For two decades, we’ve challenged the status quo of Australian housing by helping people build less, but better. Our practice combines building design, interiors and building science to create high-performance, healthy homes that are built to last.

About James

James graduated in 1997 from NMIT with an Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural).

James’ values are intrinsically linked to the UN Global Goals for sustainable development, which have the power to create a better world by 2030.  

Through his work, James strives to have a positive impact on the future of residential construction in Australia and believes that as a nation, in order to curb global warming we must stop building the biggest houses in the world, switch to clean energy sources and build resilient homes that withstand climatic extremes.  

Growing up in a family of builders, James has an excellent understanding of the construction industry and has an innate ability to communicate with builders and their trades. James takes pride in building collaborative relationships between contractors and clients, using his proven methodology to deliver homes on budget.

James is an accredited Passive House designer who values the intrinsic link between health, comfort & longevity and the quality and performance of a home. He only works with like-minded people that are conscious of not only their well-being but the fate of the planet by creating healthy and comfortable spaces that don’t cost the earth

After spending a big part of his childhood growing up in Apollo Bay, James moved back to the coast in 2021. If he’s not ‘out the back’ in the surf he can be found in the hills out the back of Anglesea on his gravel bike or hitting the single track with Harry close in tow. In his ‘downtime’, he can usually be seen chipping away at one of his many little projects (how’s that sauna coming along James?!)

About Claire

Claire hails from a client relations background; finally deciding to apply her skill sets and 10 + years of client management experience to the family business, she joined her husband James in 2017.

Wearer of a multitude hats and spinner of many plates, a lot of Claire’s time is spent in communication with our clients throughout the design and documentation stages, she works in collaboration with our Director James to ensure each project is kept on track and running smoothly.

Claire is also responsible for keeping our website and Instagram feed looking fresh, and liaises with photographers and journalists for media releases and marketing opportunities.  

Originally from the Lake District in the UK, Claire is now a fully fledged Aussie and has all the moves to the Nutbush to prove it. That being said, she will always cheer on the Poms in the Ashes!

Claire is a lover of dogs and bikes and can often be found deep in the Otways on two wheels. She rotates between her road, gravel and mountain bike depending on her mood.

About Melanie

Melanie joined James at Altereco Design in 2009 in the role of Architectural Designer (Draftsperson). With a clear passion for Interiors, her focus led to her role as Interior Designer.  

With her years of experience and her background in Architectural Design, Melanie’s approach is strategic and detailed which results in timeless and functional spaces; good design does not happen by accident.  

Melanie balances beauty with practicality to create interiors that reflect the people who live in them and believes aesthetics are important; design has the power to make us feel good.  

Melanie loves supporting local brands and designers and has an interest in sourcing Australian made.  With her builder husband, Melanie loves to chat about design and is continuously learning about carpentry (and construction!) details and is confident collaborating with builders, trades and suppliers.  

Melanie is tea obsessed (no coffee here!) and is Mum to her boy tribe, Alby and Paddy (and Golden Retriever Mack).

About Natalie

Graduating with a Bachelors Degree of Design in Melbourne, Natalie spends her time exploring multiple facets of the creative field. Whilst Natalie majored in Interior Design, her keen eye for detail, composition and imagination shines through from her minor in Visual Arts. She is driven by creating homes to last that celebrate sustainable practices and emphasise healthy liveable environments.  

She spends her free time crafting and designing objects that reflect her ability for mindful artistry through a personal, hand crafted touch. Natalie designs with a focus on cohesive design and a minimalist, less is more approach. Her values on sustainability and wellbeing are reflected in her design language, not to mention her hobbies such as yoga, ceramics, and pure love of the outdoors.

About Warner

With a Master of Science (Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences programme) degree from TU Delft, The Netherlands, Warner has always been drawn to how people live. He is passionate about environmental psychology, the way our behaviour is influenced by the built and social environment around us and how we influence this environment in return. By optimising space, and paying special attention to the individual needs, he strives to create unique designs where the residents can thrive. The goal is not a mansion, but a home where every corner feels deliberate.

This interest, equal to Warner’s love for travel, has led him to focus on residential design in different countries, including Malawi, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia. When not in front of his computer, Warner is exploring on his scooter, eating delicious plant based food, reading, or annoying his best friend, Sami the cat.

About Harry

Harry’s daily duties at Altereco include chasing the crows away from the veggie patch and keeping up office morale. He is settling into his role of office dog superbly. Will work for kibble.  

In his spare time Harry enjoys long romantic beach walks and mountain biking…in fact, he is never far off James’ back wheel and can round a berm with finesse! Hates swimming and taking showers.

His wonky teeth make it into his gratitude diary regularly.