Design by dialogue: Domenic Cerantonio on architecture that resonates

As co-founder of Cera Stribley, Domenic Cerantonio believes great architecture starts with conversation. Guided by the studio’s Design by Dialogue philosophy, he shares how thoughtful collaboration, bold ideas and a deep connection to place are shaping the future of Australian residential design.

Australia presents a unique market for expansion, as a highly industrialised country with substantial undeveloped land. Additionally, our country benefits from a strong migration pipeline, providing significant opportunities for growth and urban development.

Melbourne has an exciting future. The city’s multicultural population is a huge asset, and its diverse cultural landscape offers a rich source of inspiration for architects. This cultural diversity leads to more innovative designs as we bring their histories, stories, and backgrounds into their spaces. Additionally, Melbourne’s temperate and variable climate allows different approaches to design. The possibilities here are vast, and I believe the next decade will see Melbourne continuing to lead in the design world.

Our city’s evolution is shaping not just how we design, but how people want to live. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in what people value in their homes. Lifestyle now leads the conversation, especially in the high-end residential market. 

People are no longer just looking for bigger homes; they want more flexible, adaptable spaces. Instead of open-plan areas, there’s a return to compartmentalised spaces that allow for privacy and function in a way that fits the demands of modern living.

When designing for resale, one of the most important considerations is including a primary suite on the ground floor. It’s a key feature for buyers looking for long-term liveability, especially for older residents or multi-generational households. Often, it’s the homes with well proportioned, thoughtfully planned spaces that resonate most. Good
design balances function and beauty without compromising flow or comfort.

Ultimately, great design isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about taking considered risks that add real value. I believe that as an industry, we sometimes play it too safe with our designs. At Cera Stribley, we’ve had the most success when we’ve pushed boundaries, tried new things, and explored ideas in ways we hadn’t seen before. The result is often something unique, it resonates with people because it’s different and exciting.

One of the projects we’re most proud of is Boxshall. A collaboration with an international design firm Studio Piet Boon. Their take on apartment living was quite different from ours, and that tension created something special. Instead of defaulting to a typical open-plan layout, we started pulling things apart. We moved the kitchen into its own space, separated key zones, and reconfigured the way each apartment flowed. As a result, every layout feels considered. There’s a uniqueness and intimacy to how the homes function. 

Boxshall proved to us that when you’re brave with your ideas and you surround yourself with the right collaborators, people respond to that authenticity. It raises the bar not just for us, but for the neighbourhood it sits within.

For us, design has always been about more than just form or finish, it’s about the conversations that shape it. Design by Dialogue reflects the way we work, listening closely, challenging ideas when needed, and always staying open to where the process might lead. We’re not interested in architecture that plays it safe. The work we’re most proud of comes from asking better questions, pushing past convention, and designing in a way that feels deeply connected to place, to people, and to the way we live now.