Grounded in thoughtful architecture, KUBO designs spaces defined by purpose, people, and place.
Kubo is a Filipino word meaning a small, simple hut, most commonly associated with the bahay kubo — a traditional home made from natural materials and designed to respond intelligently to climate, place, and everyday living.

Embracing my Filipino heritage and my commitment to residential architecture, I began KUBO as a practice focused on designs that are carefully considered, well resolved, and genuinely suited to those who occupy them.
Kubo is a Filipino word meaning a small, simple hut, inspired by the bahay kubo—traditional homes made from natural materials and responsive to climate and place.
THE LIGHTKUBO

My name is Kathleen Estoesta. I am a registered architect specialising in residential architecture, with experience across a diverse range of project scales, from simple, carefully considered homes to more complex residential environments. At the core of my practice is a simple belief: everyone is entitled to good design. I approach every project with this philosophy, designing spaces that are carefully considered.

Grounded in thoughtful architecture, KUBO designs spaces defined by purpose, people and place. My name is Kathleen Estoesta, a registered architect specialising in residential design. My work spans projects of varying scale, from simple to more complex environments.

My work is guided by listening closely to clients and thoroughly understanding each site and brief. I explore multiple design options throughout the design process, testing ideas, layouts, and spatial arrangements to ensure the final outcome is both thoughtful and appropriate. This iterative approach allows strong design intent to be balanced with practical, buildable solutions, resulting in designs that function well, feel resolved, and look timeless.

My work begins with careful listening and a clear understanding of the site and brief. Through an iterative design process, I test ideas and layouts to balance strong design intent with practical, buildable solutions, resulting in spaces that function well, feel resolved, and look timeless.

Alongside professional practice, I maintain a strong connection to education and mentoring, with particular focus on issues of housing affordability and social responsibility within residential design. Through cross‑disciplinary initiatives and applied design projects, I have contributed to conversations around how architecture can respond more thoughtfully to current housing challenges.

Alongside practice, I remain engaged in education and mentoring, with a focus on housing affordability and socially responsible residential design.
How I Work
At every stage, my approach is clear communication, detailed documentation, and a thoughtful process that supports you from initial ideas through to a well designed, completed project.
Understanding The Site and Brief
Every project begins with a careful understanding of the site and its context. I review site conditions, planning parameters, and constraints to establish a clear foundation for the project, identifying opportunities that will inform a thoughtful and well‑resolved design from our initial meeting.
Exploring Your Ideas
Building on this understanding, I work closely with you to discuss your goals, priorities, and aspirations. These conversations are translated into early design ideas through sketches, drawings, and simple plans that explore different options and directions.
Refining the Design
Once a preferred direction is agreed, the design is refined to ensure it works both practically and visually. This stage focuses on spatial planning, material selection, and detailing, with close attention to how the spaces will feel and function in everyday use.
Planning and Approvals
As the design is resolved, I prepare the drawings and supporting documents required for council and building approvals. This includes site analysis, streetscape studies, shadow diagrams, and clear design statements that demonstrate a considered response to context and regulations.
Documentation and Coordination
With approvals underway, I liaise with engineers and relevant consultants that allow me to prepare clear, detailed construction drawings that accurately communicate the design intent for the next stage.
Builder Selection and Construction
I guide you through selecting a builder and finalising the contract, managing the tender process and negotiations on your behalf. During construction, I administer the contract, visit site regularly, and coordinate communication ensuring the project is delivered as intended and keeping you informed from start to completion.
How I Work
At every stage, my approach is clear communication, detailed documentation, and a thoughtful process that supports you from initial ideas through to a well designed, completed project.
Understanding The Site and Brief
Each project begins with a clear understanding of the site, context, and constraints, establishing a strong foundation for a thoughtful, well‑resolved design from the outset.
Exploring Your Ideas
Building on this understanding, I work closely with you to translate your goals and priorities into early design ideas through sketches and simple plans.
Refining the Design
Once a direction is agreed, the design is refined through spatial planning, material selection, and detailing to ensure it functions well and feels cohesive in everyday use.
Planning and Approvals
As the design is resolved, I prepare clear drawings and documents for council and building approvals, demonstrating a considered response to context and regulations.
Documentation and Coordination
With approvals underway, I coordinate with engineers and consultants to prepare clear, detailed construction drawings that accurately communicate the design intent for the next stage.
Builder Selection and Construction
I guide you through builder selection, contracts, and construction, managing communication and site involvement to ensure the project is delivered as intended from start to completion.
THE FLUTED KUBO
Contact me
Every project begins with a conversation. Get in touch to discuss a considered approach to your project or if you’d like to view a portfolio of selected work and capabilities.
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: +61 411 815 794
Email: info@kuboestoesta.com


Registered member of:
Architects Registration Board Victoria.
Australian Institute of Architects.
ArchiTeam Cooporative.
Design Matters.
Contact me
Every project begins with a conversation. Get in touch to discuss a considered approach to your project or if you’d like to view a portfolio of selected work and capabilities.
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: +61 411 815 794
Email: info@kuboestoesta.com


Registered member of:
Architects Registration Board Victoria.
Australian Institute of Architects.
ArchiTeam Cooporative.
Design Matters.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. We honour their enduring connection to land, waters and culture, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. We honour their enduring connection to land, waters and culture, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.