Brisbane Architects Specialising in Luxury Residential Design
Kelder Architects — Bespoke Homes Designed for the Way You Live
Kelder Architects is a Brisbane-based architectural practice founded in 2011 by registered architects Joel and Wesley Kelder. We specialise exclusively in luxury residential architecture, designing bespoke homes that are beautiful, enduring, and deeply connected to the subtropical Queensland environment. From inner-city Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and the Hinterland, we bring over 30 years of combined professional experience to every project we take on.
Luxury Home Design in Brisbane and Southeast Queensland
Our practice is grounded in Brisbane, and it shows in everything we design. We understand the subtropical climate, the character of Brisbane's inner suburbs — Paddington, Bardon, New Farm, Camp Hill, Hamilton — and the coastal ambition of Sunshine Coast and Noosa clients. This local knowledge shapes every project: the orientation of a home for natural cross-ventilation, the framing of a courtyard to draw in afternoon light, the material choices that weather beautifully in Queensland conditions.
We work across the full spectrum of luxury residential architecture, including:
New custom homes — bespoke design from concept through to construction for new builds on any site
Queenslander renovations and extensions — sensitive, contemporary transformations of Brisbane's beloved heritage homes
Courtyard houses — our signature approach: homes centred on a private green courtyard that connects every room to garden, light, and air
Coastal and hinterland homes — architecture responsive to spectacular sites on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and surrounds
A Design Philosophy Built Around Where You Live
At Kelder Architects, we believe the most powerful thing an architect can do is connect you to where you live. In Brisbane's subtropical climate, that means designing homes that open to the outdoors — where a lush green courtyard becomes the heart of the home, where natural breezes replace mechanical cooling, and where every room has a view worth having.
This philosophy produces architecture that is quietly elegant rather than loudly theatrical. We are interested in beautiful, considered spaces — in the refinement of materials, the quality of light, and the feeling of a home that genuinely fits the people living in it. Our work doesn't chase trends. It creates homes that will be as relevant, as liveable, and as admired in twenty years as on the day of completion.
Working With Kelder Architects
Choosing an architect is a significant decision. We want you to understand exactly what it means to work with us before you make that call.
Both Joel and Wesley Kelder are fully registered architects with the Board of Architects of Queensland (BOAQ). Between them they bring expertise across high-end multi-residential, commercial, hospitality, and bespoke residential architecture. Every Kelder Architects project is personally directed by one of the principals — you will never be handed off to a junior.
Our process is collaborative and iterative. From the first briefing conversation through to the day your builder hands over the keys, we work closely with you at every stage — refining ideas, testing options in 3D, reviewing costs, and overseeing the construction process to ensure the quality of the finished home matches the quality of the design.
We serve clients across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland, including:
Inner Brisbane — Paddington, Bardon, Ascot, Hamilton, New Farm, Bulimba, Camp Hill, Tarragindi, Auchenflower
Greater Brisbane — Brookfield, Pullenvale, Samford, Chandler, Sheldon
Sunshine Coast — Noosa, Sunshine Beach, Peregian, Buderim, Maleny
Northern NSW — Kingscliff, Ballina, Byron Bay surrounds
Our Recent Projects in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
Our portfolio includes more than 30 completed luxury homes across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. Recent highlights include the Avenell House in Port Douglas — a lush, resort-inspired family home embedded in tropical gardens — the Camp Hill Courtyard House, a refined inner-Brisbane home built around a private pool courtyard, and the Paddington Queenslander, a heritage home transformed into a light-filled contemporary family residence.
Each project is unique. Each is the result of a deep collaboration between our studio and our clients. Browse our full portfolio of completed Brisbane and Sunshine Coast homes to see the range and quality of our work.
Frequently Asked Questions — Working with a Brisbane Architect
How much does it cost to hire an architect in Brisbane? Architectural fees for residential projects in Brisbane typically range from 8–15% of the total construction cost, depending on project scope, complexity, and the level of service required. For a $1.5M home, this equates to approximately $120,000–$225,000 in architectural fees across all stages. We are transparent about our fee structure from the first conversation, and we offer a complimentary initial consultation so you can make an informed decision before committing.
What is the difference between an architect and a building designer? Registered architects like Joel and Wesley Kelder must complete a minimum of five years of university study plus two years of supervised professional experience before sitting registration examinations with their state's Architecture Board. Only registered architects can legally use the title "Architect" in Queensland. Architects bring a higher level of design rigour, technical expertise, and contractual oversight than a building designer — which matters enormously on complex, high-value residential projects.
How long does it take to design and build a custom home in Brisbane? A full-service project — from initial brief through to construction completion — typically takes 18–30 months. This includes approximately 2-3 months for concept and schematic design, 2-3 months for development approval and detailed design, and 12–18 months for construction. We can advise more specifically once we understand the scope of your project.
Do you work with clients outside Brisbane? Yes. While Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are our primary markets, we regularly work with clients on the Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Far North Queensland, and Tasmania. Strong client relationships and clear communication make distance manageable at every stage.
Ready to Talk About Your Home?
If you're considering a new home, a significant renovation, or a Queenslander transformation in Brisbane or on the Sunshine Coast, we'd love to hear about your project.
We offer a complimentary initial consultation — a no-obligation conversation about your vision, your site, and how we can help.
Call us on 0435 006 940 or use the contact form below to tell us about your project.
We respond to all enquiries within one business day.