Business Details
27 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture Solutions in Melbourne
Established in 1999, H2o Architects is a pioneering interdisciplinary design practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Founded by Tim Hurburgh and Mark ODwyer, our team of up to thirty professionals specializes in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. We are internationally recognized for our innovative approach to sustainable design, having pioneered eco-friendly practices in Australia through projects like the RMIT Textiles timber faade and Swinburne Universitys 5-star Green Star-rated facility. Our work emphasizes modernist principles, environmental responsibility, and a deep respect for place and context. We collaborate closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions across education, commercial, residential, and institutional sectors.Our commitment to sustainability is grounded in practical, affordable strategies that reduce environmental impact while enhancing occupant well-being. We prioritize material durability, natural light integration, and post-occupancy evaluations to ensure long-term success. With expertise in heritage preservation and new construction, we create harmonious designs that balance contemporary needs with existing structures. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in managing complex, large-scale projects with diverse stakeholders. Recognized through awards and industry leadership, we continue to push boundaries in sustainable architecture while maintaining a client-centric philosophy.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Design
Sustainable Design
Heritage Projects
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in sustainable architecture.
- Our team pioneered eco-friendly design practices in Australia.
- We specialize in integrating modernist aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
- Our projects consistently achieve industry-leading sustainability certifications.
- We maintain long-term partnerships with trusted Melbourne builders.
Associations and certifications
- Green Star
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating functional, aesthetically striking structures tailored to client needs and site contexts. We specialize in modernist designs that integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. With expertise in commercial, educational, and residential sectors, we deliver projects that balance innovation with practicality while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that prioritize user experience and operational efficiency. Our designs emerge from an 'inside-out' philosophy, ensuring spaces meet functional requirements while reflecting brand identity. Specializing in institutional and commercial fit-outs, we use natural materials and daylight optimization to create healthy, productive environments aligned with sustainability principles.
Sustainable Design
As pioneers of sustainable architecture in Australia, we implement practical eco-design strategies that reduce environmental impact. Our approach combines passive design elements, renewable materials, and energy-efficient systems to achieve certifications like Green Star ratings. We focus on long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance and operational expenses while enhancing occupant well-being through post-occupancy evaluations.
Urban Design
Our urban design services address complex cityscapes through holistic planning that balances development with environmental stewardship. We create walkable, connected communities that respect existing infrastructure while introducing innovative solutions. Specializing in masterplanning and public space design, we ensure projects enhance urban ecosystems and meet evolving community needs through stakeholder collaboration.
Heritage Projects
We specialize in revitalizing existing structures while preserving historical integrity. Our approach combines modern functionality with sensitive restoration techniques to extend building lifespans. We excel at integrating new extensions with heritage elements using carefully selected materials, ensuring contemporary upgrades maintain architectural harmony and cultural significance through meticulous documentation and craftsmanship.
People
Tim Hurburgh
Director
Co-founder with extensive education sector experience, Tim pioneered sustainable design in Australia. He led Federation Square's development and focuses on masterplanning and ESD projects that balance innovation with environmental responsibility through strategic client collaboration.
Mark ODwyer
Director
Co-founder specializing in large-scale project management, Mark oversees complex developments with multiple stakeholders. His expertise includes Swinburne University's Advanced Technology Centre and the University of Adelaide's Plant Accelerator, emphasizing practical sustainability solutions for institutional clients.
Cameron Clifford
Associate Director
Lead architect for educational projects like Genazzano FCJ College Performing Arts Centre, Cameron specializes in digital design platforms and documentation. He manages projects from concept to completion, ensuring technical precision while maintaining design integrity across diverse institutional clients.
Vieri Nembrini
Associate Director
Senior architect with experience in large-scale institutional projects including RMIT's Advanced Manufacturing Precinct. Vieri bridges design innovation with technical execution, applying international expertise from Milan to Melbourne's architectural landscape while maintaining focus on sustainable material applications.
Vanja Joffer
Associate
Specializing in tertiary education projects, Vanja delivers integrative designs for institutions like RMIT and Deakin University. With over a decade of experience, she coordinates multidisciplinary teams to achieve complex fit-outs that balance functional requirements with aesthetic innovation across government and private sectors.
Questions
What architectural services does H2o offer?
We provide full-cycle architecture services including concept design, documentation, and project management for commercial, educational, and residential projects with a sustainability focus.
How does H2o incorporate sustainable design?
We integrate passive design strategies, renewable materials, and energy-efficient systems while prioritizing natural light and ventilation to achieve certifications like Green Star ratings for reduced environmental impact.
Do you handle heritage building projects?
Yes, we specialize in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, carefully balancing modern functionality with historical integrity through sensitive material selection and documentation processes.
What project scales do you manage?
We handle projects of all scales from single-family residences to large institutional developments like universities and public infrastructure, maintaining design excellence across all typologies.
How do you collaborate with clients?
We employ an iterative design process with continuous client engagement, ensuring solutions align with specific briefs while addressing urban, site, and building-level constraints through transparent communication.
What makes H2o different from other firms?
As pioneers of sustainable architecture in Australia, we combine modernist principles with practical eco-design, supported by 20+ years of experience delivering award-winning projects that prioritize environmental responsibility and functional excellence.
