Our Expertise

Reworking homes for the way you live now.

Renovations & additions

When your home needs to evolve, we reimagine spaces with thoughtful design and craftsmanship — reworking plan, light and flow so the house fits the way you live now.

Thomas House, Windsor — restored Victorian frontageThomas House — hallway opening to the gardenThomas House — kitchen detail

How we approach renovations

A home feels generous because of light, proportion and connection — not square metres.

1

Start with how you live

We begin with your daily rituals: cooking, gathering, working, relaxing, and shape the plan around how you live.

2

Light, flow and connection

Opening your home to light and garden, and connecting spaces so they're intuitive to move through.

3

Add only what's needed

Often the best result comes from reworking what's there before building more, protecting your budget and your home's character.

Featured project

An early Ardo project, completed before the studio's public launch.

Thomas House — verandah laceworkThomas House — bathroom vanity

Thomas House

An outdated, dilapidated house on a long, narrow block, transformed into a calm, light-filled home. A 1950s extension made way for a careful renovation of the heritage house, with light drawn into its south-facing heart and an entertaining space that opens to the garden.

LocationWindsor, MelbourneScopeConcept, Planning, Design Development, Delivery
View Project

What's involved

Architecture and interiors from first visit to completion, with cost checked as the design develops and consultants, approvals and builders coordinated along the way.

  • – Brief, site and budget review
  • – Reworked plans, rear and upper-level additions
  • – Kitchens, bathrooms and joinery
  • – Town planning and approvals
  • – Interiors and furniture selection
  • – Documentation, tender and contract administration

Renovate, extend or rebuild?

A feasibility study tests each option against your site and budget.

Project strategy

Renovation questions

How much will my renovation cost?

It depends on scope, site and finishes. A Feasibility Study gives you early cost and scope guidance, so the design is set up to match your budget from the start.

Will I need a planning permit?

Some renovations do, some don't, it depends on the work and the controls on your site. We check this early and manage the application where one is needed.

Can we live in the house during the works?

Sometimes, depending on the scope. We'll talk it through early so you can plan around the build.

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.