ABOUT US

Where you see awkward and unconventional, we see opportunity and potential.

Tsai Design challenges these buildings to step up; to make better use of the spaces they occupy, and to improve the lives of the people who reside in them.

Where you see awkward and unconventional, we see opportunity and potential. Through our problem-solving approach and a collaborative effort, we transform homes with designs that may look simple on appearance, but are working hard to make your life much easier.

Dimly lit terraces and awkward apartments. Busy shops with underutilised residences above. Family homes that don’t support life with kids. Holiday houses that are all work and no play.

Director Jack Chen founded tsai Design to help make architecture more accessible to more people. Since tsai Design’s first architecture commission in 2015, Jack has shown how thoughtful design and inventive solutions can change the liveability and experience of any space, no matter its challenges and constraints.

Before establishing his own studio, Jack worked for respected architecture practices across Australia, developing a diverse and award-winning range of urban and regional architectural projects, including working as the design lead for the 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort in Victoria.

We’re based in Geelong, Victoria, and we work on projects in Melbourne, Sydney, around Australia and across the Tasman. Our work has been nationally recognised with awards from ArchiTeam, Houses and the Housing Industry Association.


AWARD

tsai Design

‍Winner – Emerging Architecture Practice, Houses 2020

Type Street Apartment

Winner – Architeam Medal, Architeam Awards 2018
Winner – Alterations & Additions Medal, Architeam Awards 2018
Winner – Small Project Medal, Architeam Awards 2018
Shortlist – Apartment or Unit, Houses Awards 2018

Butcher Shop Convert

Winner – Small Project Medal, Architeam Awards 2022

Small Grand Apartment

Winner – Small Project Medal, Architeam Awards 2021
Commendation – Apartment or Unit, Houses Awards 2022

Atop a Shop

High Commendation – Renovation and Addition, Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australian
GreenSmart Awards 2020
Shortlist – Alteration and Addition under 200sqm, House Awards 2020
Shortlist – Sustainability, House Awards 2020

Kirribilli Downsize Apartment

Shortlist – Residential Design, Australian Interior Design Awards 2024
Shortlist – Apartment or Unit, Houses Awards 2024

Drop Leaf Table

Winner – Best of the Best, Design Concept, Red Dot Design Awards 2020
Commendation – Unbuilt, Architeam Awards 2019
Longlist – Furniture Design, Dezeen Awards 2022