Lovell Chen is a nationally recognised, research-led design practice integrating architecture, conservation, and heritage. Since 1981, our award-winning team has delivered highly complex projects across sectors — balancing innovation with care for history, place and people. We are the trusted stewards of significant heritage assets, known for design excellence and enduring impact.
A commitment to environmental and social sustainability underpins every aspect of our practice. We plan and design for resilience, prioritising retention, repair and reuse over significant intervention. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural knowledge holders, communities and stakeholders to deliver socially responsive outcomes. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, we position heritage as a vehicle for social, environmental, and systemic change.
Principles central to our practice are collaboration, integrity and leadership. We understand challenges as opportunities, applying evidence-based thinking to deliver enduring solutions, and we believe that the most compelling outcomes emerge from synthesising diverse skills and perspectives.
We are an award-winning, interdisciplinary team of architects, heritage consultants, conservation and landscape specialists, historians and researchers. We bring an unrivalled depth of experience and knowledge to projects across the public and private sectors. Our work spans design, adaptation, masterplanning, placemaking sustainability and conservation. Our integrated team works on projects as leaders and collaborators, combining theory and practice to resolve the most complex problems.
Culturally informed problem solvers
Comprehensive architectural services
Realising value and negotiating pathways
An interdisciplinary team
Audrey and Kendra were priveleged to attend the ceremony led by Elder Paul House, Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian of the Canberra region
Lovell Chen is leading roof and façade restoration works on historic Scots' Church Melbourne, repairing timber structures, stonework, and slate roofing to preserve the 1874 landmark
hecklers, recounts and a very close contest
Lovell Chen's Treasure Hunt on the Hoddle Grid returns
Sustainability led conservation and activation of signficant heritage building at Domain Campus
Kate introduced PIA VIC Emerging Planners to the opportunities available when choosing to integrate heritage conservation with contemporary city development.
Suzanne will discuss best practice in the adaptation and reuse of historic buildings at the former Collingwood Tech complex – also home to our tailor-made facility for Circus Oz
How do you put modern services into a building that has handmade nails holding the floors together?
Tina led the architecture team through our recently completed refurbishment in Essendon. While retaining original materials we significantly upgraded the home’s thermal performance and ventilation.
Trades Hall Stage 3 has been awarded a Commendation for Heritage in the Victorian Architecture Awards.
Survival of this remarkable world heritage status building is a result of its continuous use as a viable exhibition hall
Associate Principal Stuart Hanafin spoke at the Trades Hall opening, highlighting the restoration of century‑concealed honour boards and celebrating the building’s enduring union heritage.
As lead author of QHeritage: Designing with Heritage Places, Director Adam Mornement attended Brisbane Open House's launch event.
Senior Associate Libby Blamey recently presented in Darwin on the late nineteenth century larrikin pushes (gangs) and their 'hyperlocal' activities in the inner suburbs.
We've enjoyed another annual Lovell Chen Trivia Night - this time led by quizmaster debutant Angus.
A deliberately restrained restoration of Tower Hill Visitor's Centre designed by Robin Boyd
