On-site consultations across Sydney or at our Castle Hill studio
Distinct Innovations provides custom home design and architectural drafting services, balancing creativity with practical, sustainable design.
Principal Building Designer Luke Van Jour leads every project, drawing on 30+ years of experience and over 25 industry awards to ensure precision and care.
A seamless process from concept design through to council approval across the Hills District and Greater Sydney.
Tailored for homeowners, renovations, knockdown rebuilds and custom homes.
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Custom Home Design
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Luxury Custom Homes Design
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Knowdown Rebuild Plans
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Heritage Extension Expertise
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Custom Home Extensions Renovations​
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Bushfire (BAL)
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Complex Site Expertise
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Sustainability Qualifications
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​Pre-design feasibility
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In-depth Consultations
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Concept Design
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DA (Development Applications)
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CDC (Complying Development)
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CC (Construction Certificates)
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Basix Compliance
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Council and BCA Regulations
Additional Building Design & Project Services
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Sustainable Design Expert
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Interior Detailing
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NSW Planning Portal Lodgements
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Consultant Managment
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On-site Construction Support​
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3D Modelling
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Tailored Fee Proposals
Our Residential Building Design Process
At Distinct Innovations, we use over 30 years of experience in residential building design to turn your ideas into practical, buildable plans for custom homes, renovations and extensions across Sydney
In-Depth Design Consultations
​​​We start with an in-depth 3–4 hour consultation to understand your lifestyle, design preferences, and long-term goals for the home.
Collaborative Design
Bring reference images or inspiration folders to help us define a clear, tailored direction for your design.
Site-Specific Planning
We assess your site’s zoning, council controls, and natural features to ensure a sustainable, energy-efficient design that works with your land.
Concept Design
Initial sketches explore ideas and confirm the project's direction before we begin detailed drawings.
Design Review
You review and refine the design at each stage to ensure it meets your expectations.
Council Approvals
I guide you through the DA or CDC approval process, making complex requirements straightforward.
Construction Support
I can provide construction support to ensure the design is delivered as intended through to completion.
Ready to start your custom home design project?
What Our Clients Say About Our Building Design Services
Trusted by homeowners across Sydney for custom home design, renovations and council approvals.
Brad
Creewood III House
(Heritage Extension)
"Achieved a successful DA approval in a heritage and conservation area. No small feat with our local council."
Justin Dibble
Fluid Landscape Design
(Outdoor Entertainment Area)
"Luke ticks every box: he is exceptional at what he does, his fees are reasonable, and he is a pleasure to work with."
Sean & Tabitha
Creewood I House
(Heritage Extension)
"Luke took our home from ‘lovely’ to ‘WOW,’ striking the perfect balance between heritage sensitivity and modern design."
Meet Your Building Designer
Luke Van Jour
Award-Winning Building Designer | Custom Home Design & Architectural Drafting Sydney
Distinct Innovations is a boutique residential building design and architectural drafting studio led by myself, with the support of my wife Albina.
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With over 30 years of experience designing custom homes, renovations and heritage extensions, we remain intentionally small so every project receives my direct involvement and careful attention.
Holding a Master’s in Sustainable Design, I focus on creating high-performance homes and thoughtful heritage restorations that not only look good, but function seamlessly for the way people live.
From the initial concept through to final approval, I stay closely involved at every stage to ensure the success of your project.
Building designer Luke Van Jour receiving a Design Excellence Award from Jamie Durie at the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) 2025 Gala.
Building Designer Credentials & Industry Recognition
Recognised across Sydney for excellence in residential building design, custom homes and heritage renovations.
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Chartered & Accredited Building Designer (BDAA No. 6164)
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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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