Architect in Lorne

New homes and renovations in one of Victoria's most loved — and most demanding — coastal towns, designed by an architect who understands both its beauty and its complexity.

Lorne sits in a natural amphitheatre where the Otway Ranges meet the Southern Ocean — and that drama shapes everything about building here. Steeply sloping blocks. Significant tree canopy. Fire risk from the ranges behind. Tightly controlled planning overlays that protect the town's character. And some of the most breathtaking views on the Great Ocean Road, waiting to be captured by the right design.

Building or renovating in Lorne is genuinely difficult. It rewards architects who understand the Surf Coast Shire's rules for this specific area, who know how to work with slope rather than fight it, and who can navigate the balance between the home you want and what the planning system will allow. That's exactly what SurfCoast Architecture brings.

"Highly recommend SurfCoast Architecture. We are thrilled with the result and the process was a joy. Absolutely the right architects for us."— 5 Star google Review, Bells Beach

Designing for Lorne's exceptional and demanding sites

Most Lorne blocks come with a slope, a view, or both. Getting the design right means understanding how to place a home to capture the outlook while managing privacy from neighbours, controlling bushfire risk, respecting the vegetation that gives Lorne its character, and keeping construction costs in check on sites where earthworks can be significant.

We've designed on blocks like yours — the ones that look complicated on paper but reward the right approach with homes that feel completely at one with their setting. Whether it's a new home on a hillside block, a renovation that finally opens an old house up to its views, or a holiday home that works for large family gatherings without overwhelming a modest site, we find the design solution that others miss.

Why Lorne homeowners choose SurfCoast Architecture

You'll work directly with Jeremy. Not a project manager, not a graduate. Jeremy Ham — registered architect with the ARBV since 1997, PhD, 30 years on the Surf Coast — works personally on every project from first conversation to final inspection.

We understand Lorne's planning environment. The Significant Landscape Overlay, Bushfire Management Overlay, and Vegetation Protection Overlay all apply across much of Lorne. We've navigated these controls many times and know how to design beautiful homes that satisfy council requirements without compromising your vision.

We design to your budget. Sloping sites can mean higher construction costs — but good design minimises unnecessary earthworks and structural complexity. We design to your budget from day one, not as an afterthought.

You'll see your home in 3D before anything is built. On complex Lorne sites especially, 3D design is invaluable — it lets you understand how the home will sit on the slope, where the views are captured, and how the spaces flow, before a single dollar is spent on construction.

Every project starts with a free conversation. No jargon, no hard sell. Just an honest discussion about your site, your brief, and what's possible.

Ready to talk about your Lorne project?

Lorne projects need careful thinking from the very beginning — ideally before you finalise a block purchase. Jeremy offers pre-purchase consultations that can save you from costly surprises and help you understand exactly what your site can become.

Call Jeremy: 0402 952 810 Or use the form below to tell us about your project.