WHAT WE DO
Residential Building Design & Architectural Drafting
Distinct Innovations is a building design and architectural drafting studio based in Castle Hill, serving Greater Sydney.
We specialise in:
-
Custom Home Design, New Homes & Knockdown Rebuild Design
We prepare the plans and DA, CDC and Construction Certificate applications, providing clients with clear documentation from concept design through to approval and construction.
CUSTOM HOME DESIGN, NEW HOMES, KNOCKDOWN REBUILDS
Your ideas drive the design, not a standard house plan. Through personalised consultations, our custom home design process turns your vision into a creative, individually designed home that responds to your site, lifestyle and budget.
Outgrown your home but want to stay where you are? Thoughtful home extensions, renovations and first-floor additions can improve living space, natural light and functionality while addressing existing structures, privacy and council planning controls.
Modern family living shouldn't come at the expense of your home's character. Heritage home extensions and renovations can create light-filled, functional spaces while respecting original architectural features, heritage conservation controls and council approval requirements.
Acreage and rural home design makes the most of your property's setting, views, solar orientation and outdoor living opportunities. Each home is individually designed around your lifestyle, site conditions and planning requirements.
Steep slopes, bushfire exposure, flooding and environmental constraints require creative design and practical planning solutions. Our experience with challenging sites helps turn complex property constraints into opportunities for individually designed homes.
WHY CHOOSE DISTINCT INNOVATIONS
Experienced Residential Building Design
Personally Led By Luke Van Jour
Experience That Matters
As a BDAA Accredited Building Designer who has designed and built a number of his own family homes, Luke brings practical experience from concept through to construction.
He also holds a Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) from the University of Sydney, integrating passive solar design principles into every project wherever practical.
Many clients have returned for second, third and even fourth custom home projects, including the owners of Pellitt Lane House, Dural House, Valentine House, Merealba House and Dilkera House.
Luke has extensive experience in DA and CDC approvals, working with homeowners and developers across Greater Sydney and selected regional areas of NSW for 30 years.
His focus is simple: to create well-considered, individual homes and build lasting relationships with clients.
30+ years' experience designing homes, including projects on complex and difficult sites.
Luke as your one point of contact.
Independent of builders, giving you the freedom to obtain and compare building quotes.
Sustainable and passive solar design expertise backed by a Master of Design Science in Sustainable Design.
Customised fixed-fee proposals, with inclusions and exclusions clearly set out. Fees are based on agreed scope, not a percentage of your build cost.
DA, CDC and Construction Certificate plans prepared to meet the relevant approval requirements.
What Our Clients Say
Our Residential Design Expertise
Our experience covers designing homes for heritage-listed properties, conservation areas, sloping blocks and bushfire-prone land.
We consider existing structures, planning controls, privacy, overshadowing and approval requirements early, alongside solar orientation, natural light, ventilation, glazing, shading and thermal performance.
Our services combine concept design, sustainable design principles, architectural drafting and DA, CDC and Construction Certificate documentation, incorporating BASIX and NatHERS requirements where applicable.
Consultant Coordination & Approvals
We maintain long-standing professional relationships with engineers, private certifiers, surveyors and other specialist consultants, allowing us to coordinate their expertise throughout the design and approval process.
Explore Our Projects by Category
From Concept Design to Approval-Ready Plans
Site & Planning Review
Assess site constraints, planning controls and the most appropriate approval pathway.
Concept Design & Design Development
Develop and refine the design around your site, brief, budget and lifestyle.
DA & CDC Applications
Prepare the plans and supporting documents required for council or certifier lodgement.
Consultant Coordination
Coordinate engineering, BASIX, NatHERS and other specialist consultant input.
Approval & Construction Plans
Prepare detailed architectural plans for certification and construction.
Where We Work
Based in Castle Hill, we work across Greater Sydney and selected regional areas of NSW. Explore some of the areas where we have completed residential building design and architectural drafting projects.