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From its working-class roots in charming workers cottages that dot the harbour foreshore to expansive, contemporary designs – Balmain is a curious mix of old and new. Spawned from industrial roots, Balmain boasts a unique and undeniable charm that effortlessly exudes affluence.
 
The quaint, leafy streets of the peninsula suburb are today a far cry from the working-class roots that spawned those working cottages some two centuries ago. Today, Balmain is a desirable destination for young professionals, families, and those looking to escape the bustle that we usually associate with inner-west living.
 
For our team of Balmain architects and designers, the suburb presents and intriguing and exciting opportunity to blend old and new in a way that pays respect to the past. Through careful negotiation of the suburb’s heritage status, our goal is to create spaces that pay respect to Balmain’s rich past, while adding those essential modern-day comforts that allow us to fully enjoy these spaces.
Residents: 10.4k
Dwellings: 5.2k
Architectural Style: Workers Cottages, contemporary extravagance, Victorian, sandstone, and industrial properties
Balmain profile: One of Sydney’s most prized postcodes, Balmain offers the feel and comforts of a close-knit local community without sacrificing on location and convenience.
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Crush Architecture is a Sydney-based architecture and design firm that specialises in residential, commercial, and development projects. Founded by Carlo Russo, our team is comprised of a team of creative pragmatists who tackle a broad range of architectural challenges through collaboration.
 
As a team, we are united under three shared values that we carry into each and every project.
 
1. 	To make a positive impact on the environment that we share
2. 	The create a clear connection between past, present, and future
3. 	To challenge the construction industry to make future-forward decisions that positively impact our communities.
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When it comes to combining passion with work, Balmain residential architecture projects are the quintessence of doing what you love. We take a considered and collaborative approach to find out what matters most to you to bring your unique vision to life.
Balmain is in the midst of a commercial renaissance. With a reputation for some of the most exciting eateries in Sydney, we partner with commercial clients across retail, hospitality, and so much more.  
With housing demand in Sydney (and the Balmain area) skyrocketing, we are excited to be working with local developers to create future-first projects that link old with new through considered, community-minded design.
We work with local council partners across the Inner West across a range of architectural and design projects that promote community values and encourage connection through space.
Carlo is the type of person who immediately puts you at ease. His down-to-earth personality and casual approach makes every interaction comfortable and enjoyable. He listens attentively and genuinely values your input.
When it comes to his work, Carlo's European/Italian background adds a whole new dimension to his work‚ he has an innate ability to create a connection that reflects his heritage and embody a sense of European elegance and charm. His work effortlessly transports you to another place and time.
Carlo is insanely talented and just an overall nice person!
I engaged Crush Architecture for my development project, and Carlo and his team were fantastic. They were able to understand my vision and needs, and created a design that perfectly captured the intangible qualities that were important to me. Their innovative solutions, particularly in energy efficiency, were also a standout point - Carlo's expertise helped us find the ideal solution for our project.
Highly recommended!
I’ve known Carlo Russo for quite a while.
When I finally found the site for our new restaurant I didn’t hesitate to contact him immediately, to come up with the best usage of space possible and make sure to still have an interesting design.
Carlo, as expected, came up with the perfect project, the attention to details has been impressive.
His firm looked after every single step of the journey and dealt with all the bureaucracy.
Very happy with the final result and looking forward to our next site!
Carlo did really an awesome job!
He transformed completely my loft, with many brillant ideas. From custom made furniture, to a new mezzanine. He understood immediately my needs and took care of every detail of the project. A blend of Italian Style and industrial design.
I would definetely recommend Crush Studio!
Having personally worked with Carlo from Crush Architecture, I highly recommend him. He is very understanding to his clients needs , passionate about design and very knowledgeable regarding local council approvals. Great to work with!
Our process begins with an initial consultation, during which we discuss your ideas for the interior and exterior design, as well as budget and timeframe. We will assess your property site and collect existing documentation to ensure your project not only meets your preferences, but also the Inner West Council’s development regulations. From here, we will create a digital concept of the final build, including floor plan, interior design and layout, building materials, and fixtures, using 3D modelling software. 
If you have any concerns or changes, we will work through them and make adjustments to perfect the design and bring cohesion from the exterior to the interior. Once your project design is finalised and we have the building approval documentation, we will oversee your project to ensure it is completed to the highest standard. 
We take on each Balmain project as a unique and collaborative journey with our clients. We adjust and customise each step of our process to align with your vision and project needs.
Yes – our architects ensure we have acquired all the necessary documentation and approval before your build begins. For most projects, the Inner West Council requires a development application (DA), which is generally approved within 14 to 21 days. While we will ensure your DA is lodged within our agreed-upon timeline, the council may require additional information for more complex cases, which can take longer to approve. 
Yes, we have worked across many heritage-listed properties. At Crush Architecture, we combine the charm and character of a heritage-listed home with the modern amenities needed. Our architects are well-versed in the restrictions surrounding heritage-listed dwellings in the Inner West and Sydney. We also understand how to create cohesion between the old and new, from the exterior to the interior. 
We understand that Balmain has a rich history, which we honour and encapsulate in our designs, while adding the comforts of modern technology and amenities so you can enjoy every section of your property. Explore our past heritage-listed residential projects to view our work. 
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