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We couldn’t be happier with our decision to entrust our home extension to Andrew Hayen and Rise Up Design.  Even though we were utter building novices, Andrew patiently guided us through the process from initial concepts (literally scrawled on the back of a napkin) through to the final shiny new product. 

 

We found Andrew’s boundless enthusiasm infectious, and he inspired us to levels of creativity we didn’t think we had in us.  Not only does he really love designing houses, Andrew clearly also loves the little things that turn a house into our dream for a family home.

 

Most people seem to have some sort of renovation horror story to tell, but ours was an absolute breeze: bang on time, and (mostly) on budget.  A lot of the credit for this belongs to Andrew: where others saw roadblocks or problems, Andrew found solutions, and he went above and beyond the call of duty numerous times to get things done.  Being as honest as the day is long makes Andrew a rare jewel in his industry: we can’t recommend him highly enough.

 

Kristie and David – Ascot Vale

July 2019

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We have been working with Andrew from Rise Up Design and now in the final stages of commencing renovations to our home.  

Andrew has always been open and honest, with suggestions and wonderful visions for design possibilities.  Through the process, he has presented proposed plans and drawings, of which I have shown to several trades who were extremely impressed with 

such professional attention to detail.  

 

We have experienced Andrew's ongoing high-quality work ethic, along with friendly respect, so it is without hesitation that we would recommend Andrew of Rise Up Design.  

 

Bev & Frank – Lysterfield

July 2019

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We hired Andrew to design our extension and renovation. From our first meeting we knew that he had the vision and experience to make our somewhat vague and basic ideas become reality. He encouraged us to really think about what we would dream of having in the 'ideal world' situation and he would make them possible. For example, I made a throw-away comment that I'd love a butler’s pantry if we had the space... and within 5 minutes he had drawn a plan for us that included a butler’s pantry! (which we now have and love!)
We liked having the peace of mind that Andrew had everything covered - not only did he prepare the working drawings but he also organised plans and permits, engineering, thermal performance assessments, electrical and lighting layouts and detailed bathroom and kitchen plans.
Andrew is an excellent communicator. He never rushed a meeting with us, was in regular contact with our builder throughout and even stepped in to help us out with chasing up a supplier when we weren't making any progress. During the later stages of fitting out our ensuite we realised we needed a modification because of the basin mixers we'd chosen. Andrew spoke to the builder, cabinet maker and ourselves and designed a new mirror cabinet with box shelf all within 48 hours!

 

Casey & Kal - Blackburn

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In mid-2013 we engaged Andrew Hayen, Director of Rise Up Design to design and provide plans for a major renovation on our family home. Andrew listened to our ambitions and objectives and offered his own expert advice, providing detailed working drawings for the project. 

We also engaged Andrew to liaise with council and other interested parties to organise the required permits, tests and engineering drawings. This was done in an effective and efficient manner and was seamless from our perspective.

Communication from Andrew was excellent from beginning to end. There were many revisions of the plans and Andrew made the required changes happily and in a timely manner. Once the project began, Andrew remained involved in the build from beginning to end. 

We would be more than happy to recommend Andrew and his team for Rise Up Design.

 

Marc & Olivia – Blackburn North

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Andrew at Rise Up Design was excellent throughout the process of our renovation . He was very approachable, and we were able to discuss at length finer details of the project. He was able to make our vision a reality.
He proved to be thorough in investigating options for our project and came up with some great ideas.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew.

 

Hamish – Kew

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To say thorough and detailed would be an understatement. Having been associated with Andrew Hayen at Rise Up Design for at least 15 years I have found his thoroughness and attention to detail to be exceptional. These abilities coupled with a diverse skill set of design, communication, project management, mentoring and the ability to find a viable solution to complex situations has given Andrew my complete professional respect.

 

Andrew Kirk – Full Quiver Design

16 July 2014

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In 2015, I engaged Andrew Hayen of Rise Up Design to design the extension and renovation of my family home. After working with other designers previously. I was nervous at first; however, Andrew was quick to ease my apprehension. Throughout the process, I found Andrew to be incredibly friendly and personable and, most importantly, eager to listen and collaborate. While I had a vague impression of what I wanted, Andrew took my rough ideas and drafted something that was above and beyond my family’s wildest dreams. Andrew has an incredible eye for detail and is a true perfectionist when it comes to his designs.

Once construction of the house had begun, Andrew was regularly on-site, working with the builders and tradies ensuring that everything was running smoothly and going according to plan. He also maintained frequent contact with myself, making sure that I was pleased with the progress and informed regarding the various goings-on. I could not possibly be more pleased with how the entire process went and can attest that Andrew was a pleasure to deal with, and I am grateful for his work. What my family and I have is more than a house, it is a home.

 

Russell Young – Blackburn North

July 2019

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“We have collaborated with Andrew for about 6 years now.

In that time, we have completed two renovations based on designs drafted and submitted by him, and we are currently working on a third.

 

We have no hesitation in saying that Andrew is honest and trustworthy.

When it comes to doing home renovations, the first thing you want is someone who you can trust whole heartedly.

Andrew fits this mould with no doubt in our minds.

 

His personable qualities include being respectful, patience and a good listener.

These characteristics we found to be so important, especially when engaging with us.

When working through the planning phrase, issues can arise!

Andrew encourages us to work through it, without any pressure from him.

We highly recommend him.”  

 

Kerrie and Bill Jones  – Wheelers  Hill

28 July 2019

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Andrew of Rise Up Design was recommended by a dear and trusted friend, who had engaged him to remodel her kitchen/dining spaces.  After seeing her place and hearing her glowing recommendation we met with Andrew.  We had a two-bedroom Victorian Single Fronted Miners cottage in Richmond that we loved, but had outgrown, with the arrival of our two children.  We love living in Richmond and desperately wanted to stay but needed more space, and above all someone who had the vision to design our dream home, maximising every spare inch of space.  After the first meeting with Andrew, we knew we had found such a visionary.  He followed up our meeting with some photos of kitchens recessed under the staircase and an amazing sketch of what we could do with the space we had, mindful of the proximity to our neighbours.  Andrew had us at "Kitchen Under The Stairs".  We spoke to other Architects before signing up with Andrew, but no-one else had the vision and "outside the box" ideas to maximise space that Andrew had.

 

Andrew has been right beside us the whole journey as we moved forward.  He produced the sketch drawings, translated them into plans and 3-D models, and submitted them to council.  He negotiated with Heritage, accommodating their requirements, without compromising the living and outdoor space we really wanted in our upstairs extension.  Not only did Andrew provide a detailed Specification Document, outlining all elements of the build, he also recommended bath tubs, toilets, tap fittings, tiles and even negotiated discounted prices with suppliers, which for someone who had never renovated a house before was just what we needed.  Andrew arranged permits, road closures, traffic management and all the other endless documents and approvals required by council.

 

When our neighbour decided to take us to VCAT, (despite our numerous design compromises), Andrew was by our side.  He represented our case and we won!   

 

Andrew recommended an excellent builder, who he has worked with for over 10 years, and together they have worked tirelessly to make our "forever home" a reality, and what a beautiful reality it is!  Andrew has been actively involved in every stage of the build, discussing, checking, adjusting and readjusting the plans, as and when needed; and to our amazement and sheer delight they have together built our dream home in just 6 months!  We could not thank Andrew enough for all his hard work and infectiously positive attitude.  We would not hesitate for a second in recommending him to anyone seeking a visionary, that can turn ideas, dreams and sketches into reality.  

 

All the best,

Emma – Richmond

July 2019 |