Sydney’s building stock is changing fast. Knock-downs, heritage conversions, high-density infill, and large-scale commercial fit-outs are all competing for space in a city where land is expensive and planning rules are strict. Getting the design right from the start is not a luxury — it is a practical necessity that affects construction costs, council approval timelines, and the long-term value of a property.
The firms listed here were assessed on verified client ratings, the breadth of project types they take on, accessibility, and consistency of outcomes across residential and commercial work. Where ratings are available, they reflect aggregated client feedback. The list is ranked, with the highest-performing firms placed first based on a combination of rating score and the quality of evidence available about their work.
Whether you are planning a new home, a commercial fit-out, or a multi-residential development, the practices below represent some of the strongest options working in Sydney right now.
1. Sydney Architect Group
Residential and commercial design with a perfect client rating across verified reviews
Sydney Architect Group holds a 5.0-star rating, placing it at the top of this list on both ranking and client satisfaction. The practice works across residential and commercial projects, with a reputation for clear communication and consistent delivery throughout the design and documentation process.
Clients regularly point to the firm’s responsiveness and its ability to manage council and planning requirements without losing sight of the original design intent. For property owners working through DA processes in Sydney’s more restrictive local government areas, that combination is particularly valuable.
The practice suits clients who want an architect that stays engaged from brief to build, rather than one that hands off after design development.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star rating across verified client reviews
- Covers both residential and commercial project types
- Strong reputation for managing DA and planning requirements
- Consistently rated for communication and responsiveness
Cons
- Specific portfolio details require direct enquiry
- May have limited capacity during peak project periods
Best for: Homeowners and commercial clients who want an architect with a proven client satisfaction record and strong planning process experience
Website: sydneyarchitectgroup.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
2. Luigi Rosselli Architects
An established Sydney practice with a strong residential and commercial portfolio
Luigi Rosselli Architects is one of Sydney’s better-known architecture practices, with a body of work that spans high-end residential homes, multi-residential buildings, and commercial projects. The practice holds a 4.3-star rating and has been operating long enough to have a well-documented portfolio of completed projects across the city.
The firm is recognised for a distinctive design sensibility that tends toward materiality and contextual response — work that fits its site rather than imposing on it. This approach has earned the practice a following among clients who want architecture that reflects considered thought rather than generic outcomes.
Luigi Rosselli Architects suits clients with a genuine interest in design quality who are prepared to engage with a practice that takes the brief seriously from the outset.
Pros
- Long-established practice with a well-documented project portfolio
- Recognised for contextual, materials-led design
- Experience across residential, multi-residential, and commercial sectors
- Strong industry profile in Sydney
Cons
- 4.3-star rating suggests some variability in client experience
- May be less suited to clients with tight budgets or fast turnaround requirements
Best for: Clients seeking design-led residential or commercial architecture with a strong aesthetic direction
Website: luigirosselli.com
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
3. PTW Architects
A large Sydney practice with experience across residential, commercial, and cultural projects
PTW Architects is one of Sydney’s most established firms, with a history stretching back over a century. The practice holds a 4.3-star rating and works across a wide range of project types, including residential towers, commercial buildings, education facilities, and cultural institutions. Its scale means it can take on complex, multi-stakeholder projects that smaller practices often cannot.
PTW has a strong international presence alongside its Sydney base, which gives it exposure to a broad range of project typologies and delivery models. Locally, the firm has been involved in a number of significant Sydney developments, giving it genuine credibility in the city’s design and construction sector.
The practice is well suited to developers, institutions, and government bodies working on large or complex projects that require a practice with deep technical resources.
Pros
- Century-long history with a strong local and international track record
- Capable of handling large-scale and multi-stakeholder projects
- Experience across residential, commercial, education, and cultural sectors
- Well-resourced practice with strong technical capability
Cons
- 4.3-star rating indicates room for improvement in client satisfaction
- Scale of the firm may mean less personal attention on smaller projects
Best for: Developers, institutions, and government clients with large or complex project requirements
Website: ptw.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
4. Those Architects Sydney
A Sydney practice offering architecture and planning services across residential and commercial sectors
Those Architects Sydney provides design and planning services to both residential and commercial clients. The practice does not yet have a publicly available aggregated rating, which makes independent assessment more difficult, but the firm’s project work and client engagement model suggest a practice focused on considered, process-driven design outcomes.
The practice takes on work across a range of scales, from individual homes and renovations through to larger commercial commissions. Prospective clients are encouraged to review the portfolio directly and discuss project scope and fees before engaging.
Those Architects Sydney may suit clients who prefer a smaller, more personal practice over a larger studio, provided they do their own due diligence given the absence of aggregated review data.
Pros
- Works across both residential and commercial project types
- Offers design and planning services under one roof
- Smaller practice size may suit clients seeking closer engagement
Cons
- No publicly available rating to benchmark client satisfaction
- Less data available for independent comparison with rated competitors
Best for: Clients open to a smaller practice who are comfortable conducting their own due diligence before committing
Website: thosearchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
5. Lockhart-Krause Architects
Sydney architects with a 5-star client rating across residential and commercial design
Lockhart-Krause Architects carries a 5.0-star rating, reflecting consistent client satisfaction across both residential and commercial projects. The practice has built a reputation for delivering quality outcomes while keeping clients informed and engaged throughout the process — a quality that many clients specifically highlight in their feedback.
The firm’s approach appears to place emphasis on the working relationship between architect and client, rather than treating the brief as a purely technical exercise. This matters in practice: projects that maintain clear communication between the architect, the client, and the builder tend to come in closer to budget and on programme.
Lockhart-Krause Architects is a strong option for clients who want professional design delivered without the impersonal experience that sometimes accompanies larger firms.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star client satisfaction rating
- Covers residential and commercial project types
- Noted for strong client communication throughout projects
- Personal service model suits clients who want regular contact with their architect
Cons
- Portfolio detail requires direct enquiry with the practice
- May have limited bandwidth for multiple large projects simultaneously
Best for: Residential and commercial clients who value clear communication and a close working relationship with their architect
Website: lockhartkrause.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
6. JS Architects Pty Ltd
A Sydney architectural practice with a 4.5-star rating across residential and commercial work
JS Architects Pty Ltd holds a 4.5-star rating, reflecting strong but not uniform client satisfaction across its project history. The practice works across residential and commercial design, handling projects from initial concept through to construction documentation and contract administration.
Client feedback highlights the practice’s ability to translate a brief into buildable, well-resolved design outcomes. For clients who are less experienced with the architecture process, this kind of practical translation — from idea to drawing to built form — is where a good architect earns their fee.
JS Architects is suited to clients across a range of project sizes who want a practice with solid credentials and a consistent track record in client satisfaction.
Pros
- 4.5-star rating reflecting strong client satisfaction
- Works across residential and commercial project types
- Covers full project lifecycle from concept to construction
- Noted for practical, buildable design outcomes
Cons
- Rating falls short of top-tier firms on this list
- Portfolio and fee information require direct contact
Best for: Clients looking for a dependable mid-range practice with a solid satisfaction track record across residential and commercial projects
Website: jsarchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
7. Crush Architecture Architect Sydney
Design-led Sydney architects with a perfect 5-star rating across residential and commercial projects
Crush Architecture holds a 5.0-star client rating and operates across both residential and commercial project types. The practice has positioned itself as a design-led studio, with work that reflects a clear formal sensibility alongside a practical understanding of what it takes to get a project built in Sydney’s regulatory environment.
Client feedback points to a practice that takes the design process seriously without losing sight of budget and programme. For clients who want good design but also need a practice that understands the builder’s world, this balance is a genuine differentiator.
Crush Architecture suits clients who want an engaged, design-focused practice and have a project that warrants that level of attention.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star client rating
- Strong design focus across residential and commercial work
- Noted for balancing design quality with practical delivery
- Good understanding of Sydney’s planning and regulatory environment
Cons
- Practice capacity and current availability require direct enquiry
- Design-led approach may not suit clients with purely functional briefs
Best for: Clients seeking a design-focused practice that can also navigate the practical side of getting a project approved and built
Website: crusharchitecture.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
8. MCK Architects
Sydney architects with a 4.9-star rating and reliable weekday accessibility
MCK Architects holds a 4.9-star rating, placing it among the highest-rated practices on this list. The firm is noted for its accessible approach, with reliable weekday availability that makes it easier for working clients to stay connected to their projects without having to navigate scheduling around limited office hours.
The practice works across residential and commercial projects and has built a client base that returns to it across multiple engagements, which is a meaningful indicator of satisfaction in a sector where referrals and repeat business are the norm for well-run firms.
MCK Architects suits clients who want a high-quality practice with a strong track record and a straightforward, accessible working style.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating reflecting near-perfect client satisfaction
- Accessible weekday availability suits working clients
- Strong record of repeat and referral business
- Works across residential and commercial sectors
Cons
- Rating falls just short of a perfect score
- Weekend availability may be limited
Best for: Clients who need a highly rated, accessible practice for residential or commercial projects and value consistent communication
Website: mckarchitects.com
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
9. COX Architecture
An established Sydney firm with a 4.8-star rating and a strong professional track record
COX Architecture is a well-established practice with a 4.8-star rating and a portfolio that spans commercial, civic, sports, education, and residential projects. The firm has been part of Sydney’s built environment for decades and has delivered a number of high-profile projects that are recognisable across the city.
The scale and depth of COX’s experience means it is particularly suited to clients with complex project requirements, multiple stakeholders, or large capital investments where experience with procurement and project management is as important as design capability.
For clients who want a practice with a proven track record on major projects and the internal resources to manage complexity, COX Architecture is a serious candidate.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating reflecting strong client satisfaction
- Broad sector experience across commercial, civic, sports, and residential projects
- Long-established presence in Sydney’s architecture sector
- Well-resourced for large and complex commissions
Cons
- Larger firm size may mean less direct principal involvement on smaller projects
- May not be the right fit for small residential or boutique commercial briefs
Best for: Developers, corporations, and institutions with large-scale or multi-stakeholder project requirements
Website: coxarchitecture.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
10. PEAK Architects
Sydney architects with a perfect 5-star rating and a focus on quality design outcomes
PEAK Architects holds a 5.0-star rating and has built a client base around consistent delivery of quality design outcomes across its project history. The practice’s focus on quality extends across both the design phase and the documentation and administration stages, which is where many projects lose alignment between intent and execution.
Client feedback reflects a practice that takes its responsibilities to the brief seriously and follows through on commitments. In a sector where client dissatisfaction often comes from poor project management rather than weak design skills, this consistency is a practical advantage.
PEAK Architects suits clients who are invested in quality outcomes and want an architect who will remain engaged across the full project lifecycle.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star client rating
- Consistent delivery across design and documentation phases
- Strong follow-through on client commitments
- Suited to clients who prioritise quality across the full project
Cons
- Detailed portfolio and sector specialisation require direct enquiry
- Availability and current capacity not confirmed without contact
Best for: Clients who prioritise quality and consistency across all phases of a residential or commercial project
Website: peakarchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
11. Koichi Takada Architects
A Sydney-based studio delivering design-led work across commercial and residential sectors
Koichi Takada Architects is a design-led studio with an international profile. The practice holds a 3.6-star rating, which is lower than most others on this list, but its project portfolio includes work of considerable architectural distinction, particularly in the commercial and hospitality sectors.
The studio is recognised for a distinctive formal approach that draws on natural forms and material expression. This kind of work attracts clients with strong aesthetic ambitions, though it may not suit those primarily focused on cost efficiency or fast turnaround.
Prospective clients should review the portfolio and align expectations carefully before engaging, given the rating gap relative to higher-placed firms on this list.
Pros
- Strong international profile and design reputation
- Distinctive formal approach with recognised commercial work
- Experience across commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors
Cons
- 3.6-star rating is the lowest on this list and warrants investigation before engagement
- Strong design focus may not align with clients seeking cost-driven outcomes
- Client experience may vary based on project type and scale
Best for: Clients with strong design ambitions and commercial or hospitality projects where architectural profile is part of the brief
Website: koichitakada.com
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
12. BVN
A design-led Sydney firm with a 5-star rating across commercial, residential, and public projects
BVN is a large, well-regarded practice with a 5.0-star rating and a portfolio that extends across commercial offices, public buildings, health facilities, education, and residential work. The firm has a strong research and innovation culture that informs its design approach without making it impractical for clients with delivery-focused briefs.
The practice operates across multiple Australian cities and has an established presence internationally, giving it exposure to a wide range of project delivery models. For clients in Sydney working on large institutional or commercial projects, BVN brings significant depth of experience in navigating complex briefs and multi-party delivery structures.
BVN suits clients who want a large, capable practice with a genuine design culture and a proven ability to deliver at scale.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star rating despite practice scale
- Broad sector experience including health, education, commercial, and public projects
- Strong internal research and design culture
- Capable of handling large, complex commissions
Cons
- Firm scale may reduce direct principal access on mid-sized projects
- May not be the right fit for small or straightforward residential work
Best for: Institutions, government bodies, and large commercial clients requiring a practice with deep sector experience and strong delivery capability
Website: bvn.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
13. Level Architects
Sydney architects with a 4.8-star rating delivering design across residential and commercial projects
Level Architects holds a 4.8-star rating and works across residential and commercial project types in Sydney. The practice has established a reputation for design-led outcomes that are grounded in practical delivery, which positions it well for clients who want good architecture without losing sight of budget and timeline.
Client feedback reflects a practice that communicates clearly and manages expectations well across the project phases. This matters most during documentation and construction administration, where ambiguity between architect, client, and builder tends to create cost overruns and delays.
Level Architects suits clients who want a high-quality practice without the scale of a large firm, and who value clear communication as much as design quality.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating reflecting strong client satisfaction
- Works across residential and commercial sectors
- Noted for clear communication and expectation management
- Design-focused with a practical delivery approach
Cons
- Rating marginally below the top-tier firms on this list
- Specific project history and fee structure require direct enquiry
Best for: Residential and commercial clients who want design quality combined with practical delivery and clear project communication
Website: levelarchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
14. Pace Architects
Client-focused Sydney architects with a perfect 5-star rating across residential and commercial work
Pace Architects holds a 5.0-star rating and has built its reputation on a client-focused approach to residential and commercial design. The practice places the client relationship at the centre of its process, which is reflected in consistently positive feedback across its project history.
The firm’s approach suggests a practice that invests time in understanding the brief before moving to design, reducing the risk of misalignment between what the client expects and what ends up on paper. This front-end investment typically pays off in fewer revisions and smoother delivery.
Pace Architects suits clients who want to feel genuinely involved in the design process and who expect their architect to be a consistent point of contact from start to finish.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star client satisfaction rating
- Strong focus on client engagement throughout the project
- Works across residential and commercial project types
- Noted for reducing design misalignment through thorough briefing
Cons
- Practice size and current capacity require direct confirmation
- Portfolio detail not fully available without direct contact
Best for: Clients who want an architect that prioritises the client relationship and maintains close involvement across the full project
Website: pacearchitects.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
15. Studio.SC
Sydney architects delivering custom design across residential, commercial, and institutional projects
Studio.SC holds a 5.0-star rating and covers a broad range of project types including residential, commercial, and institutional work. The practice’s willingness to take on institutional projects alongside residential and commercial commissions suggests a practice with strong technical capability and the flexibility to adapt to different client types and brief structures.
Client feedback reflects a practice that delivers custom design outcomes rather than repeating a house style across different projects. For clients who want design that responds specifically to their site, programme, and budget rather than a pre-packaged approach, this is a meaningful distinction.
Studio.SC is a strong option for clients across a range of sectors who want responsive, site-specific design backed by a perfect client satisfaction record.
Pros
- Perfect 5.0-star client rating
- Works across residential, commercial, and institutional project types
- Custom design approach rather than repeated house style
- Flexible enough to adapt to different client types and scales
Cons
- Breadth of project types means sector specialisation may be less defined
- Current capacity and fee structure require direct enquiry
Best for: Clients across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors who want custom, site-specific design from a highly rated practice
Website: studiosc.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
Who is the best architects in Sydney?
Based on verified client ratings and project breadth, Sydney Architect Group, Lockhart-Krause Architects, Crush Architecture, PEAK Architects, BVN, Pace Architects, and Studio.SC all hold perfect 5.0-star ratings and cover residential and commercial work. MCK Architects and COX Architecture are also highly rated at 4.9 and 4.8 stars respectively. The best choice depends on your project type, scale, and budget — a large institutional client has different needs from a homeowner planning a renovation.
How much does a architect cost in Sydney?
Architectural fees in Sydney typically range from 8% to 15% of the total construction cost for full-service residential projects, though this varies considerably based on project complexity, the scope of services engaged, and the practice’s scale and reputation. For smaller projects or limited service engagements (such as concept design only or documentation only), hourly rates or fixed-fee arrangements are common. Expect hourly rates to range from around $150 to $350 per hour depending on seniority and firm size. Always request a detailed fee proposal before signing a client-architect agreement.
How do I choose a architect in Sydney?
Start by defining your project type, scale, and budget range before approaching any practice. Review each firm’s portfolio to check whether they have relevant experience with projects similar to yours. Check client ratings and, where possible, speak to past clients directly. Confirm that the architect you meet during the pitch process will actually be the one running your project — at larger firms, this is not always the case. Ask specifically about their experience with your local council’s DA process, as familiarity with local planning rules can significantly affect approval timelines.
What should I look for in a architect?
Look for registration with the Architects Registration Board of New South Wales, which is a legal requirement for any architect practising in the state. Beyond registration, assess their portfolio for projects of a similar type and scale to yours. Ask how they manage communication during the project, who your primary contact will be, and what their process is for managing variations and budget changes. A good architect will ask as many questions as you do during an initial meeting — they should be as interested in understanding your brief as you are in assessing their capability.
Are there good architects for small businesses in Sydney?
Yes. Several practices on this list work across both residential and commercial sectors, including smaller commercial fitouts and retail or hospitality projects. JS Architects, Level Architects, Pace Architects, and Studio.SC are all worth considering for smaller commercial briefs. Those Architects Sydney may also suit small business clients who prefer a more boutique practice. When approaching any of these firms, be specific about your budget, timeline, and the nature of the space from the outset — this helps both parties assess fit quickly and avoids wasted time on either side.
Finding the right architect in Sydney comes down to matching the practice’s experience and working style to the specific demands of your project. Ratings and reviews are a useful starting point, but reviewing portfolios, speaking directly with the practice, and asking pointed questions about process and fees will give you a much clearer picture of which firm is the right fit. The practices listed here represent a strong cross-section of what Sydney’s architecture sector has to offer in 2026, from boutique studios to large, multi-sector firms.
