65 Coolawin Road, Northbridge
20 The Grove, Mosman
Established, experienced, innovative. Our track record speaks for itself. Our ideas speak to the future.
ABOUT US Established
Founded in 1990, Corben Architects is one of Sydney’s most experienced and respected architecture & interior design practices specialising in residential projects. Over 32 years we have designed and built over 300 projects, each one underlying our reputation for functional, elegant, high-quality architecture and outstanding client service.
Specialised
We specialise in sophisticated and distinctive residential projects ranging from substantial new houses to smaller scale alterations and additions and boutique, multi-unit apartment developments. While the majority of our work is Sydney based, we have also designed retreats in the Snowy Mountains and luxury beach houses along the NSW coast.
Collaborative
Our approach is always to work closely with our clients, to ensure your ambitions are realised in a manner where everyone feels in control. Our project management skills ensure we deliver both great architecture and efficient project execution. We never forget that your investment in us is also an investment in your future.
Experienced
Over the decades we have built up an intimate understanding of planning controls and procedures. We have nurtured excellent working relationships with numerous Councils to achieve a reputation for successfully negotiating development approvals.
Our work is a reflection of our ability to listen to our clients, assess their needs and fulfil their dreams. Our reputation is a reflection of our ability to go beyond the brief to exceed our client’s expectations.
Recommended
We are proud to say all our work comes from client recommendations and referrals. Real Estate agents also cite our name in their sale listings. They know it stands for timeless design and quality architecture that will enhance the potential value of a property.
SERVICE Proven Team
Corben Architects has an exceptionally talented team of over twenty architects, interior designers and administration staff. We operate in a collaborative work environment, one that encourages creative design solutions and the efficient execution of every project. We believe our success can be attributed to the fact that our directors have worked together for over two decades and many of our staff have been with us for over ten years.
Technology
We use the latest Archicad CAD software to create detailed 3D models of our designs. These provide a ‘virtual experience’ of your project. As your project evolves, these walk-throughs are developed to incorporate interior and external finishes and specific detail.
Full Scope of Services
We provide a full range of services including pre-purchase advice, development feasibility studies, master planning, concept sketch designs and preparation of Development Applications, detailed contract documentation and full contract administration services through construction. We also prepare detailed cost planning budgets for every project and development feasibilities for developer clients.
Consultants and Builders
At Corben Architects we work as a team with our clients to ensure they are as proud of their project as we are of our architecture.
We work closely with a large number of experienced planning and engineering consultants. We have also worked with the very best builders and subcontractors capable of building high quality projects. We work as a team to provide a comprehensive service that ensures a seamless design and construction process.
6 Moran Street, Mosman Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay
Our fundamental philosophy is to keep our designs responsive and uncomplicated to allow the design ideas to develop with clarity. Our buildings are distinctive by their individuality rather than their similarity.
ARCHITECTURE
Contemporary and Traditional
Our work encompasses a range of architectural styles from innovative contemporary design to more traditional architectural approaches including detailed heritage restoration work.
Functional yet Innovative
We love to innovate, but our feet remain firmly on the ground. Our projects are renowned for thoughtful, functional planning, timeless elegance, liveability and quality craftsmanship. We create homes that look great, last the test of time and are a joy to live in.
Context and Fit
We carefully listen to our clients to interpret their brief and ambitions. We also analyse the context and attributes of the site to ensure we design buildings that sit comfortably within both their urban context and natural surroundings.
Sustainable and Energy Efficient
We are committed to designing projects that adopt sound sustainable design principles that reduce energy usage and minimise their carbon footprint.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Streamlined
We provide both architectural and interior design services within the one practice, using the same CAD system, to deliver comprehensive, coordinated documentation and a truly integrated overall design. We simplify decision making and timemanagement by having a ‘one-stop’ service that encompasses all aspects of your project.
Quality Outcomes
By commissioning us to create your interiors, they are finished and furnished in keeping with the overall vision agreed for your project to ensure a superior outcome that is beautiful, practical and cohesive, one that complements the architecture and stands the test of time. Our designers also manage the selection, procurement, coordination, installation and quality control of all fitout and furnishings.
Bespoke
We work closely with our client to understand the look and feeling you are seeking to achieve in your home. We investigate your desired lifestyle to then design the future story of your home, using mood and concept boards to communicate the character, layout and joy of the interiors.
Detailed Solutions
As much care on the inside as the outside.
We prepare detailed drawings and 3D images for all key areas of the project to show exactly how furniture, furnishings, lighting, joinery, fixtures and appliance selections will look and feel. Accompanied by a fully itemised budget, the end result is a highly considered and resolved design solution that will enhance your everyday living for years to come.
Chinaman Beach House, Mosman Burran Avenue, Mosman
AWARDS
Ayindi Lighthouse Rd Byron Bay
Winner 2017 | MBA Housing Award Contract House over $1.5 - $2M
Coopers Shoot House Byron Bay Winner 2017 | MBA Housing Award Contract House over $3M
Burran Ave House Mosman
Commendation 2017 | Mosman Good Design Awards
Hudson Parade House Clareville
Winner 2015 | MBA Housing Award House-Additions/Alterations/ Renovations- $7M & over
Chinaman’s Beach House Mosman
Winner 2012 | MBA Housing Award Contract House $10M & over
Ayana Lighthouse Road Byron Bay Winner 2012 | MBA Housing Award Contract House $1M-$1.5M
Carrington Avenue House Mosman Commendation 2011 | Mosman Good Design Awards
Warringah Road House Mosman Commendation 2009 | Mosman Good Design Awards
The Esthers Apartments Balmoral NSW Excellence in Housing Award 2008 (Apartments)
Stanton Road House Mosman
Winner 2008 | NSW Excellence in Housing Award
Shellbank Avenue House Mosman
Winner 2007 | NSW Excellence in Housing Award
Hopetoun Avenue House Mosman
Commendation 2007 | Mosman Good Design Awards
Berthong Elizabeth Bay
Winner 2005 | NSW Excellence in Housing Award - Restoration
Arbutus Street Apartments Mosman Winner 2005 | NSW Excellence in Housing Award - Apartments
Pomeroy Apartments Potts Point Winner 2004 | UDIA NSW High Density Award for Excellence
Winner 2004 | UDIA National High Density Housing Award for Excellence
Balmoral Avenue House II Winner 2001 | Mosman Good Design Awards
Wylde Street Apartments Winner 2001 | HIA Housing Award
DIRECTORS
Philip Corben
B.Sc (Arch), B.Arch (Hons), FRAIA
Mark Clark
LLB. B.Arch (Hons) (UA)
Mohit Keni Dip.Arch M.Arch
Amy Eccles B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch ARAIA
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Andrew Vingilis B.Arch UTS ARAIA
ASSOCIATES
Karina Kerr B.Des (Int)
Jaie Midei B.Des (Arch), Dip. Arch. Tech ARAIA
Nicole Witney BA (Hons), Dip. Arch, MA. ARAIA
ADMINISTRATION
Mel Orr Office Manager
Debra Lane Accounts Manager
ARCHITECTURE
Roxanna Viray B.Arch (Hons) ARAIA
Anna Wheeler B.Int Arch
Andreas Britz B.Arch M.Arch Dip. Vis Comm
Pedro Felix B.Arch
Feng Cai B.Arch M.Arch M.CPM ARAIA
Shameem Husain B.Arch M.Arch Dip. Vis Comm
Peggy Harris Cert 3 in Design, Dip. Building Design B.Arch M.Arch
Gabriella Lindsay B.Des (Arch) M.Arch
Annalise Blatchford B.Des (Arch) M.Arch
Ashlyn Ndlovu B.Des (Arch) Dip. Des Arch
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Karina Kerr B.Des (Int)
Bronwyn Horn B.Des (Int. Hons)
Lucy Purchas Interior stylist
PHILIP CORBEN | DIRECTOR
B.Sc. (Arch) B. Arch (Hons) FRAIA Reg no. 4616
Philip is our Managing Director and Founder and has almost 40 years experience in the architecture profession. He established Corben Architects in 1990 with a principal commitment to delivering quality residential architecture paired with a high level of client service. Philip oversees each of Corben Architects’ projects and is intimately involved in design review and client liaison. As Managing Director, he is also responsible for the business management of the practice. Outside of work, Philip shares his time with his interior stylist wife Lucy, his three daughters and two grandsons. He also tries to find time for his loves of yoga, surfing, sailing, snow skiing and escaping to his beachside hideaway in Byron Bay.
MOHIT KENI | DIRECTOR
Dip. Arch M.Arch
Mohit is a passionate architect with over 25 years’ experience working in Australia and abroad. He joined Corben Architects in 1999 and has since led a variety of large-scale residential projects. He was appointed an Associate in 2000 and a Director in 2007. Mohit has exceptional design and documentation skills, which he brings to all of Corben Architects’ work. Outside of work, Mohit shares his time between the two loves of his life – his family and sport. He is passionate about cricket and is still chasing that elusive ‘ace’ on the golf course.
MARK CLARK | DIRECTOR
LLB. B.Arch (Hons)
Initially starting his career as a solicitor, Mark switched to architecture to follow his passion for design. Mark joined Corben Architects in 1998 and was appointed a director of the company in 2007. With over 25 years of experience, Mark has an outstanding sense of design and has excellent documentation and communication skills. In his role, he manages Corben Architect’s large-scale residential projects. Mark has a strong interest in art, architecture and landscape design. Whilst enjoying city life during the week, he often escapes to his Palm Beach residence on the weekends.
AMY ECCLES | DIRECTOR
B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch ARAIA Reg no. 10271
Amy has over 10 years’ experience working in Australia. She joined Corben Architects in 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks to become an Associate in 2018 and a Director in 2021. She has worked on a wide range of residential projects and enjoys working directly with clients to create their dream homes. Recently becoming parents, Amy and her husband are adjusting to a new way of life. They share a love of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, skiing and surfing.
ANDREW VINGILIS | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
B.Arch UTS ARAIA Reg No. 5575
Andrew has over 30 years’ experience working in residential, commercial, educational and heritage projects. After spending a number of years managing his own practice, Andrew joined Corben Architects in 2007 and was appointed Associate Director in 2011. Andrew understands the nuances of residential projects and the different design challenges they face. Outside work, Andrew loves to travel, cook and go mountain bike riding. He also loves to spend time with family and friends and catch up with mates at the footy or a round of golf.
27 Shellbank Avenue, Mosman
33 Kardinia Road, Mosman
FEES
Corben Architects has a flexible approach to fees and work on either a ‘fixed fee per stage’ or a ‘time and disbursements’ basis, up to a ‘not to exceed’ percentage fee, based on the final cost of the project including all internal fit-out, external works and landscaping plus GST.
Fees are competitive, transparent and commensurate with the extensive experience, high level of design skills and client services provided by Corben Architects.
Architectural fees are generally divided into the following stages:
- Concept / initial sketch design
- Full sketch design
- Design development to Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
- Contract documentation to tender and Construction Certificate
- Tendering, contract negotiations and contract signing with appointed builder
- Contract administration during construction
We also provide an in-house interior design service which can be fully integrated into your architectural project or used as a stand-alone service.
For the best advice on how to approach the fee structure for your project, please contact us and we will be more than happy to guide you through this process.
20 Esther Road, Mosman
50 Bay Street, Mosman
PROJECT STAGES
We typically undertake projects in the following stages;
1 Initial Consultation
The project usually starts with an on-site meeting where we discuss your brief, budget, scope of works, Council planning controls, authority requirements, heritage and Complying Development options (if applicable). We review the site conditions and opportunities, likely floor plan and level configurations. We will start to sketch up some rough planning concepts and give you a preliminary guide to construction and overall project costs. On completion, you will have a sound understanding of what is achievable to enable you to make an informed decision on how best to move forward with your project.
2 Initial Sketch Design
Should you wish to proceed to the next step, we formalise the brief, budget and architectural style of building you are seeking. We undertake a measure up of your existing property (for alterations and additions), coordinate the preparation of a site survey and translate all this information into a detailed 3D terrain model of the site, existing building and surrounding structures. We then prepare floor plans, section drawings and a basic fly-through 3D model. We also prepare an opinion of cost estimates incorporating the entire construction, consultant and authority costs.
3 Full Sketch Design
We take your feedback from the initial design to fine tune the planning and develop the building into a fully developed design solution with detailed floor plans, sections, elevations and 3D model. We also provide recommendations on materials and finishes and update the opinion of cost estimate to capture any design changes and brief changes. We may then take this sketch design to PreDevelopment Application (DA) meeting with Council.
4 Design Development & Development Application (DA)
Once the full sketch design has been signed off, we upgrade the architectural drawings to incorporate all the requirements of the DA submission to Council. We also seek fee submissions, appoint and coordinate the team of expert consultants required to prepare the drawings and reports that need to accompany the DA. These may include planning, landscape, geotechnical, heritage, hydraulic, photomontage and BASIX consultants. We then lodge full DA submission on the NSW Government Planning Portal for assessment by Council.
5 Council and Neighbour Negotiations
With the DA submitted, we monitor the advertising process and review and advise on any neighbour submissions. We liaise with the assessing planning officers, discuss any potential changes and resubmit the drawings and reports as negotiated with Council. If required, we present the design to Council’s independent planning panel. Once approved, we review and circulate the DA consent conditions.
2 Wolseley Road, Mosman
14 Stanton Road, Mosman
6 Contract Documentation to Construction Certificate and Tender
Once approved by Council, we prepare the detailed construction documentation including plan, section, elevation and detailed fitout and joinery drawings, specifications, select fixtures, fittings, materials and finishes and translate these into schedules. We coordinate all the structural, civil, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical engineering consultant drawings required to detail the proposed works to ensure accurate budgeting and tendering. Again, we update our opinion of cost estimate to capture any design, finishes and scope of works changes. We also prepare and issue all the necessary information to the Private Certifier to issue the Construction Certificate that provides the formal approval to build. Given the ultimate success of any project is in the detail, this is a critical stage to ensure we have a comprehensive set of documents that enables the builder to construct the building to meet your expectations.
7 Tender Process
Given our extensive body of built work, we have a close working relationship with a broad range of respected builders capable of delivering high quality homes. We discuss the options for selecting a builder and then issue the drawings and manage the tender process. We respond to tender queries, review tender submissions, conduct interviews, and provide recommendations on the most suitable builder before preparing the building contracts for signing with the selected builder.
8 Contract Administration
During construction, we oversee the adminstration of the building contract that includes responding to builder queries, attending and minuting regular site meetings, monitoring quality control and workmanship, assessing progress claims and variations and issuing progress certificates authorising payments to the builder. At completion, we inspect the works, prepare defects lists and assist in compiling all the certificates necessary for the issue of the occupation certificate. Whilst our contractual obligation is to fairly administer the construction contract we act as your representative to ensure the entire construction process is undertaken as seamlessly as possible and ensure your design and budget expectations are fully realised.
31 Australia Street, Camperdown
27 Kardinia Road, Mosman
PLANNING CONTROLS SUMMARY
Project: Address: Date: Council: Control Documents: Zoning: Minimum Lot Size: Site Area: Floor Space Ratio (FSR): Maximum Gross Floor Area (GFA): House Garage Plant Internal Voids External Walls
Total Number of storeys:
Maximum building height: Maximum wall height: Landscaping Area Control: Envelope Control: Setbacks: Carparking: Heritage/ Conservation: Scenic Protection: Foreshore Building Line: Acid Sulphate Soil: Complying Development: Notes:
3 Balmoral Avenue, Mosman The Grove, Mosman
