Spear Ritz was a quietly transformative project—one that unfolded not through scale, but through intention. An overlooked garage became a peaceful bedroom, carefully connected to the rhythms of the home.

The laundry, long treated as a thoroughfare, was reimagined as a discreet, hardworking space—calm in appearance, generous in function. Every challenge, from the lowered floor level to the constraints of a tight footprint, was met with thoughtful resolve. I elevated the ensuite to run services cleanly beneath, introduced subtle joinery to define zones without enclosure, and drew light deep into the plan through considered glazing. A soft wash of Avril’s favourite colour across the ceilings became the final note—personal, quiet, and full of joy. In the end, this was not a large addition, but a meaningful transformation.

A home made more whole through care, clarity, and the quiet confidence of design that puts people first.

“Alex renovated two rooms of my art deco home, located in the Eastern suburbs. She converted an old garage into a wonderful retreat for my teenage son with lots of clever storage ideas and utilising the space effectively. Alex also transformed our laundry by installing storage and doors which have improved the area both aesthetically and functionality. Alex was knowledgeable, easy to work with and had lots of ideas for the project.” - Avril and Jeremy

Completion: 2018  

Site size: 795m²

Building levels: 2

Suburb: Kew

Council: Boroondara, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People.

Construction: Caple Builders

Photography: Michelle Williams

Styling: Bree Banfield (Leech)