Nick Bell Architects is a boutique architecture and design firm based in Sydney, founded in 2008.

We are committed to design and architecture that is both innovative and functional. We view each project and all that it encompasses – site, brief and budget – as a unique and individual opportunity to explore the potential of design.

Our architecture is instinctively modern yet aims to provide a softness and warmth that can be lacking in contemporary design. Our work aspires to be environmentally responsible making use of modern technology and design solutions as well as effective age-old principles.

At Nick Bell Architects we believe in combining intelligent use of space and light, beautiful materials and attention to detail; creating environments that enhance and bring happiness to daily life.

Featured

NICK BELL

Nick has been a registered Architect since qualifying in the UK in 1993, with subsequent registration in NSW. His early experience included working in London, Frankfurt, Moscow and Sydney, where he worked for acclaimed Australian architect Rob Brown.

Returning to Sydney permanently in 2000, Nick worked for Heather Buttrose Associates on a number of exclusive residential projects.

In 2002 Nick joined a colleague as partner in the award winning Atom Design Group.

Since forming Nick Bell Architects in 2008 Nick has combined creativity with a unique ability to work seamlessly with clients and builders to build a recognised portfolio of completed work.

POPPI DENISON

Poppi has been with Nick Bell Architects since formation in 2008 while completing her Masters of Architecture at the University of Sydney. Graduating with honours, she received Dean’s Honour Roll awards each year as well as a University of Sydney Exchange Scholarship to Lund University in Sweden.

As an Associate Director, Poppi has a key role in the running of the practice and our design process. Now a NSW registered Architect with extensive experience, Poppi acts as Project Architect on many of our largest residential and commercial projects.

MARTINA DE NADAI

Martina graduated with a Master in Architecture from the University of Venice in 2009.

During her studies, she was selected for a year of Erasmus scholarship at the University of Seville in Spain. After working in Paris for a firm developing the interior design for Renzo Piano’s projects and in Italy for two award-winning architectural firms, she moved to Sydney shifting between architecture and interior design projects. Martina joined Nick Bell Architects in a Project Architect role at the beginning of 2020.

CALEB BURKE

Caleb joined Nick Bell Architects upon graduating with 1st class honours from UNSW at the end of 2016. During his Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree Caleb received Dean’s List Awards each year, was awarded the AIA Construction and Practice Prize, and was a nominee for the AIA NSW First Design Degree Award. While at UNSW, Caleb also worked as an academic tutor and co-founded the UNSW Architecture Society.

An integral member of the Nick Bell Architects team, Caleb now has several years experience assisting on all stages of the design and construction process. He has highly developed skills in design and detailed documentation that now allow him to take on a significant role in our projects.

SIRA GIACCO

Sira graduated from University of New South Wales with a Distinction in Architectural Studies in 2017 and Masters of Architecture in 2020. Joining the team in early 2022, Sira’s eye for detail and composition is integral in bringing designs to life through sketch design and 3D modelling - delighting clients with virtual walkthroughs of their new home.

Residential design development is an interest of Sira’s - in particular, alterations and additions. Sira enjoys the challenge of working with existing structures where the requirements are to maintain the integrity of the original while making it relevant for the way we live today.

Awards and Media

2024 ArchDaily - Corbel House Feature. View here
2024 Architecture & Design - Featured Coleridge project. View here
2023 ArchDaily - Bondi - A Home Producing More Energy than it Consumes. View here
2023 Archello - Featured “Lean-To” Birchgrove Project. View here
2023 Grand Designs Australia - Featured Dickson Street Project
2023 Amazing Architecture - Featured “Lean-To” Birchgrove and Bronte Home. View here
2022 The Local Project - At Home in Bondi - Patterson Street. View here
2022 Grand Designs Australia - Featured Coleridge project
2022 Grand Designs Australia - Featured Birchgrove project
2020 Habitus Living - Chasing a Better Outlook. View here
2020 The Local Project - Reinterpreting the Lean-To. View here
2019 Habitus Living - In the Limelight. View here
2018 Grand Designs Australia - Cover feature
2018 The Australian (Mansion) - Vaucluse vacation
2017 MCA Awards - Brickwork Medium Density - Winner
2017 Sanctuary Magazine - Featured project
2017 HOUSES Magazine - Featured project
2016 Dezeen - Featured project. View here
2016 Archdaily - Featured project. View here
2015 Inside Out Magazine Online Gallery – Featured home. View here
2014 The Sydney Morning Herald Domain – Design Trends
2014 HOUSES Magazine House of the Year – House in a Heritage Context - Commendation
2014 HOUSES Magazine House of the Year – House Alterations & Additions over 200m2 - Shortlisted
2014 Waverley Council Design & Heritage Awards – Shortlisted
2012 Home Beautiful Magazine – Dream Home
2012 The Sydney Morning Herald – House of the Week
2010 The Sydney Morning Herald (Domain) – Dream Houses
2010 The Sydney Morning Herald (Domain) – Dream Houses
2009 MBA Excellence in Housing Awards (Builder Hagan Built) House Additions/Alterations $700k-$1m – Winner