ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS | HERITAGE
The Studio
Studio Dewar thrives at the intersection between architecture, interiors and heritage.
We design spaces that prioritise natural light and air, seeking to reuse or reinvent before we remove. We seek texture and depth in a space, with a focus on sustainable material selection, while responding to a rigorous analysis of context and client brief. We strive to create spaces that are joyful, functional and flexible.
Studio Dewar is a small and agile team of architects and interior designers offering full architectural services from concept to project delivery including interior design and specialist heritage consultancy. Our active and completed projects are spread between Sydney, the Southern Highlands and across rural New South Wales, where we have proven our ability to deliver high quality projects within a limited budget.
We work closely with the client to ensure each space is carefully and individually crafted to meet the unique needs of the end user.
Studio Dewar is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and ICOMOS Australia, led by registered architect, heritage professional and registered Design Practitioner, Mary Dewar Dutaillis.
Services
Feasibility Studies
Looking to move house?
We can work with you to establish the potential for any property you have your eye on. We will prepare a succinct report for you to outline the design opportunities and constraints, understand the regulatory framework including relevant Council or heritage controls, and advise on the approval process and outline costs.
Please get in touch with your enquiry.
Architect Randwick
Architect Eastern Suburbs
Heritage architect
Full Architectural Services
Studio Dewar provide full architectural services from feasibility and concept design through to project delivery, with a focus on creating functional and flexible spaces that prioritise natural light and passive environmental design, responding to a rigorous analysis of context and brief, in close collaboration with our clients. Our full design process is outlined below.
We work with all kinds of sites, with a particular interest in the adaptive reuse of buildings of all kinds, working to unlock potential within existing buildings to create functional, sustainable and vibrant spaces to live, work, play.
Our specialties include residential alterations, restoration of heritage items, new houses and small commercial projects.
Heritage Consultancy
As a qualified heritage consultant, Studio Dewar is able to offer advice and consultancy services for your heritage project.
This includes research and report writing and can work in conjunction with our design work or independently in collaboration with other architects. We prepare Heritage Impact Statements and Conservation Management Plans to accompany your application and frequently provide dual architectural and heritage services.
Studio Dewar is on the Australian Heritage Services Directory, and Mary Dewar Dutaillis is a member of ICOMOS Australia.
The design process
STAGE 0:
Initial Consultation and Brief
At the outset of the project, we will meet with the client to ascertain the brief, budget and other parameters for the project, to analyse the opportunities and constraints of the site. We gain an understanding of the existing space, undertake an internal measure and commission a survey to produce a set of existing information.
STAGE 1:
Concept Design
This stage involves the preparation of design ideas in response to the client’s brief. Designs will be presented to the client to ascertain the best way forward.
STAGE 2:
Design Development
During this stage we develop the client’s chosen concept into greater resolution to establish the required size, construction, finishes and massing, with another client checkpoint to ensure we are on the right track.
STAGE 3:
Development Application
Once the developed design has reached agreement with the client, we can prepare all of the necessary documentation and coordinate with the required constulants to produce an application for Council, be it a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate.
STAGE 4:
Construction Documentation
Once planning approval is received, we commence with detailed construction documentation through the preparation of drawings, schedules and specifications required to allow the project to be constructed. This stage includes the Construction Certificate required by Council in order to commence works.
STAGE 5:
Contractor Selection
This stage involves the procurement of the project for construction, which may include Tendering to a selection of contractors to seek competitive pricing, or liaising with a preferred contractor.
STAGE 6:
Project Delivery
During the site works, we can impartially administer the Contract between client and contractor, and with regular site visits to observe progress, we can help to ensure outstanding design decisions are adequately managed, maintaining the project programme and budget, and the client’s vision.
STAGE 7:
Handover
We love to stay in touch with our clients to hear feedback about the finished product, assist with any queries where possible and evaluate the performance of the building.
The team
Mary Dewar Dutaillis
Director | Heritage Consultant | Registered Design Practitioner
Studio Dewar was founded in 2019 by Mary Dewar Dutaillis, combining 20 years experience in Sydney and London, having worked across the spectrum of architectural projects including residential, commercial, retail, education, libraries and art galleries. Harnessing this experience, Studio Dewar specialises in high-end residential architecture, heritage architecture, adaptive reuse and mixed use developments.
Mary has served on heritage committees for Sydney Living Museums and Rookwood General Cemetery, and is a member of ICOMOS Australia.
PG Dip Professional Practice & Management, UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
Master of Arts (Historic and Sustainable Architecture) NYU, London and New York
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Technology, Sydney
Nominated architect: Mary Dewar.
NSW Registered Architect #11049
Tracey Lau
Architect
Tracey joined Studio Dewar in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from practices Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, Welsh + Major and JPW. Tracey’s expertise spans a variety of project types and scales, including adaptive reuse, residential and commercial alterations, hotels and theatres.
A recent project undertaken with TZG, the conversion of a listed residential building to a private office in Woollahra was awarded the 2024 National Commendation for Commercial Architecture.
Master of Architecture, University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of New South Wales
NSW Registered Architect #12124
Alexandra Armytage
AA Interior Design
AA Interior Design offers interior styling, design and project management services.
With extensive experience within the residential and retail design industry, Alexandra offers in-depth knowledge of suppliers and materials, with a proven proficiency at project management and delivery.
AA Interior Design collaborates with Studio Dewar on several projects.
Locations we service:
Sydney Eastern Suburbs: Paddington, Woollahra, Randwick, Bronte, Coogee, Dover Heights, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Waverley, Watsons Bay, Maroubra, Centennial Park, Queens Park, Darling Point, Point Piper, Potts Point, Tamarama, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction
Inner Sydney: Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Elizabeth Bay, Woolloomooloo, Eveleigh, Rushcutters Bay
Sydney Inner West: Haberfield, Newtown, Glebe, Five Dock, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Russell Lea, Balmain, Birchgrove
North Shore: Mosman, Cremorne, Neutral Bay, Balmoral, Willoughby, Gladesville, Killara, Longueville, Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Kirribilli
Northern Beaches: Manly, Avalon, Palm Beach, Narrabeen, Newport, Bilgola Plateau, Clareville, Whale Beach,
Southern Highlands and Wingecarribee Shire: Bowral, Sutton Forest, Burradoo, Regional NSW: Harden, Yass, Goulburn, Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Hunter Valley, Gerringong, Gerroa, Hyams Beach, Batemans Bay, Berry
Services we provide: Small scale renovations, refurbishments, heritage restorations, adaptive reuse, alterations and additions, country homesteads, modern designs, new builds and sustainable architecture