Recognised for excellence as a leading building design firm in Sydney, Distinct Innovations focuses on creating custom homes that balance creativity with practical, sustainable design.
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As the Principal Designer, I bring over 30 years of experience and a portfolio of industry awards to every project. I specialise in bringing bespoke residential designs to life whether you’re planning a new home, a heritage renovation, or a complex dual-occupancy development.
Based in Castle Hill, I have designed hundreds of homes across Greater Sydney, from the Northern Beaches and Inner West to the Blue Mountains and Illawarra.
I personally guide you through the complexities of Council regulations, DA approvals, and bushfire zoning (BAL). My goal is to ensure your plans are not only inspired but fully compliant and ready for construction.
I offer a free initial consultation at your site or in my Castle Hill studio. From basic construction drawings to full internal detailing, the firm provides a level of service tailored to your specific vision and budget.
​Expertise
Building Design & Architectural Drafting
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Custom Home Design: Classic, Contemporary, Luxury, Period, and Coastal styles new or knockdown rebuild.
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Renovations & Extensions: Modern additions, and significant experience in Heritage Home extensions.
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Multi-Residential: Design for Units, Apartments, Villas, Townhouses, and Terrace homes.
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Dual Occupancy & Duplex: Expert planning for Modern Duplexes, Granny Flats, and Secondary Dwellings.​​
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Bushfire Design (BAL): Extensive experience in strategic design for homes in high-risk Bushfire Zones.
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Inclusive Budgeting: We provide high-end building plans that exceed standard expectations for any budget
Planning & Approvals Simplified
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Pre-Design & Feasibility Site Investigation: Analysis of site-specific restrictions.
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Concept Design: Initial spatial planning and architectural conceptualization.
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Council-Ready DA Plans: Expertly prepared Development Applications for local government approval.
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CDC (Complying Development): Fast-tracked approval documentation via Private Certifiers.
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Construction Certificates (CC Plans): Highly detailed drawings required for the construction phase as per BCA/NCC Requirements
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BASIX Certification: Ensuring energy and water efficiency compliance for NSW standards.
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Full Service Advantage
Sustainable Design
Expert energy-efficient designs backed by a Master’s in Sustainable Design.
Interior Detailing
From basic
Schedule of Finishes to full interior cabinetry design.
Site Visitations
Optional construction-phase meetings to ensure design accuracy
3D Visualisation
Choose from simple conceptual models to photorealistic imagery.
Approach
At Distinct Innovations, I bring your ideas to life using my design knowledge and experience to guide every decision. I take a hands-on approach to ensure your architectural plans genuinely reflect your vision.
How we begin:
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Personal Consultation: We’ll start with an in-depth, 3–4 hour session to discuss your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals for the home.
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Collaborative Style: I encourage you to bring reference images or a scrapbook. This helps me understand your aesthetic and translate it into a custom design.
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Site-Specific Planning: I thoroughly assess your site’s rules, council controls, and natural features to promote a sustainable, energy-efficient design.
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Guiding your project through every phase:
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Initial Hand Sketches: I provide hand-drawn concepts to confirm your ideas before we move into final architectural plans.
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Review: You’ll review and approve each stage to ensure every detail aligns with your vision.
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Council & Approvals: I offer ongoing assistance with council applications and approvals to take the stress out of the paperwork.
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Construction Coordination: I can provide continued support throughout the build to ensure the design is executed exactly as planned.
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Designer
Luke Van Jour
Award-Winning Principal Designer
I am an award-winning building designer and architectural draftsman with a Master of Sustainable Design and over 30 years of industry experience.
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Since 1997, I have designed hundreds of homes, focusing on innovative, sustainable designs that exceed expectations, whether for new custom builds, heritage renovations, or complex dual-occupancy developments.
My expertise in heritage conservation allows me to create unique designs that respect historical significance while incorporating modern energy-efficiency principles.
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My wife, Albina, brings essential support. She oversees our administration, marketing, modelling and schedules of finishes, ensuring a smooth and well-managed experience for every client from concept to completion.
Building designer Luke Van Jour receiving a Design Excellence Award from Jamie Durie at the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) 2025 Gala.
Real Testimonials from Homeowners across Sydney
with the Stunning Results to Match.
"I have been fortunate to have worked on several projects with Luke from Distinct Innovations and I must say that of all the Building Designers & Architects I have worked with over the years Luke would be my favourite for his amazing skill & talent in design, his design style and most of all his honest, easy going personality. In my experience I have found that Luke's clients are more than happy with the process and end result and speak very highly of Luke as their chosen Building Designer for their home. For me when I recommend a design professional or contractor to a client (or anyone for that matter) they need to tick 3 boxes, 1. They are very good at what they do 2. Their fees / prices are reasonable 3. They are a nice person and easy to work with. Luke ticks all these boxes for me and I look forward to working on many more amazing Distinct Innovations projects with Luke in the future".
Memberships & Appointments
​Chartered & Accredited Member Building Designers Association of NSW (BDA)
BDANSW Appointed Chair of the National Sub-Committee 2012-2015
BDANSW President Sydney Regional Branch 2006-2010
BDANSW State Secretary 2010-2012
Australian Architect ure Association​​
To date, I have been recognised with 25 industry honours from leading Australian organisations, including the Building Designers Association of Australia, Master Builders Association NSW, and local councils across Sydney.
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A number of my designs have broken real estate sales records, highlighting the significant financial value a well-considered design brings to your property.
Qualifications & Accreditation
Chartered & Accredited Building Designer (Accred. no. 6164)
Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design), University of Sydney, 2008
Certificate of Architectural Drafting, 1988
Publications
My designs have featured a number of times in The Daily Telegraph "Home" section, as well as in Best Australian Architecture Magazine , Winning Design Magazine and Kambridge Quarterly
