TINY TERRACE, ERSKINEVILLE
Owner comments: The idea of renovating our 2 bed single fronted Erskineville Terrace was something that we had considered and put aside a number of times. The thought of finding and appointing an architect and then a builder was daunting. Being novices and really having little idea of all the steps of the process and speaking with friends we knew the key was finding people you trust and understand your needs.
We felt it was important specifically to find that partner for the project that understood the needs of an inner-city family with a two bedroom terrace in a heritage conservation area. We love Where we live and the renovation idea was making our house just work better for us, and our growing family.
A friend of ours referred us to Amy as someone that had experience in the area and as a local understood the lifestyle we lived. Once we had approached Amy we were really impressed by the level of research that she completed to really question us about the project aims to understand how we as a family live, what our future needs would be and how the current house was not meeting those needs. This initial stage also crystalized what was important to us as well beyond our original thoughts. Taking the time upfront for all of us to detail how we would look to use the space ensured that the brief and the proposed initial designs met that mark. Knowing and aligning our design aesthetic and our key wants of clever use of space and light were critical to make this a success.
To take this information from us away and then to also consider all the relevant constraints that the site imposed, no rear lane access and in a heritage conservation area (to which she was well experienced in) to come back with multiple options to us was amazing. We had assumed that these would limit design options and so to have at least 5 options was both inspiring and so important for us to really make the right call for our family.
From the beginning Amy was very thorough in detailing out in writing all the stages of such a project and was clear on the scope of works of each stage of her involvement and costs that could be expected. Being clear and realistic on time, cost and all other relevant parties such as council was important to us. We were clear that we would be relying on her to help us through the process and her upfront and transparent approach was invaluable.
Once we had selected a preferred design option Amy continued to exceed our expectations in providing options of suppliers of fixtures and fittings that were in keeping with our style and aesthetics, whilst also keeping our budget in mind.
Amy was also able to provide options for builders that she had worked with in the past with for us to consider and after going through the options we went with a build team she had recommended.
Amy was always available for us throughout the project, but we also know that there were many extra hours invested in the project behind the scenes that we may not have physically witnessed but the fantastic results prove that the connection and relationship with the builder delivered a top result.
Even now 10 months on from completion we still pinch ourselves with just how well the renovation process went, the fantastic team we had to deliver this being Amy, the builder and all the trades and a fabulous house that we love showing off. The project was on time, on budget and exceeded our expectations. We just cannot tell enough people how awesome the team were.
Ultimately the design by Amy Leenders is proof that engaging an architect on a project like ours was well worth the time and investment and is supporting our family with a fantastic house today and that will serve us for many years as our young family turns into a family with teens and beyond.
We felt it was important specifically to find that partner for the project that understood the needs of an inner-city family with a two bedroom terrace in a heritage conservation area. We love Where we live and the renovation idea was making our house just work better for us, and our growing family.
A friend of ours referred us to Amy as someone that had experience in the area and as a local understood the lifestyle we lived. Once we had approached Amy we were really impressed by the level of research that she completed to really question us about the project aims to understand how we as a family live, what our future needs would be and how the current house was not meeting those needs. This initial stage also crystalized what was important to us as well beyond our original thoughts. Taking the time upfront for all of us to detail how we would look to use the space ensured that the brief and the proposed initial designs met that mark. Knowing and aligning our design aesthetic and our key wants of clever use of space and light were critical to make this a success.
To take this information from us away and then to also consider all the relevant constraints that the site imposed, no rear lane access and in a heritage conservation area (to which she was well experienced in) to come back with multiple options to us was amazing. We had assumed that these would limit design options and so to have at least 5 options was both inspiring and so important for us to really make the right call for our family.
From the beginning Amy was very thorough in detailing out in writing all the stages of such a project and was clear on the scope of works of each stage of her involvement and costs that could be expected. Being clear and realistic on time, cost and all other relevant parties such as council was important to us. We were clear that we would be relying on her to help us through the process and her upfront and transparent approach was invaluable.
Once we had selected a preferred design option Amy continued to exceed our expectations in providing options of suppliers of fixtures and fittings that were in keeping with our style and aesthetics, whilst also keeping our budget in mind.
Amy was also able to provide options for builders that she had worked with in the past with for us to consider and after going through the options we went with a build team she had recommended.
Amy was always available for us throughout the project, but we also know that there were many extra hours invested in the project behind the scenes that we may not have physically witnessed but the fantastic results prove that the connection and relationship with the builder delivered a top result.
Even now 10 months on from completion we still pinch ourselves with just how well the renovation process went, the fantastic team we had to deliver this being Amy, the builder and all the trades and a fabulous house that we love showing off. The project was on time, on budget and exceeded our expectations. We just cannot tell enough people how awesome the team were.
Ultimately the design by Amy Leenders is proof that engaging an architect on a project like ours was well worth the time and investment and is supporting our family with a fantastic house today and that will serve us for many years as our young family turns into a family with teens and beyond.
PARK TERRACE, ERSKINEVILLE
Owner comments: Of the hundreds of decisions we made during our renovation, engaging Amy to be our architect was the single best decision we made. There were three standout features of our experience with Amy that deserve to be mentioned.
First, she gave realistic and reliable advice throughout the entire process. This included what we could achieve with the renovation, how long it would take, the steps it would involve and the cost. Her advice about all of these matters proved to be accurate.
Second, Amy provided practical and pragmatic advice about design. While we had some ideas about what we wanted, Amy provided so much valuable input into what the house needed to accomodate a young growing family.
The end result is a house that we are incredibly happy with - we truly love it. Third, Amy worked seamlessly with the builder we engaged. Having a good relationship between architect and builder really helped the renovation proceed smoothly, as any little issue could be resolved by a quick call between the two.
We are so happy with Amy’s work that we have recommended her to numerous friends and we would be happy to speak with any prospective clients about her. We can’t speak highly enough about Amy.
First, she gave realistic and reliable advice throughout the entire process. This included what we could achieve with the renovation, how long it would take, the steps it would involve and the cost. Her advice about all of these matters proved to be accurate.
Second, Amy provided practical and pragmatic advice about design. While we had some ideas about what we wanted, Amy provided so much valuable input into what the house needed to accomodate a young growing family.
The end result is a house that we are incredibly happy with - we truly love it. Third, Amy worked seamlessly with the builder we engaged. Having a good relationship between architect and builder really helped the renovation proceed smoothly, as any little issue could be resolved by a quick call between the two.
We are so happy with Amy’s work that we have recommended her to numerous friends and we would be happy to speak with any prospective clients about her. We can’t speak highly enough about Amy.
DROGHEDA HOUSE, MARRICKVILLE
Owner comments: The first time I met Amy I knew I had found the right architect to design the renovation for my house in Marrickville. Her calm, confident manner, was coupled with great design principles and overlayed with a strong commitment to sustainability.
As a first time renovator, I was looking for someone who could partner with me across the whole renovation journey from the beginning with the exciting design and options phase through to the final documentation and council approvals.
We wrestled together with the challenges of investing upfront in building a sustainable home and she was always up to date with the latest in sustainability / energy efficient building design.
Amy’s advice and guidance throughout the building phase was invaluable and incredibly reassuring and she became an additional member of the building team, all striving to get the best outcome for me, the client.
The space she has designed is a joy to be in and everyone who walks into my house agrees with a “Wow, Amazing” !!
I would highly recommend Amy to anyone who is looking to find the special architect - you won’t be disappointed.
As a first time renovator, I was looking for someone who could partner with me across the whole renovation journey from the beginning with the exciting design and options phase through to the final documentation and council approvals.
We wrestled together with the challenges of investing upfront in building a sustainable home and she was always up to date with the latest in sustainability / energy efficient building design.
Amy’s advice and guidance throughout the building phase was invaluable and incredibly reassuring and she became an additional member of the building team, all striving to get the best outcome for me, the client.
The space she has designed is a joy to be in and everyone who walks into my house agrees with a “Wow, Amazing” !!
I would highly recommend Amy to anyone who is looking to find the special architect - you won’t be disappointed.
K+S HOUSE, ERSKINEVILLE
Owner comments: Amy redesigned the kitchen and dining room in our inner-city terrace house, creating a light and airy new living space that has exceeded all our expectations. She has a great understanding of the challenges of small homes, and somehow managed to create an incredible amount of storage throughout the kitchen, living room and laundry – we call it our ‘magic storage’ because it seemed like an impossible dream in such a tiny house.
During our initial conversations, Amy took the time to really understand what we wanted, so she could locate the perfect materials to suit our style. Her expertise and advice made the whole experience as easy and relaxed as possible, working closely with a trusted builder to ensure there were no unexpected surprises. We are thrilled with the result: a functional space that meets the needs of our busy family and looks fantastic.
During our initial conversations, Amy took the time to really understand what we wanted, so she could locate the perfect materials to suit our style. Her expertise and advice made the whole experience as easy and relaxed as possible, working closely with a trusted builder to ensure there were no unexpected surprises. We are thrilled with the result: a functional space that meets the needs of our busy family and looks fantastic.
BALMAIN EAST HOUSE
Owner comments: Amy's enthusiasm and creativity impressed us and we knew immediately that we could work with her.
"Maximise the view, capitalise on natural light and give this ageing, old girl a much needed face lift" was our brief.
Amy didn't fail to deliver!
"Maximise the view, capitalise on natural light and give this ageing, old girl a much needed face lift" was our brief.
Amy didn't fail to deliver!
BATHROOM RENOVATION, EDGECLIFF
Owner comments: Amy Leenders of Leenders Cottier Architects did a terrific job with our bathroom redesign. She has a great sense of space and came up with some really innovative solutions to maximise the functionality and aesthetic appeal of our constrained bathroom spaces. Our brief was to update the bathrooms, maximize finish quality within a cautious budget and adopt a neutral style that would be attractive to almost any new buyer of our apartment. The finished results were better than anything we could have envisaged. Amy was easy to work with, paid attention to the details and was efficient and responsive. We are already using her again on our next project and have recommended her to friends.
MITTAGONG HOUSE
Owner comments: I would never build a conventional brick veneer home again. [Revers brick veneer] is such a comfortable environment to live in. When it is 41 degrees in Summer outside, the highest indoor temperature of our home (without any mechanical cooling) has been 25 degrees.