About Our Team

Since 2011, moor-loft has brought together architectural historians, designers, and educators passionate about European building traditions. Our mission is to make this knowledge accessible and applicable for contemporary projects.

Our Story

What began as a small consultancy in Melbourne has grown into a respected resource for anyone seeking to understand or incorporate European architectural principles. Our founders recognised a gap between academic knowledge of historical architecture and practical application in modern contexts.

Over the years, we have consulted on heritage restorations, advised on new constructions drawing from classical traditions, and educated hundreds of students and professionals through workshops and seminars. Each project deepens our understanding and refines our ability to translate historical principles for contemporary needs.

Our Philosophy

We believe that architectural heritage is not merely about preserving the past but about understanding the principles that made historical buildings resonate with human experience. Proportion, light, materials, and ornament were employed with intention by master builders across centuries.

By studying these traditions, we gain insights applicable to any building project, regardless of style or budget.

What Guides Our Work

Three principles inform every consultation and workshop we conduct:

Historical Accuracy – We base our guidance on thorough research, drawing from primary sources, scholarly literature, and direct study of European buildings. Claims are substantiated, and we acknowledge the limits of our knowledge where appropriate.

Practical Application – Understanding history is valuable, but our clients need guidance they can act upon. We translate historical principles into recommendations suited to modern building codes, materials, and budgets.

Clear Communication – Architectural terminology can be obscure. We explain concepts in accessible language without sacrificing accuracy, ensuring our clients can make informed decisions.

Our Team

Andrew Patterson

Founding Director

Dr. Elena Marchetti

Lead Historian

Marcus Chen

Design Consultant

Credentials and Affiliations

Our team members hold qualifications from leading Australian and European institutions in architectural history, heritage conservation, and design. We maintain active memberships with professional bodies including the Australian Institute of Architects and the Society of Architectural Historians of Australia and New Zealand.

These affiliations ensure we remain current with best practices in heritage consultation and architectural education.