With over four decades of combined experience, we are architects that care deeply about our craft. Whether its a reinterpretation and retrofit of an existing home, a large extension to transform a home, construction of a small home, or creation of a lifestyle property, we are committed to a holistic design process, providing unique buildings with a climate responsive focus, tailored to our clients' needs.
What areas do we service?
Our studio works from Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. Our projects are located throughout Melbourne and Victoria
Do buildings responding to climate cost more?
We believe that there are simple strategies that use nature and can be easily implemented to make buildings more liveable. We have many years of knowledge regarding climate responsive design and are happy to advise clients regarding strategies that will suit their build
How are buildings responding to climate, different?
Buildings that respond to climate feel different. They allow the occupants to engage with nature in a way that can enhance everyday life. When planned well they are cooler in summer and warmer in winter, use less energy to run, have lowered bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
What are your rates?
Architectural services are generally based on a percentage of a building's budget. We are happy to discuss fee options suitable for alternative building sizes and budgets.
Paul Baker and Sarah Drofenik formed Baker Drofenik Architects in 2004. Paul and Sarah work across Victoria, creating contemporary high efficiency environmentally conscious, low energy homes. Baker Drofenik Architects specialize in residential architecture, and are committed to producing contemporary environments through the adoption of innovative building technologies, sustainable material choices and informed building and site planning. Sarah Drofenik and Paul Baker are both registered architects with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria. Paul Baker has a Masters of Tropical Architecture (Environmentally Sustainable Design). Baker Drofenik Architects is an A+ member of the Australian Institute of Architects
What our clients say:
Kris and John: Baker Drofenik are responsive to client needs and wish-list, adding suggestions of their own for consideration. Their work ethic and attention to detail were marvelous. Highly recommend them.
Signe and Greg: We really enjoyed working with Sarah and Paul on the design of our house extension. Their focus on minimizing energy consumption and maximizing natural light was exactly what we were looking for, and their skill in optimizing spaces for small footprint living meant that we were able to achieve a compact yet spacious result
Nick & Patricia: We approached Baker Drofenik with some very basic design ideas for our new build in 2018. The concepts they came up with over the next 4 months were all stunning. They project managed the entire build and we could not have been happier with the process. Sarah and Paul were always available to discuss the project and visit the site. Highly recommend them for architectural projects
Janis & Nigel: When we did decide to renovate, we were not sure if we should use architectural services. Now happily in our house, we are very pleased that not only did we decide on using architects but that we chose Baker Drofenik. Paul and Sarah helped us design and create a home we are very happy with. Their expertise, knowledge and counsel saved time in all decisions by narrowing options that allowed good choices to be made. We also thought that having both a male and female point of view was of great benefit. The assistance they provided during the actual build allowed this part of the process to complete without issue. They were a pleasure to work with and highly recommended.
Cindy & Jason: We just wanted to say Thank You for building us an amazing renovation. It has turned out just as we envisaged and more. The light filled kitchen, dining and living room are our family's favorite spaces. We are very pleased with the quality of build as well.
Michael and Amanda: Working with Paul and Sarah has given us a very sustainable house; nailing a great design and attention for detail. We took a long time back and forth getting the balance right over a relatively simple brief - keeping within the same footprint, staying within our tight budget and giving us more light and warmth to the south…while also ensuring every decision considered sustainability and environmental footprint. This has been achieved and we've managed also to prioritize the most environmentally friendly options in heating and energy, materials and by using passive design.
