Award Winning Building Designer 30 Years Experience
Custom Home Design & Architectural Drafting Sydney
Expert DA & CDC plans for Luxury New Homes, Extensions,
Heritage Renovations in Castle Hill and Greater Sydney.
Distinct Innovations is a boutique Sydney design studio with over 30 years of industry experience. As an accredited Building Designer and Architectural Draftsman, Luke Van Jour provides the technical precision and elevated design thinking required for high-end and complex residential projects.
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We have built our reputation on bridging the gap between creative vision and technical reality. Based in the Hills District, we serve clients across Greater Sydney and New South Wales, specializing in the professional documentation and Council advocacy required for successful DA applications and CDC approvals.
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Our mission is to maximize the potential of your site while ensuring a seamless, stress-free path from the first sketch to the final Construction Certificate.
Whether you are planning a modern family home or a sensitive period restoration, we provide the expert architectural drafting and planning strategy needed to bring your vision to life.
On Site across Sydney or in our Castle Hill Studio
Luxury Home Design | Custom Acreage & Knockdown Rebuilds
We help you create your dream home with our custom building design services.
We work on everything from standard suburban blocks to large acreage properties. Whether you are looking for a cost-effective knockdown rebuild or a large family estate, we provide the creative ideas and architectural drafting needed to bring your project to life, no matter your budget.
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Custom Home Design & Knockdown Rebuilds: Maximizing space, privacy, and long-term liveability on suburban residential blocks
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Acreage home designs: Designing for scale, expansive views, and the unique environmental context of larger land parcels.
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Luxury New Homes: Elevated building design featuring premium materials, bespoke finishes, and sophisticated lifestyle features for high-end living.
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Our building designs focus on making the most of your land's natural features and sunlight, ensuring a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Our expertise covers extensions and renovations for all home types.
We handle everything from a single-room addition in the suburbs to full high-end redesigns that transform older houses into luxury modern homes.
We also design acreage expansions, including premium sheds, cabanas, and outdoor entertainment areas that add genuine value and space to your property.​
DA & CDC Plans | Building Design and Architectural Drafting Services
We provide creative building design, technical architectural drafting and the essential supporting documentation required for DA applications, CDC fast-tracking, and Construction Certificates (CC).
Our precision ensures your project moves smoothly from the drawing board to the construction site.
We manage the technical details so you don't have to.
We specialize in both custom home design and modernizing heritage-listed properties across Sydney and the Inner West
With 30 years of experience and an impressive DA approval rate, we provide high-end building design and architectural drafting that balance sophisticated aesthetics with contemporary luxury.
Our expertise in navigating complex council regulations has secured successful approvals and multiple design awards for our projects in Concord, Strathfield, Leichhardt, Stanmore and Epping.
Maximize your investment with professional building design for Dual Occupancy (duplex), townhouse developments, and low-rise commercial projects.
Our designs focus on yield, functionality, and modern aesthetics, backed by the rigorous documentation required for multi-dwelling approvals and efficient construction.
Our Building Design & Architectural Drafting Process
A successful project is built on a foundation of meticulous planning and technical precision.
Our structured building design process moves your project seamlessly from the initial Design Consultation through to detailed architectural drafting and final construction support.
We specialize in translating your inspiration into a tailored strategy that maximizes your site’s potential while navigating the complexities of local zoning and Council regulations.
By combining creative custom home design strategy with professional Council advocacy, we manage the regulatory roadblocks to ensure your DA plans or CDC application are fully compliant and ready for hassle-free approval.​​
What Clients Say About Our Building Designs & Architectural Drafting
Trusted by Sydney homeowners for custom home design, luxury renovations, and council approvals.
"Achieved a successful DA approval in a heritage and conservation area. No small feat with our local council."
Brad, Creewood III House
Heritage Extension
"Luke ticks every box: he is exceptional at what he does, his fees are reasonable, and he is a pleasure to work with."
Justin Dibble, Fluid Landscape Design
Outdoor Entertainment Area
"Luke took our home from ‘lovely’ to ‘WOW,’ striking the perfect balance between heritage sensitivity and modern design."
Sean & Tabitha, Creewood I House
Heritage Extension
Award-Winning Building Design & Architectural Drafting
Meet Your Designer, Luke Van Jour
Accredited Building Designer | Custom Home Design & Architectural Drafting Sydney
As the founder of Distinct Innovations, I bring over three decades of expertise to every project, supported by my wife, Albina.
As an Accredited Building Designer (BDAA No. 6164) with a Master’s in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney, my approach combines technical precision with a commitment to high-performance, energy-efficient living.
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I remain intentionally involved in every project to ensure that the architectural drafting and documentation meet the highest standards for council approval.
I specialize in solving the puzzles presented by difficult blocks and sensitive heritage restorations, ensuring that even the most challenging designs are functional and buildable.
From the initial concept to the final approval, I work directly with you to create a custom designed home that is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and site.
Building Designer Luke Van Jour receiving a Design Excellence Award from Jamie Durie at the Building Designers Association of Australia 2025 Gala.
Building Designer Credentials & Industry Recognition
Recognised across Sydney for excellence in residential building design, custom homes and heritage renovations.
​Chartered & Accredited Building Designer (BDAA No. 6164) Low Rise
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Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) | University of Sydney​
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25+ Industry Design Awards (BDAA, MBA NSW & Local Councils)
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30+ Years Industry Experience | Custom Homes & Heritage Renovations
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Areas We Service
Based in Castle Hill, we provide residential building design and architectural drafting services throughout Greater Sydney and Regional NSW. Our work spans from local projects in the Hills District to heritage extensions and custom homes in the Inner West, Blue Mountains, and beyond.
The Hills District
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Castle Hill
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Baulkham Hills
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Kellyville
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Bella Vista
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Dural
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Kenthurst
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Glenorie
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Annangrove
Inner West
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Haberfield
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Concord
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Leichhardt
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Stanmore
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Strathfield
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Burwood
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Annandale
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Marrickville
North Shore & Northern Suburbs
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Mosman
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Wahroonga
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Turramurra
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Beecroft
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Epping
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Lane Cove
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Gordon
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Lindfield
Greater Sydney & Regional NSW
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Penrith
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Parramatta
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Blacktown
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Blue Mountains
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Lake Macquarie
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Central Coast
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Newcastle
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Wollongong
Start Your Custom Home Design & Council Approval Process
Whether you are planning a knockdown rebuild, a heritage renovation, or a home extension, we are here to help.
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Provide your project details to receive a tailored fee proposal for your architectural drafting and DA/CDC planning needs.