About Us

Established in 1998, directors Andrew Bartholomeusz and Sally Bartholomeusz have been dedicated to designing dream homes for 25 years. The name ‘SAAJ’ is an acronym from the first and middle names of the brother-sister partnership: Sally Ann, Andrew James. The brother and sister duo both live and work in the Bayside area of Melbourne. Andrew is a registered Architect whilst Sally is an Industrial Designer, which allows for a cross fertilization of disciplines and unique skills. SAAJ Design therefore possesses quite a broad-minded approach to their projects. The skillset at SAAJ Design’s studio provides our clients with not only architectural services but also a package complete with interior design and potential selection of furniture, soft furnishings and general interior decoration - a complete lifestyle is considered.

With over 190 projects recognized locally, nationally and internationally, the SAAJ Design studio has developed a substantial level of experience in a broad range of residential project types. Being a residential specialist, these projects range across small urban sites, suburban sites, coastal areas and large expansive rural properties. We have an instinctive biophilic approach to creating contemporary homes that better the lives of those who experience them every day.

The SAAJ Design studio is deliberately small in size to be able to give a bespoke service offering to our clients. We don’t take on lots of projects at the same time so that we can focus our time, resources and skills into the projects we are currently undertaking. All members of SAAJ Design take great pride in the work that they do and the service we offer - immense thought goes into each project. All projects have direct involvement from our directors and principal designers, Andrew and Sally, from start to finish. The Studio’s philosophy is focused on quality and therefore does not mass produce designs. Our designs attract clients that appreciate excellent quality and creative design solutions.

SAAJ Design Core Values

Relationships

– establishing and maintaining a collaborative bond with our client –

Communication

– ensuring seamless communication from start to finish –

Site Response / Client Responsive

– creating a home that responds to both the location and our client’s brief –

Testimonials

“The biggest award from our point of view has been the pleasure of living with and in the design and construction… It genuinely brings all of us pleasure every day - the seclusion and quiet of the quad; the fireplace; the set out of the pool and terrace; the sliding louvres; the lighting; the indoor and outdoor kitchens; the garage door and brickwork to name just a few - it’s perfect for us”

Tim – Sandringham

“We valued the recommendation we received from a trusted source to meet with SAAJ to discuss our project, and we were confident from the very first moment that they would be a wonderful partner throughout the build of our dream home. This being our first complete design and construction experience, we found that Andrew and Sally were incredibly patient and generous with their time, ensuring that we truly understood all the aspects we needed to so that the design phase was creative, collaborative and ensured functionality. We love the design.

Having their support throughout the construction process again provided us with superior results. Their communication with us and our builder consistently demonstrated their professionalism as we all worked through covid challenges.

As we have now settled into our dream home we have loved interacting with all the special touches that our home contains. We still admire its design and appreciate the positive feedback and comments we often receive from guests.

Andrew and Sally were more than our architects, they were our dream home building partner, and we are blessed to have experienced the journey that we did with them.”

Pete & Soph – Hampton

“Just wanted to let you know how much I’m still loving the house… The fireplace still gives me pleasure every morning when I walk down the stairs and see the light from the back windows casting across it. They’re just a couple of things. There are hundreds of others”.

Trev – Beaumaris

“We still love our house SO much!”

Phil & Mel – St Kilda West