Our work encompasses residential, commercial and government architecture; public and private landscape projects; as well as the design and manufacture of furniture, lighting and fabrication.
Our directors have over 25 years of combined experience and were drawn together to create an inclusive practice that is truly outcome orientated.
We have won awards across a range of disciplines connected to the built environment that recognise design excellence and innovation, and particularly our commitment to sustainable buildings and the environment. Our work focuses on material honesty, thermal performance and constructability, as we strive for affordable and responsive architecture that contributes to the public domain.
We’re an Australian-certified carbon neutral business.
Evolution —
We were inspired by the idea that buildings should be felt, not just seen, and driven by a passion for efficient, sustainable construction. Our time at UTAS fostered hands-on learning and an appreciation for digital fabrication, sparking our love for making. After relocating to Melbourne for post-graduate studies and industry experience, we grew frustrated with inefficiencies in traditional project delivery, reigniting our ambition to start our own practice.
Archier’s breakthrough came with the Sawmill House, a collaboration between Chris Gilbert and his brother Ben, a sculptor. This experimental project utilised massive reclaimed concrete blocks paired with timber and glass, combining sustainability with striking design. The home, featured on Grand Designs Australia, brought national attention to our emerging firm and cemented the founders’ commitment to exploring architecture through hands-on construction. Our first workspace in Preston functioned as both an office and workshop, where we prototyped furniture, lighting, and architectural components — a practice that remains integral to our ethos.
In 2014, Jon Kaitler joined as a director, bringing expertise in landscape architecture and project delivery, enhancing their holistic approach. In 2017, Sophie Gandar came aboard, first as practice manager and now director, helping guide Archier’s evolution and the establishment of its sister company, Candour. Jon and Chris now exclusively work within Candour. Archier thrives on collaboration, engaging clients, consultant partners, and colleagues and working in the style of a collective. By embracing innovative processes and simplifying complex project delivery, we’re positioned at the forefront of sustainable and proficient design.
We remain committed to pushing boundaries — delivering architecture that enriches lives while shaping a better-built environment.
People —
Awards —
Winner / Residential New / Over $1M / ArchiTEAM Awards
Commendation / Residential New / Over $1M / ArchiTEAM Awards
Winner / Boutique Development (Townhouse) Award / UDIA Victorian Awards
Winner / Excellence in Timber Design / Residential Class 1 – New Buildings / Australian Timber Design Awards
Commendation / Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Shortlisted / New House Over 200m2 / Houses Awards
Shortlisted / The Building / INDE Award
Shortlisted / Residential Architecture – Houses (New) / Victorian Architecture Awards
Shortlisted / New House over 200m2 / Houses Awards
Commendation / Sustainability / Houses Awards
Shortlisted / The Building / INDE Awards
Shortlisted / Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / Victorian Architecture Awards
Shortlisted / New House Over 200m2 / Houses Awards
Winner / AGWA VIC and National Awards / Excellence in Glazing Design & Implementation
Winner / Award for Excellence / Interior – Non Residential / Design & Development Awards
Commendation / New House Over 200m2 / Houses Awards
Shortlisted / Sustainability / Houses Awards
Winner / Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award for Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / Victorian Architecture Awards
Commendation / Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / National Architecture Awards
Winner / Residential New Up to $1M / ArchiTEAM Awards
Winner / New House Under 200 m2 / Houses Awards
Winner / The Living Space / INDE Awards / / Commendation / Residential Architecture / The Design Files Awards
Commendation / Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Winner / Residential Architecture / Houses (New) / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Shortlisted / Habitus House of The Year
Finalist / Victorian Premier’s Design Awards
Longlisted / Dezeen Awards / Housing Project
Commendation / Sustainability / Houses Awards
Shortlisted / New House Under 200m2 / Houses Awards
Finalist / Residential – Multi Unit Housing Low Rise (1-4 Floors) / Architizer A+Awards
Winner / Commercial / ArchiTeam Awards / / Winner / Commercial / Sydney Design Awards
Winner / Residential Architecture / Alterations & Additions / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Commendation / Residential Alts & Adds / ArchiTeam Awards
Gold / Sydney Design Awards Architecture / Commercial
Winner / 2018 Architeam Awards / Commercial
Commendation / Residential Architecture / Alterations & Additions / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Commendation / Installation Design / Australian Interior Design Awards
Winner / Residential Houses (New) – Esmond Dorney Award / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Winner / Sustainable – Tasmanian Chapter Award / Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Commendation / New House Under 200m2 / Houses Awards
Shortlisted / Residential Architecture – Houses (New) / National Architecture Awards
Shortlisted / Residential Design / Australian Interior Design Awards
Best Large Stand / Denfair
Winner / Residential Architecture – Houses (New) / National Architecture Awards
Winner / Residential Architecture – Houses (New) / Victorian Architecture Awards
Winner / New House Under 200m2 / Houses Awards
Commendation / Sustainability / Houses Awards
Commendation / Sustainable Architecture / Victorian Architecture Awards
Winner / Emerging Architecture Practice / Houses Awards
Press —
