About Ardo

Architecture & interiors studio, South Yarra, Melbourne.

Design that lives with you

Glass House — staircase and artworkNimmo House, Middle Park: kitchen with stone island and integrated joineryGlass House — arched hallway in the original house

The studio

We provide a fully integrated design service, from architecture and interiors through to planning and delivery. Each project is approached holistically, ensuring every element is considered, aligned and resolved as a cohesive whole.

Alongside design, we bring a clear and measured approach to budget, scope and delivery, ensuring ideas are grounded, achievable and built as intended.

At the heart of Ardo's philosophy is a simple idea: to create spaces that elevate the everyday, with precision, discretion and a commitment to enduring design.

What we believe

The ideas behind every Ardo home.

1

Felt, not just seen

A home should be intuitive to move through and comfortable to live in, not only good in photographs.

2

Generosity isn't square metres

It comes from volume, natural light, proportion and the connection between spaces.

3

Clarity from the outset

Brief, budget and scope aligned early, so the process feels structured and the result is delivered as intended.

Our people

Every project is led by Ash and the team, from first conversation to completion.

Ash Roberts, founder and design director of Ardo Architecture, standing beside a stone staircase

Ash Roberts
Founder & Design Director

With experience in high-end residential architecture, Ash brings a global perspective shaped by his work with Foster + Partners, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gurner Group.

His portfolio spans private residences, heritage renovations, bespoke contemporary homes and multi-residential developments, all defined by an uncompromising attention to detail. Glass House in Richmond is the studio's founding project.

PreviouslyFoster + Partners · Skidmore, Owings & Merrill · Gurner GroupPublishedHabitus Living, Grand Designs, Domain, New Norm Magazine, Co-ArchitectureStudioL2/627 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Our Process

Every stage is scoped and priced upfront as a fixed fee.

Our process is structured, considered and designed to give you clarity from the outset, aligning brief, budget and design into a cohesive and well-managed outcome.

We take a measured, collaborative approach, guiding each stage with care. From early ideas through to construction, decisions are made with a clear view of scope, cost and what the site will allow.

You stay informed and involved at every key milestone, without having to manage the project yourself.

  1. 1

    Understanding your brief

    Every project begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand how you live, your aspirations, and the constraints of your site — aligning your brief, budget and scope from the outset

  2. 2

    Concept direction

    We explore early ideas through layout, form and material direction — testing what’s possible and establishing a clear path forward.

    This stage sets the foundation for your project, balancing ambition with what is achievable.

  3. 3

    Design development

    Your design is developed and refined in detail — resolving architecture, interiors and materiality into a cohesive whole.

    Cost is checked as the design develops, so you can see where your budget is going and make informed choices before anything is locked in.

  4. 4

    Approvals

    We prepare and coordinate the required information for planning and regulatory approvals.

    We coordinate the consultants and reports your project needs, work through council feedback, and keep you updated as the application progresses.

  5. 5

    Documentation

    Following approvals, we develop a comprehensive documentation package for pricing and construction.

    Every element is resolved in detail, so builders price the same project and there are fewer surprises once building begins.

  6. 6

    Construction

    We remain closely involved as the project is built — supporting the builder, reviewing key details, and ensuring the design is realised as intended.

    Through regular site visits and coordination with the builder, we help resolve questions as they arise and keep you informed, protecting the design through to completion.

  7. 7

    Completion

    As the project reaches completion, we guide the final stages — reviewing the work, addressing defects, and ensuring everything is delivered to the expected standard.

    The result is a carefully considered home, brought to life with clarity, precision and lasting quality.

We specialise in

One studio, one point of contact — from feasibility through to furniture.

Our Expertise
  • 01Project Strategy & Feasibility
  • 02Architectural Design
  • 03Interior Design
  • 04Town Planning & Development Applications
  • 05Construction Documentation
  • 06Tendering & Builder Selection
  • 07Contract Administration
  • 08Furniture Selection & Procurement

Share your vision

Tell us about your project, what you have in mind and when you'd like to begin. Every project starts with a conversation.