The Freehand Projects Studio
Freehand Projects is a contemporary architecture and design practice located in Ocean Grove.
We strive to create beautiful spaces that thoughtfully integrate with the world around them. Our back yard is the Bellarine Peninsula, and living in this beautiful part of the world certainly influences our work.
Freehand Projects engages in a wide variety of architecture projects including residential, multi-unit, commercial and civic developments. With each of Freehand project, we set out to bring delight, practicality, sustainability and contribution to the public domain.
Michael Bell, Architect + Director
B.ARCH. [Melb.1993] ARBV
“Set design is about understanding the role of the set in the story, the aesthetics, the actors – then designing a space that delivers to all of this. It’s not unlike the architectural design process.”
Michael is a registered Architect and has spent nearly 25 years working on detailed and demanding architectural projects. Michael brings a broad, big-picture view to architecture, with valuable experience in residential, commercial and hospitality design.
In a parallel creative career, Michael is also a set designer for large scale Australian films such as Moulin Rouge, Australia, The Dressmaker, The True History Of The Kelly Gang.
Michael enjoys focusing on creating visual environments to anchor and enhance a film’s story - and it is not dissimilar to architecture in many ways.
Tamara Bell, Architect + Director
B.ARCH. HONS. [Melb.1998]
“I was always taught that ‘nature is the greatest teacher’ - this is really settling in for me”
Tamara has a keen eye for detail, and extensive experience in residential and interior design projects large and small. Tamara also has experience in architectural education as a design tutor at Deakin University.
Tamara is most interested in residential architecture: observing how we live, and constantly getting a better understanding of how to live in connection to nature.
Tamara loves the tactility and rawness of textiles and weaving, and enjoys putting materials together for form and usefulness in her architecture and design work.
Aurelie Beriot
M.ARCH. [KUL St Lucas Brussels 2010]
Aurelie comes to Freehand Projects with nearly 10 years of postgraduate experience in her native Belgium and Melbourne.
Having worked in some of Melbourne’s best known and award-winning offices on a variety of high-end residential and commercial projects, we were lucky to have her join the Freehand Projects design team.
Aurelie is currently building her own house on the Bellarine, and enjoys painting and drawing.
