At Field Office Architecture, we design places that feel calm, grounded and enduring. Our work is shaped by a deep respect for landscape, light and material, and a belief that architecture should make life feel better, not busier.
Based in Melbourne and working locally and across regional and coastal Australia, we create environments that are responsive to site, climate and the rhythms of everyday life. Every project is an opportunity to slow down and tune in, to design spaces that feel connected to their setting and personal to the people who live in them.
Our studio is known for a restrained, tactile approach: thoughtful planning, natural materials and details that reward close attention. We focus on longevity, sustainability and a certain quiet beauty that reveals itself over time.
We offer full architectural services from early briefing to completion, and pride ourselves on a collaborative, client-centred process that values dialogue, clarity and craft.
We work on:
— Bespoke new homes; city, country & coastal
— Renovations, alterations, and additions
— Small to mid-scale commercial projects
— Interior Design
— Bushfire-compliant design in rural & coastal areas
— Town planning applications, including heritage-sensitive & complex sites
Field Office Architecture works throughout Australia and Internationally.
Chris Barnes
Director
Chris studied Architecture at the University of Melbourne and was a Senior Associate at BVN Architecture prior to starting Field Office Architecture in 2014. With 20 years of industry experience, Chris has earned a reputation for his innovative and sustainable designs that blend functionality, aesthetic beauty, and environmental responsibility.
Chris seeks to create work that is sophisticated and elegant, with a focus on creating spaces that are both practical and refined. He has a strong attention to detail and a passion for sustainable design that has led him to become a leader in the field, advocating for environmentally progressive practices in architecture and sharing his knowledge with the wider community.
Nicolas Gutierrez
Director
Nic studied Architecture at the University of Melbourne and has an impressive career spanning 20 years. Nic has successfully led award-winning projects across the residential sector, delivering challenging, beautiful, and sustainable outcomes. Nicolas has a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Nic’s passion lies with designing to enhance the human experience. Having designed, documented and administered construction contracts for of all sizes and budgets for over 17 years, Nic has a very deep level of empathy and strong instincts when it comes to the way we use our built environment, and strongly believes in a holistic ‘exterior informs interior informs exterior’ approach.
Selected Awards:
2025 Commendation – Point Lonsdale House.
Residential New $1m+ – ArchiTeam Awards
2025 Shortlist – Tanner Street Residence
Unit + Apartment – Houses Awards
2024 Finalist – Greens Beach House.
UnBuilt – ArchiTeam Awards
2023 Finalist – Tote Bar & Dining
Commercial, Community & Public Award – ArchiTeam Awards
2021 Finalist – Clifton Hill Terraces
Multi Residential Excellence in Timber Applications – Timber Design Awards
2020 Finalist – Chris Barnes
Merit Rising Star Award – Timber Design Awards
2020 Finalist – Phoenix House Grampians
Residential Architecture New Build – Sustainability Awards
2020 Finalist – Brunswick East House
Residential Additions + Alterations – Sustainability Awards
2019 Commendation – Clifton Hill Terraces
Residential Architecture New Build – ArchiTeam Awards
2019 Finalist – Clifton Hill Terraces
Residential Architecture New Build – ArchiTeam Awards
2019 Finalist – Clifton Hill Terraces
Multi Residential New Build – Sustainability Awards
2019 Winner – Clifton Hill Terraces
Sustainability Awards Yarra City Council
2018 Finalist – Mount Macedon House
Residential Architecture New Build – Houses Magazine Awards