A new approach. .

Architectsmith is a small architecture and interiors practice based in Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We specialise in residential design with a focus on customised and climate-responsive homes.

Who is Architectsmith?

 
 

Richard Smith, Architecture

Richard has been an architect since 2003 and established Architectsmith in 2011. Having worked on the Northern Beaches for nearly 20 years, he has extensive experience with local conditions and regulations, and strong relationships with local builders and tradespeople. Richard aims to deliver architecture services that are accessible and designs that respond to each clients’ needs.

Sydney Architect Richard Smith of Architectsmith has a load of experience on the Northern Beaches from Avalon to Manly in residential design and architecture and interiors.

 

Bianca Martin, Interiors

Bianca Martin established Editor Interiors in 2016 after working in consumer magazines for 20 years. Partners in life and work, Bianca and Richard collaborate throughout the design, approval, specification and building process to ensure a holistic approach between architecture and interiors. Bianca can also provide additional decoration services, such as furniture sourcing, custom upholstery, window treatments and soft furnishings.

What makes Architectsmith different?

  • Customised design solutions

    Richard is passionate about working closely with clients from the beginning of a project to the end, providing individual and innovative solutions to every brief, no matter the size and scope of the project. Richard is proud of making buildings that are not only well designed but well built.

  • Residential specialists

    Richard and Bianca are residential design specialists with many years’ of experience in helping homeowners to achieve clarity and alignment around their brief, aspirations and budget. All new projects start with candid conversations about what’s possible and achievable on your particular site.

  • A single point of contact

    Architectsmith takes on a limited number of projects at any one time – one in design phase, one in approval phase, and one under construction. By taking on fewer projects, Richard can invest the necessary time to comprehensively manage every job with a direct line of communication between architect and client.

  • In-house interior design and decoration

    It’s never too early to start considering the interior design elements that will make your new house a welcoming home. You’ll collaborate with Richard and Bianca on material choices and your overall aesthetic, and Bianca can also provide an additional decoration service to guide your furniture, soft furnishing, upholstery and window treatment selections.

 
 
 

Photograph Michael Nicholson

What people are saying about working with Architectsmith

 

“Richard is very good at taking a brief. He listens and translates it into imaginative design, taking you to a place you didn't envisage. He didn't draft up our inexpert ideas into something we expected but took us on a journey that delivered our needs in a result we could not have imagined. Trust the expert.”

— Emma and Jason, Killara

“We spent a long time working with Richard on the design; iterating it and letting it evolve before engaging a builder. We felt this approach resulted in enhancements we would have missed had we not taken that approach up front.”

— Simon and Tania, Collaroy

Selected Works

  • Newtown Warehouse

    When we purchased this smash repair shop – located behind the hustle and bustle of King Street, Newtown – it was in a state of rugged disrepair. We transformed the freestanding building into a truly unique warehouse home that celebrates old and new.

  • Collaroy Extension

    We carried out a substantial renovation to this solid yet unassuming home, providing our multi-generational clients with a light-filled extension that is all about inside/outside connections and social gatherings. It is now the ultimate family entertainer.

  • Chisholm House

    Our own family home in Sydney’s Avalon. We took advantage of a unique opportunity to develop the site – where we had lived for over 10 years – with the long term in mind. We built our forever house, which is highly responsive to its site, climate, aspect, views and history.

  • Palm Beach House

    We gave this holiday cottage – on a coveted beach in Sydney’s Palm Beach – a much-needed refresh, while maintaining its original small-scale charm. The new components – cladding, flooring, a guest boatshed and covered deck – were designed to withstand the rigours of guests and the elements.