“In 2020 - 2021, ACU worked with Harmer Architecture to redevelop and optimize the clinical teaching for the discipline of nursing at the Ballarat Mair St Campus.

We found that Philip Harmer, Andrew Briant and the entire team excellent to work with. They listened to the brief and understood both our aspirations for the learning spaces and the inevitable limitations of resources. We enjoyed a respectful and professional working relations with the team and communications and updates on progress were thorough and timely.

The Harmer team were solutions focused in the planning and execution of the build. Work was completed on time and to an exceptional standard. Attention to detail is evident in that there have been no aspects of the build that have required recall or repair.

I have no hesitation recommending Harmer Architecture and would be happy to discuss this recommendation.”

Associate Professor Loretto (Rett) Quinney | Deputy Head of School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine. Australian Catholic University.

“Daniel Bright of Harmer Architecture was the project architect on the Student Hub project. The project was a fully documented, traditional lump sum contract delivery method. It required a good level of documentation and an architect with the ability to work with the Head Contractor to resolve details and manage variations. Daniel did all of this and brought a sense of humour, professionalism and great experience to the project. He was respected by the team. I look forward to working with Daniel and Phil again soon”.

Nick Ditterich | Project Manager, Monash University

“Project architect Andrew Briant has successfully delivered two significant and complex projects for the University of Melbourne. On both occasions I have found Andrew to be professional, efficient and easy to work with. His communication skills are highly valued as is his ability to undertake his role with humour that makes the project more rewarding for all involved.”

Laurence Sugar | Project Manager

University of Melbourne

“I worked with Andrew & Jonathan on the Monash Sport Main Pavilion project between Early 2018 & Mid 2019.

Andrew & Jonathan make a great dynamic duo between experience and quick resolutions, ensuring that all client queries and builder RFIs are responded to promptly and go beyond the solution to also describe how to approach the solution.

The duo would take the time to elaborate and ensure the project team understands the scope and the project proceeds with as little issue as possible. I will be very happy to work with them again.“

Jonathan Egan | Project Coordinator

Monash University

“Jonathan’s involvement in the project for us was critical to its success, we had a very challenging initial set of design changes that needed to be addressed fairly quickly and effectively. Jonathan was able to coordinate with the other consultants and client teams on the changes, present options at a rapid pace with favourable outcomes for all. Jonathan attended the site every week and whenever we ran into design clashes or site issues and worked on solutions on-site, Jonathan was across the detail for all of the trades and worked well on code compliance issues. Being the first of the VCAT Projects for us and the client there was also a lot of time and effort required for stakeholder management which he managed successfully.”

Naz Ashaqzoda | Projects Manager

JLL

“Harmer Architecture provided a return brief which reflected our design inputs to make better use of the available space, and to introduce floorplans and materials to suit a collaborative and flexible workforce.

We were very pleased with the way Harmer Architecture were able to include into their design subtle styling cues which reflected the organisation and heritage of the Australian Defence Force.

Harmer Architecture produced a modern and attractive design which introduced surfaces, finishes, fixtures, furniture and lighting which have been viewed by our senior executives, and has now set the benchmark for contemporary high-density Defence workplaces.

The Harmer Architecture team were closely engaged with us and very supportive during the construction phase, and were able to incorporate unexpected latent condition remedies, and client design variations, with economy and efficiency. We really valued the attention to detail, open communication, ability to connect with other project suppliers, and positive approach of the Harmer Architecture team.

In summary, a very successful project for Defence, and an enjoyable and worthwhile experience working with Harmer Architecture.”

A Defence spokesperson

“Philip Harmer was the design-lead, skilfully managing stakeholder engagement and input in critical early stages of the design and producing early quality design documentation for further input. He was accommodating of VCAT’s needs while providing into the discussions a valuable insight from his other design works and projects.

As a result, Harmer Architecture created a new community-based venue that has been well received by both VCAT’s users and the staff and Members. The venue has been appreciated for its pleasing and welcoming aesthetics and well-struck balance between formality/informality as well as for its functionality, fit-for-purpose, increased safety and privacy and convenience.

VCAT would highly recommend Harmer Architecture to other organisations for the projects requiring an innovative, contemporary and inspiring design. “

Barbara Oleczek | Director
Corporate Services

“The NJC found working with Harmer Architects to be a very positive experience. They were responsive, allowed sufficient time for staff consultation and were able to engage with us on all details of the design.

We are very pleased with the results of the refurbishment project, and look forward to working with Harmer for Stage 2 once funding is secured. “

Rachel Powning | General Manager

Neighbourhood Justice Centre

“GMCT has utilised Harmer Architecture on more than one occasion to design and superintend boutique Mausolea. Andrew Briant, as Harmer Architectures representative and superintendent has led each project with an articulate and underlying empathy for not only the end product but also an unwavering desire to honor the vision and respect the community for which it is built. I am confident in recommending his work.”

Andrew Eriksen | Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

“Harmers were very attentive to detail, respectful of different cultures and researched their “client“ even attending worship one day to see the congregation in action.

It was a pleasure to work with Philip, Ken and Anna from Harmer Architecture throughout this rather protracted process (from our end); they were always on hand to provide any information needed and to support our submissions for approvals from Synod and particularly from the local Council Town Planning Department, which involved considerable negotiations over car parking, possible noise and other tricky issues.

Philip was a patient and a good listener who successfully transformed all out needs into a functional and beautiful complex. I still am in awe of the end product -especially the stained-glass window on the church

I would have no hesitation to recommend Harmer Architecture to anyone considering a radical new way of using worship and community space.”

Faye Sanderson | Parish Secretary
Uniting Church in Australia, Parish of Balkara

“Our Parish is delighted that the new building has received this special award status through the professional and caring approach that Harmer Architecture adopted throughout all of the various stages associated with this very successful project

May I add personal congratulation on receiving this well deserved award that is an example for other architects to learn from as well as providing a functional new fellowship and meeting space for out Parish congregation and for the wider community to enjoy.”

Vern Robson | Parish Warden
Anglican Parish of Warrnambool

“Harmer Architecture completed the design of the Wangaratta Preforming Arts Centre which provided a facility to meet the performing arts and entertaining needs of the community of the Rural City of Wangaratta and surrounding areas. Harmer Architecture lead and managed a very successful community consultation phase of the project which included key stakeholders, councillors, staff, local user groups, Arts Victoria and RDV.

Harmer Architecture and their consultant team, designed a modern multi-functional facility to Councils budget and site constraints which is the centre piece of Wangaratta’s arts prescient. The external finishes reflect a strong design comprising sharp joints, reveals/corners, finishes with external plywood, perforated stainless steel sheeting and compressed sheet linings.

Harmer Architecture was shortlisted for the regional architecture design awards. The successful builder went on to win the overall Master Builder of the year and winner of the category for Commercial Buildings $5 million to 10 Million. The Master Builder Association noted Harmer Architecture as the architect and designer for the project”

Allan Thrum | Building Management Officer
Rural City of Wangaratta

“At every occasion I found Philip Harmer to have an innate ability to listen to our needs, yet at the same time use his artistic talents to incorporate his vision to suit. Also, though some of his new build plans were deferred or not taken up, Philip was patient throughout and offered new ideas without showing even the slightest discouragement. Instead Philip was always warm hearted and had a thoughtful and humorous approach. The result of his efforts and involvement speak for themselves with result that Archbishop Denis Hart referred to as not being just an upgrade of living conditions for our students but rather holistically “transformative”.”

Troy Busbee | Manager Finance & Operations

St Mary’s College

“We have a most wonderful house thanks to Harmer Architecture. They took care to design a house on our small site which gives us a feeling of space, light and yet is still cosy. Designing the house with Harmers was stimulating and enjoyable. They led us to interesting and beautiful solutions while meeting our needs every step of the way. After 18 months in our new house we continually appreciate the subtleties of the materials, the colour and the design.

We love it!”

Kaye and Glynn Elias

“I am writing to congratulate the Harmer Architecture team for the wonderful work that Harmer team have done in designing and managing the construction of our new building, incorporating six general purpose classrooms.

They are fantastic addition to our school facilities. The staff, children and parents love them, and the design is brilliant. It was a very significant building project for the school and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.

We had a few unforeseen hiccups along the way but I must congratulate and thank you for the time and the extra effort Harmer Architecture put into resolve all issues and for the way Harmer Architecture always put the school interests ahead of all other concerns

Once again congratulations to the Harmer team on the completion of the excellent addition facilities at Melton Primary School

We wish the Harmer team the very best for the future and hope to work with Harmer Architecture again.“

Alan McColl | Assistant Principal
Melton Primary School