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START HERE - PROJECT FUNDAMENTALS

Apartment & Townhouse Specialists

NSW Registered Architect

Featured in Forbes

15+ Years Experience

 

Specialist Architect for Class 2 Buildings

Most apartment and townhouse renovations fail not because of design; they fail because of what wasn’t considered early.

Planning controls, strata approvals, compliance and buildability are the risks that lead to delays, redesign, and unexpected costs.

We specialise in navigating these complexities before they become problems:

  • Airspace Developments

  • Balcony enclosures

  • Apartment amalgamations

  • Full apartment renovations

  • Townhouse upgrades

Our Clients

Many of our clients are at a transition point - downsizing, right-sizing, upgrading, or preparing a home for the next phase of life, often investing significant money into their properties.

At this stage, the goal isn’t just to renovate or design something beautiful.

It’s knowing where to invest - and where not to - without getting it wrong and without over-capitalising,

so the project adds real value.

Apartment renovations come with hidden constraints that can impact approvals, buildability, and ultimately, how much value you add.

That’s where we come in.

Schedule a call with linette

Lavender Bay Townhouse Project (Class 2)

 
 

Start with Clarity

Apartment & Townhouse Project Fundamentals

A structured starting point for your entire renovation

  • Feasibility clarity

  • Approval pathway (DA or fast-tracked CDC)

  • Class 2 specific compliance risks identified (waterproofing, structure, fire, services)

  • Liveability items prioritised (natural light, acoustics, circulation, privacy, storage)

  • Builder-informed cost direction

  • Clear next steps

Learn more about project fundamentals
 

A structured process designed to reduce risk and keep your project moving

1

Strategy

Apartment & Townhouse Project Fundamentals

Clarity, feasibility and approvals direction

2

Design & Approvals

Design and management of council approvals and strata

3

Construction Documentation

Detailed Class 2 compliantand interior documentation ready for construction approval

4

Build Support

Tender support and ongoing guidance to help ensure a successful build

 

Cremorne Point Townhouse Project (Class 2)

Our Difference

Builders involved early at project milestones

We collaborate with trusted class 2 builders and building practitioners from the start not at the end. This ensures:

  • Realistic cost expectations

  • Buildable design solutions

  • Value management to meet budgets

  • Fewer surprises during construction

  • Smoother, more efficient process

How we work

Experience & Qualifications

  • Registered NSW Class 2 Architect / Design Practitioner

  • Architect with interiors specialisation - 15 years apartment design experience for property developers and homeowners

  • Top Australian Universities Educator

  • Experience in Innovation Projects and Training

    Through my past experience, I have developed a specialty in increasing the value of residential properties to live in, lease or sell through designing functional and efficient spaces, maximising the space available (more storage!), reducing wasted areas, and bringing knowledge in cutting-edge design and specification of materials and products.

    Click here to find out more about the new Class 2 Compliance Declaration Scheme aimed at restoring confidence in the residential construction industry.

  • Featured in Forbes Magazine

    Full article Link: SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS: Redefining Apartment Living In Sydney - Forbes

 
 

Cremorne Point Unit (Class 2)

What Our Clients Say

To access our real-time 5-star Google reviews, visit this link

Click on the arrows below to read some of the reviews:

Testimonials

Linette is a pleasure to work with and we have found her to be reliable, conscientious, enthusiastic and respectful.

She listens to her clients and is full of ideas in order to get the best outcome. She is very skilful especially in the interior design aspect. We are glad that she was recommended to us.

Sylvia Watt, Co-founder & Managing Director of the Bush Chemist, Cremorne Pt Townhouse

Currently in the early phase of Renovations. Due to recent changes to regulations, it difficult to Navigate the correct process. Salbashian Architects came highly recommended. They agreed to undertake the whole process inclusive of Plans etc. Linette thinks out of the box but does listen to the client. To date progress has been excellent, living in Victoria and the Project being in NSW, Linette makes the process fairly simple and explains all the Acronyms' etc.

More than pleased with the service to date.

John Anthony Channon, Fairlight Apartment

Linette from Salbashian Architects is incredibly knowledgeable and helped my husband and I work through some upcoming renovation plans. Highly recommend her approach to design, great ideas and personable approach throughout the process.

Laina Leuenberger, Digital Designer, Destination NSW, Adelaide House

In our search to finding our perfect home, Linette has always given us great advice on what improvements and changes can be made. She has made the whole process stress free!

Francesca Masocolo, Founder of Sleep By Francesca, Pre-purchase Consultations

Professional, high-quality service and fantastic communication.

Steve Granger, Sales Director Roadshow Films

Linette is wonderful to deal with and fantastic ideas and suggestions. Follows through with everything and is very informative.

Heather Tyler, Relocation Consulting Manager, St. Leonards Apartment

In my capacity as a town planner I have worked with Linette from Salbashian Architects on a number of projects. I have been impressed with Linette's architectural knowledge and expertise and her ability to come up with innovative solutions that produce great outcomes. Her clear communication, consultative approach and, friendly and engaging personality makes working together a pleasure.

Ian Arnott, Town Planner

Fantastic Architect, really understands how to make a home a better place to live through great design ideas.

Kim Merlino, Senior Architect Tzannes

Linette brings a vibrant energy and enthusiasm to every home she designs, while taking the time to truly understand the owner’s needs deeply.

Nora Hyasat, Co-founder of handcrafted jewelry & bags - Enem Design

I can't help but share how impressed I have been working with Linette Salbashian recently, she is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. I truly appreciate her positive energy and the valuable insights she shared with me.

Patil Sarkissian, Sustainability Consultant

 
 
 

Cremorne Point Townhouse (Class 2)

 
 

Why choose SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS?

  • As principal of SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS, I am a registered architect and have 13 years of experience in Australian residential architecture, having worked in the property development industry, mostly in small spaces and interiors.

  • I offer a full scope of design services; architectural concept, design practitioner services, town planning, detail interior design, project management, liaison with engineers, builders and authorities, and adding finishing touches with furniture and accessories. I have a small but mighty team who assist in bringing it all together.

    This means that clients do not need to hire separate interior designers, town planners, building code consultants and project managers, which if done would push design fees up due to minimising economies of scale.

  • Builders are involved from the very early design discussions and I can help you find one if you require.

    This helps with receiving good cost estimates through each stage of the design process and also ensures the buildability of the concepts. The builders involved could help create efficiencies and discuss construction methodologies suited to your budget. ⁠

    This also helps you get to know your builder rather than hire one right at the end of the design process that you haven’t tested before.

  • I pass on my trade discounts in materials, fixtures, products and furniture to my clients instead of taking the full commission from suppliers. I believe in transparency with clients of involved costs and commissions when specifying their home.

  • Rest assured that you will not be palmed off to anyone else on my team, as I will focus on going along the whole journey with you. This way, you work with the same person from start to end.

    Unfortunately, a lot of larger design firms start with the principal architect winning clients over and continue with the projects getting passed down to juniors, and you are not guaranteed to work with the same person throughout the entire process.

    At SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS, you will receive a boutique design firm experience of personalised care and attention to your project. To achieve this, I choose projects carefully instead of working with anyone and everyone.

  • As I work in a highly specialised area in architecture, I have made great connections with consultants that can be involved in your project, such as class 2 engineers, builders, certifiers, town planners, BCA consultants, and more.

  • An accurate measure of your house can be done in 30 minutes and existing 3D model and floor plans can be provided within a few days.

  • Some of my clients live hours away and own properties in Sydney that require designing, I am able to work flexibly through situations like this. I provide 3D digital mood boards, 3D building perspectives, and we can have video calls and organise project milestones and consultations around clients’ availabilities. I also work with a builder who provides imagery access of the construction progress to clients from the comfort of their home away from Sydney.

 
 
 

Ready to start?

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