With full regard to sustainable practices and generational design, Vibe Design Group has long embodied Biophilic Design Principles that seek connection with the natural world – embracing a human desire to feel linked to the environment and in turn enhancing our daily living experiences.
Whilst Vibe Design Group takes great inspiration from the calmness and balance that presents in modernist and mid-century architecture; their portfolio of residential design work and interior design & styling is unique to each client’s intent and the overall creative vision– the common thread is that each project speaks to its natural surrounds.
Some studio highlights being – worldwide recognition for our Kew House 3 project including an article in the New York Times. This project also featured locally highlighted by Planet Ark for its use of timber. While our Moat’s Corner project received an Australian Good Design award in the Architectural Design category.
As Managing Director and Principal Designer at Vibe Design Group, Michael’s journey started in residential construction where he found himself constantly solving detail issues and creating new methods, which ignited a passion for Design and Architecture. While furthering his construction knowledge he combined self-led Architectural studies with an innate sense of design theory to lead in producing an extensive portfolio of successful built work spanning 35 years.
Captivated by the Case Study House program in Los Angeles and the designs of Mies van der Rohe, Michael has been fortunate enough to travel and explore many of these works first hand. They continue to be a great source of inspiration with design aesthetics that are truly timeless.
Michael is experienced in Biophilic Contemporary Design and construction techniques influenced by Modernist Architecture; awarded Fellow of the BDAV in 2016 and Life Member of DMN (Design Matters National) in 2022. Michael is a registered practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority for Building Design Architectural DP-AD and Domestic Builder-Unlimited BD-U.
Kathryn started in office training while completing her Design studies, exposing her to all aspects of project documentation, starting with Town Planning applications then advanced Structural and Interior detailing.
This work gave a strong understanding of professional process and the detail required to deliver high level residential work. Kathryn became involved in early key meetings with clients and naturally progressed to the main design team.
Living and breathing the project work from site visit to interior design phase, it became a natural segue for Kathryn’s involvement with Interior styling and furniture procurement.
Kathryn has travelled to the West Coast USA to consume all things design in what’s considered the origin of Mid-Century Modern Architecture.
Having a natural aptitude towards design Kathryn is highly skilled in every aspect required to deliver luxury residential design.
Good Design Awards
2019 Good Design Award Winner in the Architectural Design Category – Moat’s Corner
Design Matters Building Design Awards (BDAV)
2019 Building Design of the Year—Moat’s Corner
2019 Past Presidents Prize – Moat’s Corner
2019 New House over $3M Construction Cost – Moat’s Corner
2018 Excellence in Use of Glass Winner – Morell House
2016 Residential Design: New Houses $1M+ Winner– Sorrento House 1
2016 Most Innovative Kitchen Winner – Sorrento House 1
2014 Residential Design: New Houses $1M+ Commendation – Grange
2013 Best Residential Alterations & Additions: $500K+ Winner – The Eyrie
2012 Residential Design: New Houses $1M+ Winner – Royston
2012 Residential Design: New Houses $500K-$1M+ Commendation – Dalton
2011 Residential Design Alterations & Additions: $500K+ Winner – Mercer
2011 Residential Design: New Houses $500K-$1M Commendation – Tramway
National Association of Building Designers Awards
2019 Best New Residential Design – over $1M construction cost – Moat’s Corner
Abode Magazine Awards
2012 House of the Year Kew House 3
‘A Home That Looks Like the Sounds of the ’60s’ New York Times – Kew House 3
‘A Modernist Response to Site: Moat’s Corner House by Vibe Design Group’ The Local Project
“True and Timeless” Feature in American Farmhouse Style Magazine – Hyland House
Lexus TV Commercial – Moats Corner
Planet Ark ‘Environmental Edge’ TV Campaign – Kew House 3
‘Design Genius’ (Front Cover + Feature) Australia’s Best Houses (Book) – Kew House 3
‘Vibe Design Group covers house in Melbourne with asymmetric steel roof’ Designboom
‘Amazing Homes’ Series Better Homes & Gardens TV Program – New Farm House, Brisbane
Victoria’s Dream Homes (Front Cover) Sunday Herald Sun – Hughes Road
‘Modern Marvels of design’ The Weekend Australian – Kew House 3
Editor’s Picks – Dwell Online – McCrae House 1 & 2
Vibe Design Group offers Luxury Modernist-inspired Building Design services Australia wide.
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