Michael is motivated by a clear set of passions: beauty, function and context. The success of his business lies heavily on the formidable balance of these ideals. “Archified is an award-winning building design practice based in Melbourne, specialising in highly personalised residential design. We create bespoke homes that thoughtfully respond to clients’ lifestyles, combining timeless architectural principles with contemporary living needs. Over the years, we’ve grown into a dedicated team committed to crafting homes that are unique and meaningful to each client,” he says.

When it came to designing his own home, there was no one he could trust more than himself to masterfully materialise his visions. “Designing my own home was a unique opportunity to fully embody my architectural philosophy without compromise. It allowed me to explore and combine influences that inspire me, particularly the American residential tradition, while responding directly to the way my family lives and grows,” Michael explains.

FAMILY FIRST
The opportunity to completely design your own home is a position few find themselves in. Michael met the task with passion, dedication and a keen sense of just what was needed for his growing family. “The home is a single-storey family residence located in Melbourne, designed as my own house. It was built for my family of three young girls to provide a comfortable, practical and elegant environment that supports daily living, work and play. The design balances openness with intimacy, tailored specifically to how we live,” he describes.

Designing a home for Michael’s own family enabled him to blend emotion with intention. “Since I was designing for my own family, the vision was to create a home that feels deeply personal and functional. 

The brief focused on spacious living areas that encourage connection, while also carving out quiet, private spaces for work and rest. It needed to reflect our appreciation for classic architectural elements while being firmly rooted in contemporary family life,” he elaborates.

STYLE BREAKDOWN
Rooted in a respect for tradition yet guided by a contemporary sensibility, Michael’s design aimed to achieve a lasting sense of elegance. “The home reflects a timeless, classic style inspired by traditional American residential architecture, blended with modern minimalism. It balances clean lines and restrained detailing with warm, inviting materials and thoughtful touches that create a refined yet approachable atmosphere,” he explains. “Key decisions included embracing a single-storey layout for  accessibility and flow, incorporating vaulted ceilings to add volume and light, and selecting a neutral but layered material palette with classic detailing like shaker cabinetry and brass fittings. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas were designed for flexibility and family interaction, while built-in storage and bespoke joinery enhance functionality.”

The aesthetic of the classic American family home served as a major source of inspiration for Michael, who drew on its traditional elements while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. “Externally, the house features white-painted brickwork and black-framed windows and doors that reference traditional American homes with a contemporary twist. Internally, natural oak flooring, V-groove panelling, and natural stone create warmth and texture. Brass fixtures and handmade-style ceramic tiles add tactile and visual interest, while the navy-blue cabinetry anchors several rooms with depth and character,” he describes.

Images courtesy of Archified.