Foomann Architects

Foomann Architects is all about creating spaces that tell a story—your story.

That’s the vision of Jamie Sormann and Jo Foong, the friends and business partners behind the Melbourne-based architectural studio.

It all started back at university in Melbourne, where Jamie and Jo first met. "We were design compatible!" Jamie recalls. "We just clicked. We knew how each other thought, and that made us great collaborators."
Their first project was a small piece of work for a bar, which led onto bigger projects. In 2008, they left their full-time jobs to launch Foomann. "It wasn’t a decision to start a business together," Jo says with a laugh. "It just happened." The name, a blend of their surnames, speaks to the partnership at the core of their work.

Foomann have pedigree in hospitality projects, leaving their mark in Melbourne with creations like Beer DeLuxe at Federation Square but homes have always been central to what they do.

Today, Foomann is primarily known for its expertise in residential architecture, particularly in sustainable design. They specialise in transforming older buildings into modern, functional spaces that still hold onto their original charm. "We love working with what’s already there, keeping what’s good, and making it better," Jamie says. “When we have the chance to design new buildings we consider it a rare privilege.”
Sustainability is a cornerstone of their approach. "We believe in creating homes that not only look good but also make sense," Jo says. "It’s about being smart with space and minimising waste. Every decision we make is for the long term."

With nearly two decades of collaboration under their belts, the duo have mastered the art of designing spaces that do so much more than function; they speak to the people who live in them.

"We don’t have a signature style we push on everyone," Jamie says. "Our clients are design-savvy and know what they want. We listen to our clients, understand how they live, what they value in a home and tailor our designs to reflect their personality and needs."
“We take pride in the craft of what we do because our work is about creating something that feels right.”