Individual preference, project objectives, and specific criteria will all affect which residential firm you ultimately choose. To help you get started I thought I would list out my top 10 residential architecture firms in Victoria, Australia. 

Of course, this is just a list, and you should conduct your own research and due diligence before selecting an architectural firm for your next project. Most architects believe you will rate them based on the quality of their designs or level of expertise. So below are a few additional factors to consider as part of your assessment: 

• Processes and Methodologies. How do they do what they say they are going to do?

• Communication and Collaboration. This is a relationship that lasts years are you on the same way length?

• Budget and Cost Management. What are the costs to you going to be before you know the total financial commitment for your project?

Here are my top residential architecture firms in Victoria, Australia, in no particular order.  They have all completed work that I admire, and I've excluded firms owned or run by friends to avoid bias, albeit there are a handful that should be included:

• Austin Maynard Architects, is a Melbourne-based architecture firm recognised for its unconventional and often eccentric out-of-the-box designs.

• Amy Muir, Amy has garnered numerous awards for her exceptional work in residential and public architecture. I particularly liked her NGV installation and its relationship between architecture and landscape.

• Breathe Architecture, is a pioneer in local sustainable design, focusing not only on buildings but also on creating communities. 

• Bright Studios (previously MAKE) is a design studio that creates compelling designs which interpret their environment in dynamic and inventive ways, sometimes with a deeper story behind the design.

• Clare Cousins, creates visually stunning and functional work that pushes the boundaries of what residential architecture may achieve.

• John Wardle Architects, One of Melbourne's most well-known architectural firms. Still creating high-quality residences from one of the larger firms.

• Kennedy Nolan, creates very artistic work which have won multiple prizes, including the coveted Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture.

• Kerstin Thompson, a talented architect known for her distinctive style, highly technical and original work. 

• Rob Mills Architecture, create high-quality contemporary designs that are simultaneously modern and timeless.

• Sean Godsell Architects, Sean is widely considered one of the country's leading architects. Having received various medals and prizes in recognition of his pioneering work in residential and public architecture. Without him, no list is complete.

This is by no means a full list; rather, it represents some of my personal favourites. All have received various awards, and it should be noted that their outstanding work, as well as that of many others, would not have been possible without a builder of equal skill and quality. Their role in putting architectural plans into built form is critical to realising the architect's vision and ensuring that the finished project is of high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and benefits the lives of its residents or the larger community.

I hope you find some inspiration or at least a starting point, and remember that a home should always be more than the sum of its parts.