Emerging from a multi-generational practice spanning more than four decades, Santelli Chong Architects is built on values of honesty, approachability, and collaboration. Since its beginnings in the late 1980s under Al Santelli, the practice has developed a reputation for going beyond for its clients and delivering architecture that is thoughtful, practical, and enduring.

Now led by Directors Aaron Santelli and Chun Chong, the practice brings together complementary strengths: design creativity and client-focused service paired with the discipline, process, and technical rigour essential to contemporary architectural work. Aaron’s lifelong connection to the original Santelli practice, and the working principles passed on by his father, continue to anchor the way the studio approaches every project.

Santelli Chong Architects holds a long and trusted reputation in educational architecture, built through a decades-long relationship with Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). The practice has supported many schools from initial master planning through to full campus implementation over multiple stages; often over periods spanning ten to twenty years. This specialisation is grounded in strong relationships, deep listening to each client’s needs, and a commitment to meeting expectations around time, budget, and quality.

At the heart of the practice is a belief that well-designed learning environments can have a lasting, positive impact. The team aims to create places where students and staff feel safe and supported, where teaching and learning are clearly enabled, and where the community can feel a genuine sense of pride in their campus.

Santelli Chong views every project as a shared endeavour. Clients, architects, consultants, and builders are considered one team working toward successful outcomes, with the practice’s values guiding each of those relationships. This approach has resulted in many loyal and long-standing connections across Western Australia.

“From the initial conceptualisation to the final execution, Santelli Chong demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to excellent outcomes. Their attention to detail, innovative design solutions, and ability to translate our vision were exceptional.

Both Aaron and Chun deeply understood our requirements and consistently went beyond to ensure the final deliverables exceeded expectations. Their communication, technical proficiency and collaborative approach were pivotal to the project’s success.”
Andrea Millar, Principal, Liwara Catholic School

While the practice is deeply specialised in education, the skills developed in this sector translate naturally into other building typologies, including performing arts, specialist learning facilities, sports and recreation buildings, and broader community projects. With experience in campus planning, access compliance, low-cost institutional design and complex staging on live operational sites, Santelli Chong Architects brings a solid foundation to a wide range of architectural challenges.