2. “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
4. 01 STUDIO
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.
5. 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
02 PROJECTS
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.
6. “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
7. refresh
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.
8. revitalise
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.
9. re-imagine
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.
10. 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.
03 PROCESS
• 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.
11. services
Typical residential services consist of three parts. To ensure flexibility and transparency, each stage is covered by a separate, written agreement.
In the initial concept and feasibility stage, our Stage 2, if required, is to develop drawings and Stage 3 comprises core architectural services,
focus is on meeting the client’s brief in the most documents for submission to council in order including:-
logical and efficient way possible. Our aim is to be to obtain a planning permit. This can include • design development
creative and responsible in equal measure. We will pre-application meetings, more detailed plans • consultant + documentation co-ordination
clarify your requirements, consider the possible and elevations, solar studies, indicative finishes • contract documentation
issues, spatial requirements and planning, and selection, and other requirements that vary from • contractor selection
offer a solution and design direction that reflects council to council. • contract administration
the needs of your brief.
Stage 2 attracts a lump sum fee depending on the At this stage, Di Mase Architects develop the
Once we have established a conceptual design complexity of the submission. agreed design to the required level of resolution
response we set about developing a clear and prepares drawings for construction. We work
sense of the scope of works that the project is to extremely high standards of documentation
likely to encompass. This enables us to get a in order to limit the risk of confusion or variation
builder’s estimate or professional cost plan as on site. We assist the client in selecting a
required, which will be used to determine how contractor, administer the contract and provide
best to proceed with the greatest possible level of ongoing support and clarification throughout the
confidence and surety. construction process.
Stage 1 attracts a lump sum fee depending on the Stage 3 attracts a lump sum fee based on a
scale and complexity of the project percentage of the anticipated cost of works.
1.CONCEPT 2.TOWN PLANNING 3.FULL SERVICES
12.
13.
14. 04 TEAM
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
Niea’s strength is in 3-D rendering and in
computer aided drawing for all of our projects.
Antony Di Mase – Principal Neia has been a reliable and hard-working team
member since 2008 and continues to excel
Antony is well known for his finely detailed architecture and interiors, in ensuring the documentation packages we
his thorough approach to design services and his implementation of produce are detailed to the highest standards.
sound, design-driven processes.
After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1987, Antony Niea Nadya – Project Architect
worked for various architectural firms including Max May Architects,
Neton Hutson, McGlashan Everist, Mitchell Giurgola + Thorpe and Jim has been assisting the practice in key areas
Maddison Architects. Di Mase Architects was established in 2001. of marketing, agreements and submissions since
the start of 2009. He has recently completed a
Antony has extensive experience small and large architectural Graduate Certificate of Sustainability and has
projects, interiors, urban design advice and more. Over the years he brought a keen awareness of environmental
has developed strength in his main areas of interest, particularly with issues to the office.
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. Jim Stewart – Architectural Assistant
15. We hope you have enjoyed our 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
