Based in Newtown, Rafter Architecture is a dedicated architecture practice providing highly considered design solutions across Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast, and regional Victoria. Led by Daniel Rafter, a registered architect with over 20 years of experience across the residential, multi-residential, health, and commercial sectors, the practice approaches every project with a commitment to spatial clarity, site context, and material craftsmanship.
Living and working in Geelong provides a direct understanding of local council planning frameworks, heritage overlays, and the unique microclimates of coastal and regional Victoria. Whether adapting a period home in Newtown, designing a coastal residence on the Surf Coast, or delivering a functional commercial fitout, Rafter Architecture collaborates closely with clients from initial concept through to project completion.
Building a custom new home is an opportunity to create a space perfectly aligned with your lifestyle, site orientation, and long-term needs. We work across coastal, urban, and rural sites including high-end residential builds and regional farmhouse properties, designing energy-efficient homes that respond directly to their surrounding landscape.
From optimising natural light and passive solar performance to selecting durable materials like spotted gum cladding and off-form concrete, our new home designs balance spatial generosity with refined architectural detail.
Adapting an existing property requires a careful balance between historical character and contemporary functionality. We specialize in complex alterations, additions, and period restorations across Geelong's character precincts—such as Victorian worker cottages, Edwardian homes, and heritage properties subject to local council overlays.
Our approach respects original building fabric while introducing light-filled rear extensions, reconfigured spatial flows, custom joinery, and integrated circulation elements like bespoke staircases and study nooks.
Beyond single residential design, Rafter Architecture brings extensive experience across multi-residential developments, commercial fitouts, and specialist health environments. We understand the commercial imperatives of yield, durability, and operational flow alongside high-quality aesthetic outcomes.
Whether designing a boutique townhouse development in Torquay or a functional workplace/community space, we navigate complex building codes, accessibility standards, and commercial town planning processes to deliver spaces that perform for businesses and developers alike.
A successful build relies on a structured, transparent process that keeps your project on track from the first sketch through to construction.
1. Concept ➔ 2. Town Planning ➔ 3. Design Development ➔ 4. Documentation ➔ 5. Contract Administration
Concept & Feasibility: We analyze your site constraints, orientation, budget, and brief, developing initial 3D massing models and spatial concepts to test ideas early.
Town Planning: Navigating local council requirements (including heritage overlays, setbacks, and site coverage) to prepare and lodge comprehensive planning permit applications.
Design Development: Refining floor plans, elevations, lighting layouts, and material palettes includig joinery, finishes, and external cladding.
Detail Documentation: Preparing precise technical drawings, construction details, and specifications required for building permits, structural engineering coordination, and accurate builder pricing.
Contract Administration: Working alongside trusted local builders during construction to ensure design intent, quality craftsmanship, and project specifications are delivered on site.
Whether you are looking to build a new home, extend a period property, or explore a commercial development, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your site and vision.
Contact Rafter Architecture to Arrange an Initial Consultation →
.