Designing with Character: How Melbourne Architects Respond to Richmond’s Heritage Overlay Challenges

Richmond is one of Melbourne’s most vibrant inner suburbs. It is a precinct where heritage charm meets contemporary ambition. From its Victorian terraces and workers’ cottages to mid-century flats and newer infill housing, the suburb’s architectural identity is both layered and tightly protected. For architects, this mix presents an exciting but demanding design environment.

Working in Richmond is rarely straightforward. The suburb is governed by the City of Yarra’s stringent heritage overlays, neighbourhood character policies, and building controls that aim to preserve the unique streetscapes and historical context. For homeowners, this can create anxiety: What can and can’t be changed? How much flexibility exists within the planning framework? How can they achieve contemporary amenity while still respecting the suburb’s DNA?

These are the questions that Melbourne-based architects like Whisker Architecture regularly help clients answer. While Whisker is not based in Richmond, the practice has worked with clients across Richmond and similar inner-Melbourne areas, delivering tailored residential solutions that quietly elevate everyday living.

“As an architect designing in Richmond is about understanding limits and using them as creative leverage,” says Audrey Whisker, the founder of Whisker Architecture. “You’re working with a tightly defined palette: setback restrictions, facade retention, overshadowing limits, and strict material guidelines. But within those parameters lies huge potential for smart, contextual, human-centred design.”

Architectural Understanding Heritage Of Context In Richmond

The City of Yarra has multiple heritage precincts across Richmond, each with individual design objectives and overlay maps. These overlays are more than aesthetic controls; they reflect a deeper cultural mission to retain the rhythm, grain, and legacy of the neighbourhood.

Heritage controls in Richmond often mandate:

• Retention of original facades and rooflines, especially on street-facing elevations
  
  

• Material consistency with historical fabric (e.g., avoiding stark contrasts in cladding)
  
  

• Roof pitch and height restrictions to minimise visual bulk from the street
  
  

• Rear setback guidelines to protect neighbour privacy and solar access
  
  

For architects, this creates an imperative to work closely with planning consultants, council officers, and the client to find a design that satisfies both ambition and regulation.

“Every detail matters,” Audrey explains. “From the way a carport is screened to the transparency of a fence. It’s not just design by proportion; it’s design by interpretation.”

Balancing Old and New: A Design Approach

Whisker Architecture is known for a measured, context-aware design ethos. One that leans on natural materials, light, and subtle transitions rather than statement-making volumes. In areas like Richmond, this approach supports both compliance and comfort.

A recent case study from Clifton Hill showcases this design philosophy in action. The project involved restoring a heritage-protected terrace while adding a rear extension that prioritised natural light, flow, and energy performance. The original brick façade and roofline were retained and repaired with care, while the rear featured a contemporary volume clad in timber with refined steel details.

Inside, the home was reconfigured to allow open-plan living across kitchen, dining and lounge areas. A large pivot door opened onto a compact courtyard, maximising natural light and offering seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Throughout the interiors, Whisker employed a palette of soft finishes which included tactile timber joinery, stone surfaces, and neutral renders to maintain a calm and timeless quality.

The project achieved full planning approval without significant amendment, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can thrive within a heritage setting.

“We don’t believe in shouting through design,” says Audrey. “We believe in architecture that earns its place over.”

Key Design Considerations in Richmond

When designing in heritage precincts like Richmond, Audrey highlights the importance of the following principles:

1. Concealment Over Contrast

Rather than opposing old with new, practical additions often conceal their contemporary edges. Setbacks, muted materials, and scale referencing help modern forms sit quietly behind heritage façades.

2. Layered Light

Given the constraints of narrow blocks, bringing natural light into the centre of the home is key. Roof glazing, internal courtyards, and carefully aligned openings create a brighter interior without overexposing the structure.

3. Volume Efficiency

Rather than sprawling plans, the goal is vertical efficiency: creating generosity through ceiling height, integrated joinery, and the use of multifunctional zones.

4. Community + Streetscape Sensitivity

Every design must consider the neighbours. Shadow diagrams, acoustic privacy, and visual setbacks aren’t just planning requirements — they’re an expression of good architectural citizenship.

5. Passive Performance

Even in tight urban contexts, sustainable design strategies make a difference. Orientation, thermal mass, window performance, and insulation all contribute to better energy outcomes without compromising heritage goals.

Working with the City of Yarra

Navigating Richmond’s overlays means understanding more than just regulations. It means developing a collaborative relationship with the local council and demonstrating how design solutions contribute to the broader character.

The City of Yarra’s Planning Scheme and Heritage Guidelines outline what is expected. Still, successful projects often go beyond checkboxes and need to offer proposals that acknowledge the spirit of the precinct.

Audrey regularly references planning overlays from the City of Yarra and surrounding municipalities in the early stages of concept development. This ensures smoother application processes and avoids costly redesigns post-submission.

“Heritage controls aren’t a problem to solve. They’re an opportunity to create something respectful, enduring, and in dialogue with place,” the studio notes.

Beyond Richmond: A Broader Design Philosophy

While Whisker Architecture has completed work in various inner Melbourne Suburbs, their approach is consistent across all inner-suburban projects. Whether it’s a Victorian cottage in Clifton Hill, a Californian bungalow in Brunswick, or a terrace home in Fitzroy North, the same care applies:

• Protecting site character
  
  

• Enhancing liveability
  
  

• Designing for longevity
  
  

This consistency allows the studio to take on Richmond Architectural Design projects with confidence and clarity. As a trusted architect Whisker Architecture serves suburbs across Melbourne such as Camberwell, Brunswick, Fitzroy and Hawthorn.

Final Thoughts: Designing for the Long Term

Richmond’s housing stock may be old, but its design future is active. The challenge for Richmond architects is not to override their past, but to work within its layers — to read the streetscape, understand its rules, and then gently extend them.

For clients considering a renovation or extension in Richmond, choosing a practice that respects these constraints while delivering warm, contemporary spaces is key.

Whisker Architecture offers just that: an approach grounded in empathy, rigour, and architectural restraint. Their work shows how great design isn’t about overcoming planning rules — it’s about designing something beautiful within them.

Explore our approach to residential design in character suburbs like Richmond:

https://www.whiskerarchitecture.com/richmond-architects

Watch the video below to hear from Audrey Whisker about a home masterplan report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you work with an architect if you live in Brunswick but your property isn’t heritage-listed?
Absolutely. While heritage overlays add complexity, Whisker Architecture also works on homes without heritage restrictions. As Brunswick architects, they’re well-versed in delivering design solutions that reflect the suburb’s evolving character while meeting contemporary lifestyle needs.

Q: Does Whisker Architecture only design homes in Melbourne, or do you work in regional areas like Trentham too?

While Whisker Architecture is known for its work across inner Melbourne, we also regularly design homes in regional Victoria — including Trentham and surrounding areas. As a trusted Trentham architect, we bring the same calm, thoughtful design approach to country homes, balancing site sensitivity, landscape integration, and local planning compliance. Whether you’re building a permanent residence or a weekend retreat, our team can help shape a home that feels deeply connected to place.

Q: Do you have experience designing in Hawthorn or other Boroondara suburbs?
Yes. Whisker has advised on and delivered design outcomes in Hawthorn and nearby areas. Working as Hawthorn architects, they help homeowners navigate overlays, steep blocks, and privacy concerns while maintaining strong design quality.

Q: What makes Whisker Architecture different from other Fitzroy architects?
Unlike firms that chase trends, Whisker takes a timeless approach grounded in empathy and restraint. For clients in Fitzroy or those seeking Fitzroy architects with a proven record of sensitive infill design, they offer deep local understanding and planning fluency.

Q: We live in Camberwell and want to retain our home’s character while extending. Can you help?
Definitely. As experienced Camberwell architects, Whisker understands how to work with Federation and Edwardian homes in a way that enhances, rather than competes with, their original charm.

Contact Information:

Whisker Architecture

Suite 12/16 Parker St
Williamstown, VIC 3016
Australia

Audrey Whisker
+61 410 151 790
https://www.whiskerarchitecture.com/