About

Born, bred and secondary educated on the Mornington Peninsula, Steve has a passion for the location and a discerning understanding of the place, its history and its inherent qualities.

Tertiary educated at Deakin University with Building, Quantity Surveying, Arts and Architecture degrees, Steve’s formal education is both broad and focused upon the design, technology and the construction of buildings.

With a keen interest in environmentally sensitive architecture, a thorough understanding of local history and the hinterland, Steve can apply a rare suite of local and professional, practical and personal skills to his work.

Underpinned by a wide range of experience accumulated over the last three decades, Steve’s practice includes Heritage and Community projects, Residential, Commercial, Public and Government projects. He has thorough understanding of the building process and is experienced in complete project delivery. He holds special knowledge and experience in alternative building techniques, ecologically sustainable building methods, passive and active solar design.

Professional Bodies

Registered Architect, Architects Registration Board Victoria No.15627

Member Association of Consulting Architects, No. 3344

Member Australian Institute of Architects, No. 22819

Pre-qualification with the national Trust as a Conservation Architect, Heritage Consultant and Visual documenter.

Architectural Excellence Awards In Heritage

National Trust & Mornington Peninsula Shire:    

  • Mt Martha House

  • Mornington Band Hall

  • Flinders Cargo Shed

  • Currawong Community Centre

  • Former Sorrento Post Office

  • Briars Laundry & Applestore

  • Shoreham Hall

  • Briars Homestead

  • Red Hill Station

  • 10 Year award

Heritage
Awards

Heritage Awards

Architectural Excellence Awards In Heritage

National Trust & Mornington Peninsula Shire:    

  • Mt Martha House

  • Mornington Band Hall

  • Flinders Cargo Shed

  • Currawong Community Centre

  • Former Sorrento Post Office

  • Briars Laundry & Applestore

  • Shoreham Hall

  • Briars Homestead

  • Red Hill Station

  • 10 Year award

Design Approach

By adopting a personal, highly engaged approach, Steves is able to provide effective and thorough architectural services directed towards achieving professional results with an enjoyable process.

Individualised services are tailored towards producing special results that suits the needs of his clients and their sites. Steve deploys a creative “can do” attitude, directed towards getting the most out of every situation. His design work is focused on achieving appropriate, great value solutions which produce fantastic results. The complete process, time and cost considerations are carefully and professionally managed.

Steve’s projects are designed to create light, bright, energy efficient buildings which are beautiful and a pleasure to occupy. Passive solar design forms the basis for all his work. Many projects also go to much further levels of energy efficiency; adopting water recycling principals, solar hot water systems, grid interactive power generation and other active technologies to further boost comfort levels and efficiency.

Materials are adopted for their inherent value and are composed creatively. High and low technology materials are selected for their energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, aesthetic appeal and cost considerations.

  • The team at Nepean Building Permits have assessed building applications & issued building permits for Steve Hofer for many years.  Steve is a dedicated & trusted Architect with a strong work ethic & keenest to ensure compliance with the regulations for his clients. 

    Steve is extremely thorough as he works through project designs from concept to working drawings and his project management skills ensure all jobs run smoothy between client and builder. We have no hesitation in recommending Steve for your future project.

    ~ Danny Rea, Nepean Building Permits & Consultants

  • I've had the pleasure of working with Steve Hofer for many years and continue to be impressed by his depth of experience and thoughtful approach to architecture. Whether it's commercial, residential, or heritage work, Steve brings clarity, creativity, and a steady hand to every project.

    He’s incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and always willing to share insights that elevate the entire team. Steve’s calm professionalism and genuine passion for design make him a trusted and valued member of any project team.

    ~ Jackie Prossor, Prossor Town Planning

  • I have worked with Steve Hofer Architect on many occasions, both as a customer and a colleague.  I find his work ethic, knowledge of architecture and the process of building to be of the highest standard.

    If you are thinking of working with Steve Hofer or using his services as an Architect, I can only highly recommend him.

    I feel sure that you will not be disappointed with the knowledge, experience, expertise and service that Steve brings to the table.

    ~ Nick Wootton, Croft Wootton

  • I have had the pleasure of working with Steve Hofer Architect on various projects over the past 10 years. Steve has a great ability to navigate the complexities of planning scheme and the building regulations and has delivered an outstanding practical and attractive results on our commercial projects which are a pleasure for our staff and patients alike.

    ~ Andrew Cook, Peninsula Foot Clinic 

  • Steve Hofer has shown a strong empathy for understanding and working with local community groups He has demonstrated a high commitment to sustainable building design and reducing the carbon footprint of community buildings. Steve’s firm is highly ethical and easy to deal with.

    ~ David Hampton, Mornington Peninsula Shire: Project Leader – Rosebud Aquatic Centre

  • From our first meeting, it was clear that Steve had a thorough understanding of the approvals and building processes, for design and for sustainable outcomes. Steve used all of these skills with our project and demonstrated a very high degree of professionalism in doing so. Steve also has a lot of enthusiasm for the local community, which has, I believed helped to shape our project, for the better.

    Steve was able to negotiate and design outcomes on many levels which has assisted us in creating a facility which not only meets the clubs needs very well but has exceeded to the general communities’ expectations as well. The completed project result is wonderful, a purpose designed facility which is fit for purpose and will be durable in a very adverse environment.

    We found Steve and his team to be knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with.

    ~ John Harvey, President, Mount Martha Life Saving Club

  • We found Steve to be extremely hardworking and diligent, approachable and a highly competent Architect who saved and completed a significant heritage restoration and the creation of four new shops in a style appropriate to their heritage neighbour and the Flinders Village Precinct.

    We cannot recommend Steve highly enough for excellent design, extremely strong connection with the local community and understanding the local community’s wishes and preferences, diligence, project management, cost efficiency and quality of result.

    ~ Peter Bick KC and Janelle McKee

  • Steve is innovative and extremely thorough in his thinking and planning. His outstanding communication skills with builders, other professionals, and clients have been instrumental in the success of our projects. His ability to manage projects, meet deadlines, and handle challenges is exceptional. He is extremely professional, reliable, and committed to the success of every project he undertakes.

    The attention to detail that Steve demonstrates has been exceptional, and his extensive knowledge of building regulations and compliances is highly commendable. His architectural drawings are always clear and precise, ensuring a smooth and efficient construction process.

    ~ Steven Dillon, Director Joven Building Services Pty Ltd

  • Steve was able to articulate a clear vision for the projects undertaken and demonstrated a commitment to meaningful stakeholder engagement, which included Council Officers, and kindergarten teaching and committee representatives.

    Stakeholder feedback is listened to and is clearly reflected in facility designs and the finished product. The finished projects have been positively received by the kindergarten providers who lease the facilities and the families that use them. The facilities have created a real sense of pride in the community.

    I commend Steve on his high level of professionalism and capacity to deliver a high-quality product.

    ~ Donna Feore, Team Leaser Children’s services Partnerships, City of Council Kingston