing them on paper to make them come true.
5 stars for designs and planning.
Thank you
Shivalik Brar
★★★★★5 out of 5
Excellent service provided by Nupur in designing our dream house. Not only all the requirements are met but she provided luxury inputs to the property. Best architects for sure. 5 stars to Vaastu Architects.
ram chadry
★★★★★5 out of 5
The Vaastu Designers is a beacon of design expertise, combining creativity and functionality seamlessly. Their innovative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a top choice for architectural projects. From concept to completion, they deliver outstanding results that meet expectations.
Shrey
★★★★★5 out of 5
It was an absolute pleasure working with Nupur & Vipul from Vaastu Architects. They were very professional and great to work with! They exceeded my expectations and will definitely be working with them again in the future. Highly recommend !!
Nitin patel
★★★★★5 out of 5
Have been working with Vastu for 3 diffrant project , Knowladge of most of Answes , I highly recondmend to other…..
bipin gupta
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur at Vaastu Architects in addition to being an outstanding architect, was very professional and trustworthy. From the first contact to finish, she was easy to work with , pleasant, flexible and was always available. It was a pleasure to work with her and we would recommend her highly. We wish her well in her future endeavours.
Jodie Hay
★★★★★5 out of 5
Vaastu designers are Professional, display clear and comprehensive understanding of all types of projects. Nupur is a pleasure to collaborate with.
Phillip Rygl
★★★★★5 out of 5
I work with Nupur and the team on a range of projects. Fantastic architect and great to work with. Very professional and responsive to the clients needs with high quality work. A real pleasure to work with and gets excellent results. Would highly recommend for a range of projects.
vikram jain
★★★★★5 out of 5
Good service
Jonathan Duverge
★★★★★5 out of 5
Vaastu Architects is a great professional company to work with. They have designed outstanding building (commercial and residentisl).Nupur is very easy to deal with and very professional. I would highly recommend to work Vaastu Architects.
Simi Chhabra
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur designed our home beautifully. Very thoughtful, detailed design and exceptional service! We highly recommend Vaastu Architects for their professional, punctual and well considered services.
KB Mr
★★★★★5 out of 5
Nupur and Vipul at Vaastu Architects were very professional, thorough, on time and trustworthy. They were easy to work with , flexible in their work and were there with us throughout the process of building our home. Such a pleasure to have utilised their services. Thanks.
Venkat k
★★★★★5 out of 5
I am very happy with Vaastu Architects. They are a great team to work with. They are taking care of all aspects right from planning stage to obtaining building permit of my current project. They have taken my feedback and requirements into consideration and creating a project exactly as I planned. I am happy to engage their services for my next projects and would strongly recommend them for residential or commercial projects.
sanjay porwal
★★★★★5 out of 5
Wonderful experience, excellent design, patience, quick in communicating with us, innovative ideas!
Ruben Tandian
★★★★★5 out of 5
All the hard work you put into this piece really shows.
I love it and was continually impressed by your professionalism, attention to detail,
care and support.
Peter Acharya
★★★★★5 out of 5
I approached Nupur Tomar
to help me to design & get the necessary approval for me to construct two side by side dwellings.
Nupur is a Brilliant Architect.
Her design is very high standard .I am very happy with her advice . Always helpful and cooperative.
Evangelos Nousis
★★★★★5 out of 5
Vaastu Architects- Nupur , (owner-director) designed a dual occupancy project for us and secured a permit in three months.
Nupur is up to date with modern architecture and more importantly designs that work.
Choosing the right architect is where success starts and I highly recommend vaastu architects for their professional, punctual, and honest services provided.
Atchuthan Vigneswaran
★★★★★5 out of 5
We were very happy with Nupur and Vipul. They were very easy to work with and went above and beyond to help troubleshoot any issues we had. I would highly recommend Vaastu!
e-struct consulting engineers
★★★★★5 out of 5
I have worked with Vaastu Architects on a number of projects and found them to be knowledgeable and creative in their problem solving.
Kusum Lata
★★★★★5 out of 5
Excellent Architect, highly recommended.
Trupesh Patel
★★★★★5 out of 5
Excellent Results throughout Journey.
Highly recommended for Townhouse/Childcare/Appartments/luxury Homes
Mahendra Singh
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
Chirag
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
jason pandeli
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
Shanika Pallegama
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
Gita Kumar
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
Aman Randhawa
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
SHIVDEEP SINGH BHATTI
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
vikas kapil
★★★★★5 out of 5
Rating only — no written comment.
Parampreet Singh Rajput
★☆☆☆☆1 out of 5
I am extremely disappointed with the service provided by this company. We were led to believe that the individual claiming to have proper certified knowledge of Vaastu was a complete lie. As a result of this deception, our children dream of having a swimming pool in our new home was crushed. It was a basic knowledge of Vaastu consultants, where they made a big blunder. The new house architecture plan, which was already made, with a heavy heart was forced to be altered and the pool removed due to it being in the wrong place and direction. This has resulted in a completely messed up house layout with no other option left to drop the plan to fit the pool at another location. The lack of responsibility taken for this damage is unacceptable and I would strongly advise others to stay away from this company/person and their false claims of knowledge. This has been a devastating experience and I am beyond words to express the extent of the harm caused by their incompetence.
The people behind the design
Nupur Tomar Co-founder & Director
Led by Nupur Tomar
Nupur Tomar, Co-founder and Director of Vaastu Designers, brings design and planning education to the studio’s residential and commercial work. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Architecture from IIT Roorkee, where she graduated as a Gold Medallist, and a Master of Planning & Design from the University of Melbourne.
Her approach connects the overall design vision with the experience of individual spaces: the sense of arrival, the movement of light, the relationship between rooms and the details that support family life. Explore the studio profile and portfolio to see this thinking in context.
Classical European influences and contemporary design can take many forms in Melbourne. The appropriate response starts with the property: its orientation, slope, neighbours, landscape and the way a proposed home or development will meet the street.
Our published portfolio includes work in Balwyn and Balwyn North, Camberwell, Canterbury, Kew, Brighton and other Melbourne locations. Explore the project galleries to compare design approaches, then discuss how your own site and brief could shape the next project.
For a bespoke home in an established urban setting, privacy, arrival, family living and the relationship to neighbouring properties deserve attention from the outset. The design response should reflect both the site and the way the home will be used.
Balwyn, Canterbury and Camberwell
French Provincial and contemporary homes can respond differently to these established streets. Proportion, façade composition, landscape and internal planning should work together. Explore the published Balwyn North, Canterbury and Camberwell projects to compare approaches.
Contemporary home design can connect natural light, outlook and outdoor living while considering privacy, orientation and local character. The appropriate material and design response depends on the property and brief.
Kew, Hawthorn and Glen Iris
Family homes should balance street presence with practical daily life: privacy, shared and quiet spaces, entertaining and a connection to the garden. Existing buildings, neighbouring development and any relevant controls inform the design.
Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley
A new home or multi-dwelling proposal begins with the site’s dimensions, access and intended use. Compare the needs of future residents with development constraints before settling on the building arrangement and documentation scope.
Whitehorse, Monash and Boroondara
Townhouses, terrace homes and boutique developments need a considered response to neighbourhood character, private open space, access, landscaping and adjoining properties. Applicable planning requirements and the assessment pathway depend on the site and proposal.
Before we begin
Frequently asked questions.
Explore common questions about design, project planning and documentation, then speak with the studio about your own brief.
A clearer starting point.
From choosing a design direction to understanding the documentation scope, start with the questions that matter to your project.
We design bespoke French Provincial and contemporary homes, knockdown rebuilds, dual occupancies, townhouses, terrace homes, boutique apartments and commercial developments in Melbourne. Our work brings together design, planning and documentation, with the scope tailored to the project.
Who can help me design a luxury custom home in Melbourne?
Vaastu Designers offers a bespoke home design service for Melbourne owners. We begin with your site, priorities and the way you want to live, then develop the design and agreed documentation. Our portfolio and studio profile provide a useful starting point for assessing whether our approach suits your brief.
Which design and documentation services will my project need?
The appropriate scope depends on the site, project type and stage. It may involve site review, concept design, planning drawings, consultant coordination and detailed working drawings. We establish the proposed services with you so that the responsibilities and drawing requirements are clear.
Planning and site review
What is the difference between a planning permit and a building permit in Victoria?
A planning permit concerns the use or development of land under the planning scheme. A building permit concerns proposed building work and relevant technical requirements. A project may need one or both. Where planning permission is required, the building permit must be consistent with it. The applicable pathway should be checked for the particular property and proposal.
Can you help with a town planning application?
We prepare planning drawings and provide design and documentation support for Melbourne proposals. Depending on the agreed scope, this can include consultant coordination, responses to council design requests and endorsement drawings. Decisions remain with the relevant authority.
Can you review a property before I buy it?
We can discuss an initial site and design review before purchase, including orientation, access, relevant planning constraints and possible design directions. The review scope needs to be agreed, and specialist legal, financial, surveying or technical advice may also be required for your purchase decision.
Exploring your options
How do you assess the development potential of a site?
We consider the proposed use together with the property’s context, access, orientation, planning constraints and the relationships between buildings and outdoor areas. Concept options can help compare design possibilities. A design review does not itself establish an approved dwelling yield or a financial return.
Can you design a knockdown rebuild home?
Yes. We design bespoke replacement homes and can discuss the site review, concept design, planning requirements, consultant coordination and documentation involved. The design should respond to the property and your brief rather than assume that the existing building footprint is the right starting point.
Should I renovate, extend or rebuild?
The choice depends on the existing home, its condition, the site, planning constraints and what you want to achieve. Comparing how each option accommodates your needs can be more useful than choosing on appearance alone. Cost and specialist assessments should inform that comparison.
Fees, timing and location
How are design and documentation fees established?
Fees depend on the agreed services, project scale, complexity and documentation requirements. Share the property details and your brief so we can identify an appropriate scope and discuss the services and fees for your project.
How long will design and approvals take?
Timing depends on the design scope, decisions and revisions, consultant information and any authority assessment. We can discuss an indicative sequence once the proposal is understood. Council requests, objections or additional reports can affect the programme, so a single timeframe does not suit every project.
Which Melbourne council areas do you work in?
Our work spans Melbourne council areas including Boroondara, Whitehorse, Monash, Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira and Manningham. Tell us the property address so we can discuss the relevant municipality, proposal and project scope.
Homes across Melbourne
Which Melbourne suburbs do you service?
Our published portfolio includes projects across Melbourne, including Balwyn, Balwyn North, Camberwell, Canterbury, Kew, Brighton and the Waverley area. The property and proposed work are more useful starting points than a suburb list alone, so contact us to discuss your site.
Do you design French Provincial homes?
Yes. Our French Provincial portfolio explores classical proportions, composed façades, refined detailing and family living. We develop the exterior and internal planning together so that the chosen design language relates to the whole home.
Do you design dual occupancy projects?
Yes. We consider the relationship between two dwellings, their entries, access, parking, privacy and outdoor spaces as part of the site strategy. The appropriate arrangement depends on the property, planning context and intended occupants.
Design and documentation
Do you design contemporary luxury homes?
Yes. We design contemporary homes with attention to form, natural light, room relationships, privacy and connections to the outdoors. Material choices and the building’s expression develop from the site and brief.
Do you prepare working drawings for building permit review?
We prepare detailed working drawings and coordinate relevant project information within the agreed scope. These drawings support consultant input and building-surveyor review. The relevant building surveyor assesses and issues the building permit.
Can you coordinate consultants?
Yes, consultant coordination can form part of the agreed service. The team may include a land surveyor, engineer, planner, arborist, landscape designer, energy assessor or other specialist, depending on the proposal and required information.
Working with your site
Can you help with a heritage-overlay property?
We can discuss a design response for a property affected by heritage controls. The significance of the place, the proposed work and the applicable controls need to be understood first. Heritage advice and other specialist input may be required.
Can you work with a difficult or constrained site?
We can explore how a proposal responds to matters such as slope, a narrow frontage, nearby buildings, trees, access and relevant overlays. Constraints should inform the design early. A site-specific review is needed before settling the scope or design direction.
Do you design townhouse developments?
Yes. We design townhouse proposals with attention to the overall site arrangement and the amenity of each home. Streetscape, entries, light, privacy, landscape and vehicle movement are considered as related decisions.
Detail and delivery
Can you help with builder pricing or tender documentation?
We can discuss documentation suitable for the intended pricing or tender stage and the support required to explain the design. The drawing package and any assistance with builder comparisons should be defined in the agreed services.
Why develop the design before selecting a builder?
A developed design and clear documentation can give you a common basis for discussing scope and pricing with builders. It also provides an opportunity to resolve the brief and compare design choices. The most suitable procurement approach depends on the project and your priorities.
Do you provide 3D renders and visualisations?
Yes. Visualisations can help communicate building form, spaces and material direction as the design develops. They should be read alongside the drawings and specifications. A render is a design presentation and does not by itself confirm construction, approval or an exact finished outcome.
Can you assist with interiors and detailed design?
We can discuss interior design and detailing as part of the project scope, including areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, joinery and material selections. The level of detail, drawings and coordination required should be agreed for your brief.
Let’s start your design journey
Let’s Start Your Design Journey
Tell us about the place you want to create: the property, the people it will serve and what matters most to you. Whether you have a clear brief or are still comparing possibilities, the first conversation can help identify the questions and design scope to explore next.