'“We needed some advice and support with a renovation project we were doing on our family home in Freshwater. It is an older home with some limitations that we had to work within. This was our first ever home renovation project so we were quite novices on the process and requirements. Marcus came up with a fantastic floor plan and design options which would help maximise our space and freshen up the home without blowing the budget. I would certainly look to use him again if I ever undertook another home reno”.
- Troy and Linda, Freshwater
“We had been toying with the idea of renovating our semi-detached and had spoken with and engaged previous architects and designers over the years. However, we just couldn’t seem to get what we wanted, and our dreams faded until we met Marcus.
There were a couple of things that separated Marcus from the rest. Firstly he was able to create a floorplan that worked seamlessly with our existing residence, utilising every square inch within the controls. Secondly, he was able to obtain the approvals via a Complying Development therefore allowing us to bypass the council’s DA process.
Marcus was able take our specific requirements and design a wonderful livable space that increased our internal footprint by approximately 60%, providing enormous natural light and space with high cathedral ceilings. We are extremely happy with the design and appreciate that Marcus finally made our vision come to fruition.
Throughout the process, Marcus was a pleasure to work with and we will definitely seek to engage Marcus’s creative talent again if the need arises in the future.
- Chris and Vikki, Mosman
“Marcus designed an exceptional house for us. His attention to detail and design ideas were always well thought out and aligned with what we were after. He is highly knowledgeable about all of the issues in the development process and was able to guide us through the process. He has been fantastic to deal with and we would not hesitate to recommend him to others looking to build or renovate their dream home.”
Claire & Matthew, Curl Curl
“Marcus was amazing on the design of our semi. He was full of creative ideas, adaptable and helped us navigate the long and complicated approval process. When things got tough along the way, he was our sounding board and he was always on our side. We are thrilled with our new home.”
Vanessa & Jonathon, Mosman
“My wife and I had an excellent experience with Marcus. We went owner-builder and had an incredibly tight timeline. Marcus went above and beyond to help us during the initial pre-build stages and was able to quickly turned around a variation part way through the build. In the end, we got our dream home and we owe a lot of that to Marcus. Would recommend to anyone.'“
- Matt & Cam, Manly
“It's important you understand a few things when you consider who to engage in the design, drawings, planning and execution of your building project or dream home.
Of course, experience, a proven track record, good service, and great ideas is everything you look for when you look to engage.
I never looked for any of that.
My only requirement was 'creatively brilliant' in both design and execution, however in Marcus we got the full package end to end!
My original Plans (not done by Marcus) had a column going through the existing dwelling in order to support the upper story. It defied belief. Marcus solved it in a matter of minutes with a cantilevered beam, which was easier to build, cost less and literally looks a million
bucks!
I also encountered certification issues in my original drawings (again not done by Marcus).
Marcus took over communications with my certifier and produced certification ready drawings which were passed into the approved CC in a matter of days. As a result of Marcus's input into our project, his time, attention to detail, but above all else, his creative genius, is
the reason we now have the best house on Sydney road, for a very reasonable build cost.
On any given Saturday, I spend time gardening out front, and passers by stop, stare and even want to talk to me about the house. I have even had offers!
Marcus you little beauty, we couldn't have done it without you.”
- Paul and Janice, Balgowlah
“"On inspection of the property before we bought it we were wowed by the view and the potential of what was a solid two-bedroom unrenovated cottage.
We set out to renovate it into an open-plan modern house with magnificent views south towards Dee Why lagoon and the ocean. We had spent a great deal of effort creating the back north-facing sandstone terraces ready for the new design. Our challenge was to find an architect that understood our vision of a solar passive and environmentally sympathetic house that could be the best we could make it. Someone who was willing to take some risks to optimize the potential of the site. Marcus had to work with the backbones of the previous double-brick cottage.
We were delighted by what Marcus designed for us. He understood the potential of the site and managed to create a solution that not only fits all our needs, but that matches our vision. His creativity ensured that the open-plan living area seamlessly integrates into the previous footprint and he found innovative solutions that overcame the challenges posed by the original cottage. His design created a link between the backyard with its garden and magnificent sandstone walls to the ocean views in the front. Thanks to his design we managed to capture the expansive views and accommodate the open plan living space without massively increasing the footprint. The house he designed for us is filling us with joy every day. It is a stunning, innovative, elegant design without imposing itself onto the landscape.
We love the house. I still feel blessed every morning when I wake up and step out onto the new top floor terrace and it still takes my breath away.”
- Christina and Chris, Collaroy
“I have been dealing with Marcus now for over 5 years.
Marcus designed my place in North Manly and dealt with council up until the approval stage.
Marcus presented himself in a professional manner with great knowledge of all council requirements and good ideas for our new building/extension
I have also worked professionally with Marcus over the years where he was a true gentleman to deal with.
I recommend Marcus from Bettswhite for all your design and drafting needs small or large.”
- George, Manly Vale - our surveyor