Why the best architectural homes begin long before design

ACROSS Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine, Cooper & Blake Architecture has noticed a shift in how people approach their homes.

Rather than rushing into plans and finishes, more homeowners are stepping back to ask a different question: “How do we want to live?”

For Jessica Murray, director of Cooper & Blake Architecture, this question sits at the centre of every project.

“Exceptional homes don’t begin with drawings,” she said. “They begin with understanding how a family lives, what they value and how a home needs to perform over time.”

With over a decade of experience designing along the Great Ocean Road, Jessica has worked across complex coastal sites, bushfire-prone areas and challenging sloping blocks.

These environments demand more than aesthetic thinking. They require a considered, site-responsive approach grounded in performance and longevity.

But it is not just the landscape shaping her work – it is also a growing awareness among clients that bigger is not always better.

“There has been a long-standing focus on a home’s size, but we’re seeing a shift toward quality over quantity, homes that are thoughtfully planned, highly functional and genuinely supportive of everyday life,” she said.

This philosophy is reflected in Cooper & Blake’s approach to pre-design planning.

Before any concept drawings begin, clients are guided through a structured process that aligns lifestyle, site conditions and budget.

“We place a strong emphasis on clarity early,” Jessica said. “It allows for better decision-making, reduces risk and creates a far more considered outcome.”

This early stage also includes collaboration with builders, ensuring projects are grounded in realistic cost expectations from the outset.

“It’s about removing the guesswork,” Jessica said. “When the right conversations happen early, the entire process becomes more transparent and far more enjoyable.”

For homeowners planning a renovation or new build, particularly those investing in a long-term family home, this approach offers something increasingly valuable: confidence.

Rather than navigating uncertainty, clients move forward with a clear understanding of what is possible and what matters most.

“We’re not just designing houses,” Jessica said. “We’re helping people create homes that feel aligned with the way they live.”

For those considering their next step, Cooper & Blake Architecture offers a simple starting point. Its complimentary ‘Find Your Why’ series guides homeowners through the early thinking that shapes successful projects, helping to define priorities before design begins.

The most successful homes are not defined by scale or style, but by how well they support the people who live within them.

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