Elevated apartment living, without leaving the location you love.
Architecture · Interior Design · Town Planning · Specialist Class 2 Expertise · Early Builder Involvement
We create bespoke apartment and townhouse transformations, unlocking their potential through renovations, reconfigurations, amalgamations and extensions across Sydney.
Our integrated approach considers how spaces function and flow, how they look and feel, what's possible through planning and approvals, and how designs can be safely and practically delivered - all considered together from the outset.
What is a Class 2 Apartment & Townhouse Specialist?
In July 2021, the NSW Government introduced new regulations requiring certain renovation work in Class 2 buildings to be designed and signed off by registered Design Practitioners, a specialisation created in the industry to provide greater accountability and compliance throughout the project.
Most apartment and townhouse renovations fail not because of design; they fail because of what wasn’t considered early.
We focus on identifying opportunities and risks upfront…
…before they become costly problems.
Hello! I’m Linette Salbashian, a registered architect and Class 2 Architectural Design Practitioner. I help apartment and townhouse owners like you navigate design, strata approvals and construction with confidence - so you can focus on creating a home that works better for the way you would like to live.
After years working exclusively in multi-residential buildings, I've seen how easily projects can become delayed by strata requirements, building regulations, consultant coordination and unforeseen construction issues.
Projects we specialise in:
Apartment and Townhouse Renovations
Apartment Amalgamations
Apartment Balcony Enclosures
Apartment Block Airspace, Attics and Rooftop Extensions
As a mother of three, I understand the importance of creating a home that supports everyday life that you are proud of; one that is functional and designed around the way you actually live, not simply what looks good in a magazine.
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 only 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.
“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
Cremorne Point Townhouse Project (Class 2)
Start with Clarity and Due Diligence.
Start with our most popular service.
Due Diligence
Apartment & Townhouse Project Fundamentals
This service is the foundation of every project:
- 60–90 minute on‑site session to clarify scope, design direction and to discuss ideas
- Planning and compliance review by our in-house Town Planner to find ways to avoid a DA, to fast track approvals and to conduct a risk assessment for the likeliness of approvals.
- Advice on how to move forwards with no or little approvals (exempt development) by tweaking the project pathway
- Builder input on cost and buildability
- Real Estate Valuer input on focus areas to maximise renovations and avoid over capitalisation
- Consultant and engineering requirements so you can plan for project team costs
- Strata bi-laws and solicitor coordination - to assess the likeliness of strata approvals and provide them a clear scope of works
- Clear next steps
A suite of distinct services designed to
reduce risk, improve decision-making, and help you move forward with confidence.
1
Due Diligence
Apartment & Townhouse Project Fundamentals
We guide you to make informed decisions before committing significant time and money to design, approvals, or construction.
2
Design & Approvals
We transform ideas and opportunities into approved designs while navigating council and strata approvals needed to bring them to life.
3
Construction Documentation
You receive detailed documentation that gives builders, consultants, and certifiers the information needed to accurately price, approve, and build with confidence.
4
Build Support
We support you through builder selection, construction queries, and site decisions so your renovation stays aligned with the approved design.
Engage us for a single service or partner with us throughout the entire journey - from initial feasibility and strata approvals through to construction and completion.
Lavender Bay 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 before design begins. This ensures:
Realistic cost expectations
Buildable design solutions
Value management to meet budgets
Fewer surprises during construction
Smoother, more efficient process
“…is also notable for its cross-dicsiplanary structure. With in-house town planning expertise and coordination with builders during the design process, the firm delivers designs that are aligned with budget constraints and construction feasibility from the onset.”
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Featured in Forbes Magazine
Full article Link: SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS: Redefining Apartment Living In Sydney - Forbes
Case Studies:
Here are some of our most recent case studies.
Pyrmont Street - Adding Floor Space Without a DA
Manly Apartment Amalgamation - $17K Cost Saving from Home Warranty Insurance Checks
Manly Apartment Amalgamation - Avoiding an Unnecessary $6K Council Levy
Manly - $30K Saved in a 2-Hour Design + Builder Review
Manly - Turning an Awkward Tight Bedroom into a Flexible Multi-Purpose Space
Paddington - More Value From the Existing Footprint, Award-Winning Project
Paddington - Catching the Approval Issue Before Construction and Unapproved Works, Award-Winning Project
Bronte - Avoiding a Costly Property Purchase Mistake
Woollahra Townhouse - Turning an Unrealistic Budget Into a Viable Brief
Eastern Suburbs Airspace / Unused Area - Finding Hidden Property Value Above Apartment Blocks
Cammeray - Avoiding Costly Approval Surprises On Site from ‘Exempt’ Works
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:
Awards:
Associations:
As Featured In:
Speaker at:
Why choose SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS?
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As Principal of SALBASHIAN ARCHITECTS, I am a registered architect with over 15 years of experience in Australian residential architecture and property development, specialising in the design and transformation of strata-type properties and compact spaces and interiors.
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We offer a comprehensive range of services, from architectural concepts, interior design and town planning through to design practitioner services, project management, consultant coordination and the finishing touches of furniture and styling.
Supported by a small but highly skilled team, we bring these services together under one roof, providing a more coordinated, efficient and cost-effective approach.
Rather than engaging separate interior designers, town planners, building code consultants and project managers, our clients benefit from an integrated team that considers every aspect of their project from the outset. This reduces duplication, improves communication and creates efficiencies that can help keep overall design fees down.
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We believe builders should be involved early in the design process, not just once the drawings are complete. If you don't already have a builder in mind, we can help you find one suited to your project.
Early builder involvement allows us to obtain realistic cost estimates as the design develops, explore practical construction methods and identify opportunities to achieve better value within your budget. It also helps ensure our design concepts are not only beautiful but practical and buildable.
Just as importantly, it gives you the opportunity to get to know your builder, understand how they work and build confidence in the relationship before committing to construction.
The result is fewer surprises, better-informed design decisions and a smoother transition from design to construction.
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We pass on our supplier trade discounts across materials, fixtures, fittings and furniture to our clients, rather than retaining the full commission or discount for ourselves.
We believe in transparency when it comes to project costs, supplier incentives and commissions, so our clients understand where their money is going and can make informed decisions with confidence. Ts & Cs apply.
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Unlike larger practices, where projects may be handed over to junior team members after the initial consultation, I remain personally involved throughout the entire process. While my team supports the delivery of each project, I continue to be your primary point of contact, providing consistency, accountability and a clear understanding of your vision from start to finish.
I deliberately take on a select number of projects so I can give each client the time, attention and care their home deserves.
This is the advantage of working with a boutique architectural practice - personal attention from an experienced architect who knows your project inside out and stays with you every step of the way.
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Through my specialisation in apartment and townhouse renovations, I've built a trusted network of experienced consultants and industry professionals, including Class 2 engineers, builders, certifiers, town planners and building code consultants.
These established relationships allow us to bring the right expertise into your project when needed, streamline coordination and navigate the complexities of design, approvals and construction more efficiently.
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You don't need to live in Sydney to renovate your Sydney property.
We regularly work with clients who live outside Sydney, offering a flexible design process that accommodates their location, schedules and availability.
Through 3D visualisations, digital mood boards and video consultations, we make it easy to explore design options, make informed decisions and stay involved in your project without needing to be there in person.
We can also coordinate consultations and key project milestones around your availability. During construction, some of our builders offer online access to progress imagery, allowing you to follow the transformation of your home from wherever you are.
Distance doesn't have to mean being disconnected from your project.
Ready to start?
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