The People Behind Box Domus

Zig Stelmach

Director

Zig Stelmach is the Director of Box Domus, a registered builder and building designer specialising in well-planned home renovations and extensions across Melbourne.

Zig Stelmach is the Director of Box Domus and a registered builder and building designer with more than 20 years of experience in residential construction. He specialises in home renovations, extensions and design-led building projects across Melbourne.
Zig prepares architectural drawings and building designs with the construction process in mind, helping ensure projects are realistic, well planned and built efficiently.
Before establishing Box Domus, Zig founded COAD88 Concrete, where he developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality structural work and detailed construction. This experience continues to influence the way Box Domus approaches building today — with careful planning, clear communication and attention to detail.
Working closely with clients from early design through planning approvals and construction, Zig focuses on creating homes that function better while respecting the character of existing Melbourne houses.
By managing both design and construction, Zig helps clients move from concept to completion with a clear process and practical solutions.

Michael Ostoja-Solecki

Project manager

Michael oversees project coordination and site operations, helping ensure Box Domus projects run smoothly from planning through construction.

Michael Ostoja Solecki is a Project Manager at Box Domus, working across renovation and extension projects in Melbourne.
He helps coordinate day-to-day site operations, trades and construction progress, ensuring projects remain organised and well managed. With a practical and hands-on approach, Michael works closely with the team to support clear communication and smooth project delivery.
His role focuses on keeping construction moving efficiently while maintaining the quality standards expected on Box Domus projects.

Rachana Radhakrishna

Architectural Designer & Project Coordinator

Rachana supports Box Domus projects through architectural drawings, documentation and coordination from design through construction.

Rachana Radhakrishna is an Architectural Designer and Project Coordinator at Box Domus.
She assists with architectural drawings, site visits and site measurements, helping ensure designs are accurately developed and prepared for construction. Rachana also supports the preparation of project documentation, coordinating information required for planning approvals and building permits.
Throughout the project, she works closely with the team during both the design and construction stages, helping keep drawings, documents and site information organised so projects move forward smoothly.

Pairoje Wangsangwopanie

Co-director of the Project Design Team

Pairoje (M) supports the design process at Box Domus, assisting with architectural drawings and design development.

Pairoje Wangsangwopanie (M) works with the Box Domus team as an Architectural Designer, supporting the development of architectural drawings and design ideas for renovation and extension projects.
He began his studies with a degree in Business, where he developed an interest in systems and project organisation within the construction industry. Wanting to move closer to the creative side of building, he continued his education in architecture and interior design, studying at Indiana State University, RMIT University in Melbourne, and the Southern Institute of Architecture in the United States.
At Box Domus, Pairoje works closely with Zig on architectural drawings and design development, helping translate concepts into clear and buildable plans for construction.

Who we are

Box Domus is a Fitzroy North-based design-and-build company specialising in architectural home extensions, thoughtful renovations and custom free-standing rooms.

Led by registered builder and building designer Zig Stelmach, our team manages projects from the first design ideas and council approvals through to construction and final handover.

After more than 30 years in construction, we’ve seen how often projects become complicated — too many consultants, unclear pricing, changes that cost more than they should, and decisions made without proper coordination between design and build.

Box Domus was built to simplify that process.

We focus on Melbourne’s inner and inner suburbs, working on renovations, extensions and free-standing rooms that are properly designed, properly costed and properly built.

We believe good building starts with clarity.

Before construction begins, you should understand:

What is being built
How it will look and function
What it will cost
What approvals are required

Our design and build model makes this possible. Everything is considered from the beginning — design, structure, materials, permits and construction — so there are fewer surprises later.

We don’t overcomplicate the process. We keep it structured and transparent.

Melbourne Experience

Working in Melbourne’s inner suburbs requires practical experience and local knowledge.

We regularly work across areas such as Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Carlton, Northcote, Brunswick, Richmond, Hawthorn, Kew, Balwyn, Malvern, Armadale, South Yarra and Toorak, where planning controls and heritage overlays are common.

We are familiar with council requirements across Yarra, Boroondara, Stonnington, Merri-bek and Port Phillip, and understand how to navigate planning permits, building permits and heritage approvals in these municipalities.

Older homes in these suburbs often come with structural challenges, limited access, narrow blocks and specific design restrictions. With more than 30 years of experience in construction, we approach each project with those realities in mind from the beginning.

Design decisions are made early, permits are considered properly, and construction is planned to suit the site — not the other way around.

The Design & Build Model: Why we do it all

Most people hire an architect, get expensive plans, and then find out the builder can’t do it for that price.

We handle both the design and the construction. Because we are the ones actually swinging the hammers, we know exactly what things cost and how long they take. When we design your extension or renovation, we do it with your budget in mind from day one. There are no middle-men and no "lost in translation" moments between the architect and the builder.

There are no middlemen.

No separate architect handing drawings to a builder who wasn’t involved in the early decisions.

No disconnect between concept and construction.

By managing the entire process in-house, we:

Align design with real construction costs
Adjust layouts early to suit your budget
Factor in council and heritage requirements from day one
Maintain control over quality and delivery

Our design and build model makes this possible. Everything is considered from the beginning — design, structure, materials, permits and construction — so there are fewer surprises later.

We don’t overcomplicate the process. We keep it structured and transparent.

Quality Over Volume

We are not a volume builder. We don't want to be

We take on a limited number of projects at a time so each one receives proper attention — from early planning through to final handover.

Quality matters in the details:

Structural integrity
Clean finishes
Durable materials
Work that still looks right years later

We adjust designs to suit your budget, but we don’t compromise on workmanship.

Why We Don’t Build From External Plans

We don’t construct from plans prepared by others.

Not because we dismiss good design — but because we know that projects work best when design and construction are developed together.

When a builder is brought in after drawings are completed, important details are often missing: cost allowances, buildability considerations, or compliance adjustments. That leads to redesign, delays, and tension.

By handling design and construction as one process, we protect the integrity of the project and give clients better control over outcomes.

What We Build

Box Domus delivers well-considered residential projects across Melbourne’s inner and surrounding suburbs. Our work focuses on improving how homes function, feel and connect to everyday life.

We design and build:

Home Extensions
Single-storey and double-storey extensions, rear extensions and side additions that integrate with the existing home and suit the character of the suburb.

House Renovations
Full home renovations, structural alterations and internal reconfigurations that modernise older homes while retaining their original integrity.

Heritage Renovations
Renovations and extensions to period and heritage-listed homes, including projects affected by heritage overlays and council planning controls.

Kitchen Renovations
Custom kitchen renovations designed as part of larger home upgrades, with practical layouts, durable materials and clean finishes.

Bathroom Renovations
Well-built bathrooms focused on waterproofing, longevity and everyday functionality.

Free-Standing Rooms – The Box
Architecturally refined backyard studios including home offices, guest accommodation, teenage retreats, pool houses and self-contained small dwellings (subject to approvals).

All projects are delivered through our complete design and build service, managing concept design, permits, approvals and construction from start to finish.