hecticrAt Architects

About

WHAT

At hecticrAt Architects we are passionate about architecture almost to a fault. Our overriding goal is to create designs that make our clients happy: designs that fit the brief and the site like a glove. Always with a sense of joy and of connection with nature, through the use of the basic building blocks of daylight, breeze and greenery.

hecticrAt Architects has not one, but two unusual names going for it. The name of the firm itself - hecticrAt - is an anagram of the word Architect. The name of its principal is Demis Roussos Bhargava, named after the Greek singer of soulful ballads Demis Roussos. Demis' father, himself an architect based in India, was a fan (to state the obvious).

Ironically, Demis is a terrible singer. He is, however, a not at all terrible architect, as evidenced by our client testimonials.

WHO

Demis completed his Bachelor of Architecture in India, ranking at the top of his class over the final semesters of the 5 year course. He worked at architectural offices for 3 years, gaining invaluable practical experience, before making his way Down Under in 2004.

Demis successfully completed a Master of Architecture degree from the University of New South Wales, again with High Distinctions in architectural and sustainable design. He then joined an Eastern Suburbs practice, where he worked for 15 years before starting his own practice, hecticrAt.

Demis is an Australian citizen and registered to practice as an architect in New South Wales. He is also a registered Design and Engineering Practitioner, and is therefore able to work on Class 2 apartment buildings under the DBAP. When he is not working on projects or on architectural competitions outside of office hours, Demis is an avid bushwalker and a regular at the local F45 gym.

HOW

The first step in the process is a no-obligation meeting with you at your property, to discuss the opportunities and constraints of the site and to get an initial idea of your design brief, before giving you a fee proposal.

DESIGN

Once engaged, we then prepare an initial concept design based on your brief, using the site survey drawing. The design is modified and detailed based on meetings and discussions with you.

APPROVAL DRAWINGS

On finalisation of the design concept, we prepare submission drawings and accompanying documentationas required (shadow diagrams, photomontages, Statement of Environmental Effects), either for Development or Section 4.55 Applications to Council or Complying Development Certificate applications to a private certifier. We can lodge the application on your behalf and discuss with the assessing officer and neighbours.

CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE AND WORKING DRAWINGS

Main architectural, joinery, kitchen, bathroom, electrical, door and window schedules, specifications for tendering and construction purposes.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Assessing tenders and helping clients arrive at a decision regarding selection of a builder, administering building contracts, including site inspections.

Testimonials

Difficult to not sound unrealistic about this lovely & talented human being. Demis is so easy to communicate with and seems to clearly understand a brief. I was so impressed with him on every professional level and on a personal note, his calm demeanour was so helpful to me through the stresses of dealing with Council and L&E Court. In fact, without Demis’ attention at the correct time, I doubt very much whether I would have persevered through the process to get our DA. One of the things that makes Demis unusual in this industry is that he genuinely wants to give the client exactly what they want, but he’s also very able to suggest other alternatives which he feels might achieve a better result. An architect who listens! An architect who develops and improves on the starting point. An architect who knows the boundaries of tedious legislation and when these can be pushed, and when they can’t. An architect without arrogance, and a truly lovely man.

Sara & Harry

We engaged Demis of Hecticrat Architects to undertake a complete renovation and extension of our property, from the design phase right through to tendering and project management of the build. Working with a budget Demis has completely transformed the house and designed a beautiful, functional home that has certainly exceeded our expectations of what we could achieve with the property.

Michael & Kathy

Full Renovation Architecture including outdoor and second level – Rose Bay Sydney 2014

My Husband and I chose Demis from Hecticrat Architecture as we were very comfortable with his experience particularly with the local council and their requirements. Despite our relatively small block Demis was able to design a very modern and spacious home that incorporated every corner of the property along with making most use of the light available. We have also made provisions for the second story. Additionally Demis was able to discuss what would be more cost effective options which we really appreciated as we are not the experts. Based on our experiences I would highly recommend Demis for any of your Architecture needs big or small. I would trust Demis 100% to do the right thing and give you the best possible outcome.

Krista & JP

Demis is an absolute pleasure to work with. Demis is helping us draw up our dream home, by way of an extension to our existing house and has been incredibly patient, diligent, responsive, organised, proactive and helpful. Demis is very passionate about his work, you can tell he loves what he does and this comes through in his work. Demis is always professional, friendly and easy to talk to. He often sends through suggestions or ideas with no prompting and is always happy to revisit or test how other options might work. He has assisted us a great deal in pulling together our plans for Council and meeting with them. We can’t fault Demis in terms of his commitment, responsiveness and the quality of service he has provided us so far and I look forward to one day completing our project with Demis’ help.

Melissa & Martin

We would like to thank you for designing and preparing architectural plans for our home. We appreciate your patience, professionalism and very soft nature to listen to us. The site being so difficult, two previous architects could not produce satisfactory results. Your level of creativity and ability made it a dream home. Your help to resolve the issues with council and other consultants is also greatly appreciated.

Shiv & Mohini

Demis, from Hecticrat has been an absolute pleasure to work with. In addition to Demis’ easy going and engaging approach, he quickly got up to speed on our brief, has been very professional, quickly follows through on his commitments, and has been able to create options and solutions in meeting our brief whilst dealing with some challenging site conditions. I’d highly recommend Hecticrat to anyone considering either a completely new build or an addition to an existing home as we have.

Justin & Anna

It has been a pleasure working with Demis on this project. It has taken a couple of years and the end result is exactly what we wanted. We are extremely happy with his professionalism, patience and creativity which has helped us build our dream home. We have already referred him for a few other projects with friends and family.

Mohit & Amita

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.