ABOUT US
Sought out generally through word of mouth, at Narelle Edgar Architect we believe that every project is unique, because every client is unique.
We seek to thoroughly understand your vision, and believe each design should reflect and embrace the way you aspire to live, should respond to the specific characteristics of your site and its’ context, be flexible and practical, cost effective, sustainable and efficient, layered and richly engaging, the catalyst for joyful experience and a repository of embedded memory. A place imbued with your personality, and with a capacity for continual adaptation with ongoing connection.
For many of our clients this is their first, and possibly only, project. We understand it is an enormous emotional, financial and logistical commitment, can be intensely personal, and we respect that you want to get it ‘right’.
We take a down-to-earth, thorough and collaborative approach, encouraging a contribution of ideas from our clients, whist respecting our responsibility to bring fresh inspiration, practical guidance, honesty, and a wealth and depth of knowledge built over three decades, to challenge, refine and craft every project we work on.
We will walk with you through every step of the design and construction process, where no question is too trivial, or suggestion overlooked. We want you to enjoy and understand the process, and to truly love, and have your life enhanced by, your finished project; to know that together we created something special and lasting.
Narelle Edgar
Principal
Narelle is known for the passion and energy she brings to each project she works on. She is highly regarded for her bespoke designs, her skilful crafting of beautiful detail, and the diligence and commitment she displays to the effective delivery of client services throughout the entire architectural process. Narelle’s enthusiasm and dedication to her work are what gets her up in the morning - and sometimes what keeps her awake at night.
With varied and extensive experience in London and Melbourne practices, working on residential, commercial, and educational projects, culminating with the Melbourne Museum at DCM, Narelle then formed her own practice. She had begun her architectural education in London, where she was immersed in the heritage of Europe and developed a love of modernism under the tutorage of Stan Sherrington, but when the call of home became too strong, she returned to complete her studies, and then registration as a practicing architect, in Melbourne.
Narelle’s desire to embrace an intentional and holistic sustainable lifestyle has led to the development of a strong relationship with Renew (formally the ATA), many times providing expert advice at ’Speed Date a sustainability expert’ events, hosting the launch of their TANKULATOR online RWT calculation tool at her own home, and a rewarding 18 months hosting and producing ‘Living by Design’, promoting sustainable lifestyles with a particular focus on building options, on 3WBC community radio.
Established in 2005, Whitehead Constructions is a residential building company specialising in new homes and renovations, with a preference for collaboration with design architects to produce stunning, highly detailed, and unique projects.
Being a smaller boutique builder, we limit the number of projects undertaken at a time, allowing our preferred personalised and hands-on approach. This means when you engage Whitehead Constructions for your project, you know you are working closely with Justin. He will be actively involved with every aspect of the build, as he believes ultimately, this ensures the superior level of finish that he demands of himself, and his team.
Justin will be honest with you, and is committed to building trust in the client/builder relationship. He believes regular communication is key to every successful project, and is willing to challenge assumptions and suggest alternatives, particularly where it may enhance the outcome, or reduce cost. He will identify and troubleshoot potential problems, with an ability to think outside of the box to resolve complex challenges, and will guide you through the unexpected twists and turns that accompany any construction.
At Whitehead Constructions, we believe that after investing copious amounts of time and energy into the design and permit process, watching the imagined materialise should be a time of excitement, and we are determined that the experience be something you can embrace and enjoy. For smaller renovations undertaken with an owner in occupation, we strive to ensure the process be as non-intrusive as possible.
Building a consistent core team of reliable and like-minded subcontractors over many years has been key to achieving these goals.
Justin Whitehead
Director
Justin qualified as a carpenter before becoming a registered builder, and found joy in working with his hands long before he became a carpenter. It was no surprise to those who knew him as a boy that he chose this career path - crafting beautiful objects has been his life’s passion, and he shows commitment to quality and dedication to detail, on every job, large or small. He prides himself on being a perfectionist, and is continually expanding his knowledge, and honing his many skills.
After extensive experience on both commercial and residential projects, working closely with a number of architectural practices, when forming his own company, it was his interest in the complexity of renovations, the detail of well-designed homes, and the reward found in the crafting of something personal, that set his path.
Justin has a keen interest in contemporary and sustainable design, with a strong desire to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction process, through careful selection of high quality, long lasting, sustainably produced materials, and the elimination of unnecessary waste.
As further testament to Justin’s own passion, Whitehead Constructions recently became a true family business, with first one, and soon after, a second of his sons enthusiastically following in his footsteps as apprentice carpenters. Having grown up immersed in design and surrounded by construction, they have both absorbed significant knowledge, and share his love of producing quality, unique work.