The Practice

Coleman Architects was established in 2019 by architect and heritage consultant Ian Coleman, formerly a director of McDonald Coleman Architects Pty Ltd. The practice combines our passions for innovative and sustainable architectural design and the conservation and adaptation of our built heritage.

Our architectural philosophy is focused on achieving creative, functional, economical, and sustainable solutions that respond to our client’s requirements and to the environment in which the building is located. For us, a successful project is based on a strong working relationship between client and architect and the integration of architecture, interior design and the surrounding environment.

Our projects include new buildings, alterations and additions to existing buildings and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings. Our expertise extends across residential, commercial, hospitality and institutional buildings.

We are strong advocates of sustainable design and particularly value the minimisation of waste and embodied energy obtained through the thoughtful and creative use of existing buildings.

We are passionate about our built heritage, the significant contribution that heritage buildings make to our built environment and securing their viability into the future. Our heritage services include high-level advice, the assessment of heritage places, preparation of Conservation Management Plans and Heritage Impact Statements, identifying and documenting conservation works, and undertaking negotiations with heritage and planning authorities.

We also provide a Site Potential Analysis service that is particularly suited to identifying the constraints and opportunities applicable to the future use and development of heritage places.

The Team

Ian Coleman: Principal
B. Arch (Hons) [Melb] AIA

Ian Coleman is a registered architect in the State of Victoria and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) degree in 1982, Ian joined Paul McDonald & Associates Pty Ltd, a small architectural practice specialising in hospitality work. He was promoted to senior design architect and partner in the growing company in 1986, which became McDonald Coleman Architects in 1992. Ian was responsible for a wide range of commercial, hospitality, recreational and residential projects throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Throughout his architectural career, Ian has pursued his interest in built heritage and has developed expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice, the preparation of Heritage Assessments, Conservation Management Plans and Heritage Impact Statements, and has provided heritage advice to Victorian councils for 30 years. Ian is currently the Heritage Advisor to the City of Whitehorse and previously to the City of Ballarat and the Shires of Maldon, Mount Alexander, and Korong (later Loddon).

Ian is recognised for his expertise in identifying the potential of heritage places and in developing practical solutions for the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings. He provides consulting services to property owners and design teams, undertaking critical assessments of projects in sensitive heritage environments, assisting with creative solutions to address the heritage imperatives of the place, negotiating with heritage authorities and providing supporting documentation for permit applications.

Judi Byrnes: Senior Architect
B. Arch [Melb]

Judi has been a key member of Coleman Architects since joining the practice in 2012 and is primarily responsible for managing our architectural projects and overseeing contract documentation.

Judi graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1994 and is a registered architect in Victoria. She has worked at several architectural firms, including Green & Barbour Pty Ltd Architects, McDonald Coleman Architects, ERA2000 Architects and Flint Architects. Judi has a strong background in design, documentation, the preparation of feasibility reports, managing tender processes, contract administration, and communication with clients, consultants and authorities. She has been involved in a variety of project types including residential, heritage, community, commercial, industrial, hospitality, retail, office, laboratories and research facilities.

Sophie Ryan: Architectural Graduate
M. Arch [Melb], B. Planning & Design (Arch) [Melb]

Sophie joined Coleman Architects in early 2020. She contributes to the documentation, design and management of our architectural projects.

Sophie graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Melbourne in 2010. She has worked for several Melbourne-based practices as an architectural student and graduate, predominantly on institutional and residential projects. This has provided her with the opportunity to develop her skills in site analysis, concept design, preparation of town planning and contract documentation, environmentally sustainable design and interior design.

From 2014 to 2019, Sophie worked within the not-for-profit sector, on the development of innovative housing solutions for younger people living with disability, focusing on highly accessible design with mainstream residential appeal, within multi-residential developments. This experience provided Sophie with the opportunity to develop skills in the preparation of feasibility studies, brief-formulation, housing modifications, property management and universal design.

Kuni Mukai:  Architect
B. Arch [Melb], B. Built Env. [QUT}

Kunihiko Mukai provides contract documentation services to Coleman Architects.

Kuni graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Melbourne in 2004 after completing a Bachelor of Built Environment at the Queensland University of Technology in 2000. He is a registered architect in the state of Victoria. A highly experienced project documenter, Kuni worked at McDonald Coleman Architects and on a variety of residential, hospitality and commercial projects at ERA2000 Architects, Catt Architects and the Stonehenge Group before establishing Wee Mukai Architects with Rosalina Wee in 2009.