ABOUT
RICHARD
ELLIS
DESIGN
We believe a house becomes a home through the moments lived inside it. A fireplace has always been a place of gathering, reflection, and tradition.
We create timeless stone surrounds that give form to the heart of the home—designed to endure for generations, becoming part of the architecture and the lives shaped around them.
What we offer is not the fire itself, but the feeling it creates: warmth. The warmth of presence, ritual, and connection.
What We Do
Based in Melbourne, we are a small, family-run studio specialising in natural stone fireplace surrounds.
Guided by decades of experience, our respect for natural materials, and a careful approach to making, we create work that settles naturally into a home, becoming part of its rhythm, memories, and shared moments.
We collaborate with homeowners, architects, interior designers, and building professionals across Australia to deliver beautiful design and uncompromising quality.
Our Story
Founded over 45 years ago by Richard Ellis, the business began with a focus on fine architectural antiques and operated from a single showroom and adjoining workshop in Melbourne, Victoria. What started as a small, hands-on practice was shaped by a true respect for craftsmanship, design, and architectural history.
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During buying trips to London, Richard began sourcing marble and stone fireplaces, which soon became a defining part of the collection. As demand for quality antique fireplaces grew locally, so too did his expertise in their restoration. Through years of careful repair and study, he developed a deep understanding of classical forms, materials, and construction techniques.​
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Drawing on this knowledge, Richard went on to produce a range of period-reproduction fireplace surrounds, along with a small number of original designs. Each was informed by historical references and refined to suit contemporary homes and expectations for quality and consistency. Over time, the collection grew to encompass a wide range of architectural styles, unified by classical principles and material integrity.
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Today, Richard Ellis Design offers the largest selection of reproduction stone fireplace designs available in Australia. ​While production and supply methods have evolved, the underlying approach remains constant: expert-led design, respect for materials, and a commitment to quality and care.
​The business now carries this depth of experience forward, refining how fireplaces are designed, produced, and selected to support the needs of contemporary residential projects.
Team
Richard Ellis, Director
Maddy Ellis, General Manager
Karl Dickson, Warehouse & Production Manager