The beauty of architecture is that it reflects the progressions in society as well as shapes them. And as we progress through 2025, architectural design continues to transform. And this year, it’s all about technological advances, sustainable practices and moving at a slower pace. If you want to keep up with the top trends in contemporary residential architecture in 2025, then you have come to the right place. Here are our top 5 trends to be aware of in architectural design this year.
Minimalist and Functional Design
In architectural design, it’s no secret that minimalism firmly established its place many years before 2025. But this year, both aesthetic appeal and functionality are combining. Architects are prioritising the purpose of a space, creating beautiful spaces that are both elegant and practical. In this trend, you’ll notice lots of large, open plan spaces that are multi-functional to serve different purposes throughout the day. Every feature of a room has a function, whether that be for leisure, work or both.
Sustainability and affordability are at the forefront of architects’ minds when working with a minimalist and functional design. They will consider how your space can be flexible, adaptable and serve multiple purposes, whether that be within the residential or commercial sphere. This trend is built upon the mindset that less is more, but with comfort and practicality.
Sustainable and Resilient Materials
In 2025, sustainability continues to be a major consideration in architectural design. Architects are championing net-zero buildings that give back to the environment in equal amounts to what they consume. And as climate change accelerates, resilience becomes increasingly important. More than ever, buildings need to be able to withstand all of the elements, from scorching sunshine to harsh winds, heavy rain and snowfall. The uncertain and somewhat unpredictable nature of climate change has caused architects to take extra caution, designing buildings that are stronger and more resilient to natural disasters and other threats.
This trend of 2025 impacts architectural design in two ways. Firstly, as outlined, there is the need to prioritise resilient materials when designing and creating a structure. And secondly, sustainable solutions are paramount. From green roofs to living facades, rainwater harvesting to using low-impact materials during construction, there are many ways in which architects are shifting their design perspective this year to maximise sustainability and ease demand on the environment.
Smart Building Technology
With technological advances continuing to soar in 2025, it comes as no surprise that smart building technology is one of the top trends this year. Whereas in previous years, integrated technology has been a nice-to-have, in 2025, it will become the norm and be present in some form in nearly every home and workspace. Automated lighting, temperature control, security systems and more continue to evolve, providing more sophisticated solutions.
Architectural design will incorporate technologies that offer practicality and comfort in both residential and commercial spaces. Spaces are becoming more personalised and can better cater to the needs of the resident or workforce. Architects are including a diverse range of technologies in their designs, from integrated energy management systems to infrastructure that monitors air quality, humidity levels and more. And with technological advances showing no signs of slowing down soon, it’s exciting to see how trends will continue to progress into 2026 and beyond.
Quiet Luxury
In 2025, the world of design is embracing quiet luxury. Blending understated elegance with timeless sophistication, it’s easy to see why it is trending within architectural design this year. Prioritising minimalism, quality and subtle, quiet luxury is the perfect design to add a sense of calm to a space. With our lives becoming busier and more chaotic, it’s increasingly important to promote relaxation in architecture. This year, you will notice natural materials such as wood, stone and linen, neutral palettes with muted tones, and unobtrusive decors that focus on quality craftsmanship.
Architects are prioritising effortless refinement instead of ostentatious displays. Elegance is the focus, incorporating simple and timeless structures, furnishings and interior design instead of standout, flashy pieces. To achieve a quiet luxury aesthetic, architects will be concentrating on premium materials and fabrics, well-tailored designs, and natural or earthy tones. The perfect aesthetic to combine with a minimalist or sustainable design scheme.
Living with Nature
Our connection with nature is stronger than ever this year, and this is reflected in architectural design trends. One of the top trends in 2025 is living with nature, with architects designing homes that feel energised and alive. They are incorporating materials such as wood and stone for a sustainable solution that feels closer to nature, and looking to bring the outdoors in where possible.
This year, you’ll notice indoor-outdoor blends such as large windows, sliding doors and skylights, neutral materials such as bamboo, bricks and beams, and of course, an abundance of plant life such as living walls. No matter whether the space is residential or commercial, biophilic design is becoming a significant principle in architecture. Creating spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out, biophilic design has been proven to be both beautiful and great for health. So it comes as no surprise that it’s taking architectural design by storm this year.
Create On-Trend Spaces in 2025
Do you have a project or redesign in mind? Get in touch with the team at BY Projects Architecture. Creating spaces that are comfortable and functional, our team will bring your dream to life. And the best part? The top architectural design trends in 2025 are not mutually exclusive. Our expert designers combine the best elements of a number of aesthetics to create a space that’s perfect for you.
Want to learn more about how 2025’s architectural design trends can transform your space?
Speak to an expert today by calling us on (03) 9663 8331, emailing us at projects@byarchitecture.com.au or completing our online enquiry form. Let’s bring your vision to life together. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
I highly recommmend the team at BY Architecture.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara, Howard and the team designed a wonderful extension to my late 1960s Melbourne home, ran the tender process to find me a builder, and superintended the build contract.
The design process that Barbara took me through was comprehensive, well-considered and highly collaborative, and the resulting extension and renovation was incredibly well-tailored to my specific needs and desires.
The tender process was similarly well-run, and we ended up choosing a builder that Barbara had worked with many times before and recommended. The recommendation was a great one and the entire build ran very smoothly, with the many quirks arising in a typical renovation being dealt with intelligently and with no fuss.
During the entire time I worked with them, Barbara and her team went over-and-above to keep me happy. As a result of their attention to detail and their focus on customer service, they ensured that what can often be a stressful time was actually a pleasure. I cannot thank them enough and would work with them again in a heartbeat.
Barbara is very friendly and easy to work with. Thank you for the great advices.
Response from the owner 23:14 17 Jun 24
thank you Arik. Happy to be helpful 
Barbara and the BY Projects team were fantastic to work with for our knockdown-rebuild. We had no idea what we were doing or getting ourselves in for, and through every stage of the process Barbara explained everything and was supportive and transparent.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
She drew plans for a beautiful house for us which fulfilled everything we wanted while adding such flair and style that we never could have imagined ourselves.
I was so glad to have her and her team on my side throughout the build process, as we would have struggled to advocate for ourselves (or even notice) mistakes or defects by the builder.
Overall, we just couldn’t be happier with the final result.
Response from the owner 06:53 31 May 24
Thank you for your enthusiasm Emily. And thank you for trusting us with your dream Home. It's been a pleasure working with you and your family, and we trust you will enjoy your home for the years to come. 
We recently had the pleasure of carrying out a renovation for Barbara and BY Projects Architecture.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
The project ran very smoothly from receiving the plans, to handover day.
Barbara pays very close attention to detail and takes great pride in her work.
We look forward to working with BY again on future projects.
Response from the owner 22:11 30 Mar 21
Thank you Koray. It was a pleasure working with AMCON Homes, we look forward to working with you again in the future. 
Barbara provided excellent professional advice regarding Town planning and approval process by the Council. She went out of her way to find the right information and help me. Will surely use their services again when necessary.
I would highly recommend them.
I would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner 01:37 16 Feb 21
Thank you Jarardhan. We do hope you find a more suitable site soon to build your dream homeBarbara 
We were in a very difficult position after a VCAT rejection. Barbara came into our project and reimagined what was possible with our property. Going from a house with three shops with significantly reduced value to a development with two town houses, a cafe and all able to be subdivided into three separate properties. Barbara was positive, enthusiastic, charming at planning meeting and all in all kept us positive and hopeful. Barbara went through the whole process with us and I would say went above and beyond what would generally be expected. She worked well with our development team, working out strategies for planning challenges. We are very thankful for her time and energy.
We engaged Barbara and her team many times over many years for our Building Development Projects, including Multi Residential, Child Care and Mixed Use. Most recently for a couple of houses in Port Melbourne with complex Heritage Overlay requirements.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
Barbara worked with us closely to ensure all design requirements were achieved to exceed market expectations. All permit requirements were managed in a professional and timely manner, and all processes were met on time and on budget.
The finished buildings were outstanding and the realized sales well above market expectations.
We highly recommend BY Projects Architecture for their Design sense and construction experience.
I have worked with Barbara and the team at BY Projects on a number of projects now. Its hard to think how you could get better value for money. They are great architects - that goes without saying. But its the extra mile they go to on your behalf in order to secure the very best for you that makes all the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for your next project.
Response from the owner 06:02 24 May 19
Thank you Virginia for your kind words. It is always a pleasure working with you. 
