His impressive career spanning three decades has seen him take on some of the most incredible homes in the country.

Now working alongside both his sons, Phillip's passion is obvious. 

WILLIAMS MEDIA recently caught up with Phillip to chat about his work.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

Architecture has been a blessing to me as I can keep designing to the end of a pleasurable journey.  In all truth, I have never worked a day in my life. It’s a pleasure creating someone’s dream.  I thank God for this gift.

Your son, Ashley joined your practice in 2008, what is it like working with a family member? 

I remember once, I met a retired entomologist (one of the best in Australia) and it took him a lifetime to learn his skill. But in one day, gave it all up. I feel wisdom knowledge skills are a beautiful asset especially if one enjoys using them. To throw them away in one day is sort of tragic.

So to pass on to my son Ashley the skills I have learned is very satisfying - I feel my skills are not wasted. 

My other son Joshua has also joined us and is finishing his degree this year - so the dynamics in the office is very interesting! It’s interesting to watch their different skills emerge. We have lunch most days together. To work, socialise, and teach your own kids is truly a privilege.

What advice would you give to new property investors wishing to build or renovate?

One thing I have observed over time is that houses I have designed that come up for sale bring premium prices. But the ones that also include interior design and landscaping excellence bring the highest prices - this assumes the workmanship is of high quality

So, my advice to clients is to invest in all three factors; architecture, interior design, and landscaping.

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Pictured: A luxury French provincial style home designed by Phillip Mannerheim. As seen on Luxury List.

I have viewed houses that I have designed that have given no thought to interior design or landscaping and resultingly watched the sale price tumble. I used to use two of Australia’s leading interior designer and landscape architects to compliment my designs - I now do all design in the house if the client is happy with that.

It's also important to use a quality builder. The houses I design are often quite complex, so a builder needs to not only be capable to build to the plans, but to also finish them to a high level.

When all these ingredients come together I have never seen a house lose money. In fact, some examples have seen extraordinary returns on the money that has been invested in them.

One reason for this is that there are not a lot of these quality homes that come on the market, so they generally are snapped up.

With today’s focus on sustainability, what trends do you see emerging in architecture?

Over time, it’s interesting watching how this word has zoomed into focus. I remember when double glazing was first mentioned - most people ignored it and commented that it was too expensive. Now it all makes sense.

I think we have all felt that nasty feeling that energy is only going skyward, and poke a stick at it by installing a 2,000-litre water tank and some sort of solar. 

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Pictured: A Brighton East home designed by Phillip Mannerheim. As seen on Luxury List.

This is my next challenge, to design a house that is off the grid in terms of both water and power. I have designed the house and I'm using some of the latest technologies available today to achieve this 

I'm also using vast underground water storage tanks for all water. I will also produce a cost analysis of the investment and payback time. I would like to set an example to my clients and the community as to what can be achieved.

As a matter of interest, I’m also designing a 160 sqm home for a total build cost of $5,0000

Both exciting challenges!

What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?

My smallest brief was an outdoor toilet!

I have to say there have been a few. One was a house in Cairns on a cliff top and a sea view. The obvious thing was to place the pool with a wet edge over the cliff.

Another was a modern house on a similar slope overlooking the sea, on multiple levels.

Another was a house with two lifts, a Ferrari showroom with marble floors and turntable, twin bowling alleys in the basement, a tea room, and a prayer room. It was very hotel grade.

Another home also had a Ferrari showroom with views from the dining and living rooms, a record collection room (dust free) with Australia’s most valuable record collection. One record was hand signed by the Beatles, and the last guitar Buddy Holly ever played.

Did you take on the outdoor toilet project?

I have never knocked back a client, but I suggested they use a draftsman for a simple extension. Why use a surgeon to put a band-aid on if you can use a nurse!

What advice would you give to a newly graduated Architect or someone thinking about Architecture as a career?

If you have the passion and creativity then you will go the distance. If not, leave it alone. 

There is so much to learn in architecture. What branch do you take? Commercial, industrial, domestic, health, etc.

Personally, I find domestic the freest. There's less code, less town planning, fewer objectors, so it's normally a quick turn over. 

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But it's easy to become pigeon-holed. A job with a top architect helps. Learn how to market yourself, you need exposure. Think outside the square, write your dreams down. They can come true.

There is a street in Melbourne in a beautiful suburb (it even has some famous residents which I won't mention). Years ago I dreamed of designing a house in that street. My opportunity came, and the builder loved the design but went broke before he started this house.

Years later I received the opportunity with another client. Today I am currently designing my ninth house in that street. So dreams do come true.

I thank God for these breakthroughs. But also when faced with a blank sheet of paper and an impossible brief, an idea comes (I’m sure it’s from the great designer himself).

Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

I currently live in Doncaster East, and I'm planning a new home off the grid in Warrandyte. I really love Melbourne. 

I love warm weather and the beach, so Byron Bay would suffice, or Hawaii or the Bahamas.

Related reading:

French elegance and simplicity in Phillip Mannerheim designed Brighton home

Opulent French Provincial living in Melbourne's Somerville

Toorak Petit Palais-inspired French Provincial Masterpiece