about us

where we began

With 10 years of experience in Building Design and drafting behind him Daniel Hillman decided to start Vistalab in 2008 feeling that he would produce a product above and beyond what the majority of other offices where producing and in turn setting a better industry standard. With clear and well-presented drawings that could help both council understand what was proposed for a smoother process and help clients and builders with reducing the need for confusion or conflict from lack of information altogether…………..

why use vistalab

We pride ourselves on our documentation, most of clients come from referrals or being people in the industry. We often receive comments and feedback on our documentation directly form the people quoting and building from the drawings and we always hear appreciation for the level of information that we provide as it makes quoting much more accurate and also makes life a lot easier on site. Engineers also like our designs as we consider the future structure locations of beams during the design process to make the construction cost as efficient as it possible……………..

design principles

A strong focus is given to working with our clients to create a collaborative design, as we recognise that your home is an extension of you, it reflects who you are, each family operates daily life differently, we aim to tailor the design to way you function, we provide input and suggestions to guide you in the appropriate direction with regards to compliance with the ever-evolving Planning Policies, Building Regulations, Australian Standards as well as other site specific requirements that we need to be mindful of for example like flooding or bush fire prone areas, and with these rules in mind mix that all together in a seamless creation to provide a finished home that is a pleasure to live, work, play, and relax in…………

building designer / draftsman / architects whats the difference

Building Designers in Victoria need to be registered as a registered building practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), with Professional Indemnity Insurance in place, which needs to be renewed yearly. Drawings are needed to be prepared by a registered building practitioner for Building Permit approvals…………

My husband and I engaged Daniel to assist us in designing and making an existing home "our dream home". His service is efficient, creative and he understood our dilemma to find the fine balance of the merging of an old and new build. We have been thrilled with Daniel and we look forward to completing the project together so he can happily use our home as a showcase of what's achievable.

Deena Shanahan
June 11, 2014

After long research we found Vistalab Building Design to help us with our new shop CHOPSTIX NOODLE BAR Sorrento brunch. The service was professional, quick, reliable and we got really good result with the outcome. Price was compatible and payment arrangement was flexible Defiantly will recommend and hopefully we will work together again on new projects Keep up with the good work Lior Holtzman Director CHOPSTIX NOODLE BAR AUSTRALIA

Chopstix Lorne
June 11, 2013

We hired Daniel to help us with our clinic project, after a friend recommended him. We had never done anything like this before- and Daniel was brilliant at guiding us. He was prompt to respond, thorough, listened to us, he's professional and great at his job. We would not hesitate to use his services again, and we would highly recommend him. Thanks for all your hard work on our project Daniel.

Dr Courtney Lyons
January 15, 2020

Daniel is a mastermind, I don't know how he does it. I had Daniel draw up design for my townhouse and he listened to what I envisaged and was happy to make changes to his drawing until I was completely happy. He had to deal with a terrible council for town planning , regulations and permits. This he did and even visited the council a few times to set things in motion. Daniel is easy to talk to and only too happy to work with you. He takes the time to get the drawing just right for you, and doesn't rush you cause he has other projects . He has great ideas and has the insight to Invisage the finished house. I love my townhouse, Daniel has worked wonders. I recommend everyone to use Daniel for his expertise in architecture. Highly thought of.

Marg Turnbull
May 8, 2019

Daniel designed us a gorgeous modern home that we now live in and love. He listened to us and paid close attention to our brief, something that two Melbourne based Architects had failed to do before our builder found Daniel.

Chris Magee
June 11, 2013

Very proffesional service. Provides honest advise. Very knowledgeable and experienced in his field. I would highly recommended him to anyone.

Pepi Selmani
June 11, 2020

A pleasure to work with. Understands council requirements in relation to any development. Paul Whitington Arboricultural Matters

Paul Whitington
June 11, 2015

As a first time owner builder, Daniel made it sure easy for me to navigate the complex process of town planning and permit process. We had open channel of communication throughout and Daniel was happy to accommodate all changes my pesky family would time of. My builder was surprised to see the level of detail in Daniel's drawings, which made it easy for me to negotiate a good price with the builder. I look forward to building my townhouses, designed by Daniel, and working again with him on future projects. Would recommend Daniel to anyone looking for A+ architect.

Sunil Pamnani
June 11, 2017