Question 1

What areas of Sydney do you service?

Accepted Answer

I provide building design services throughout Greater Sydney and Regional NSW — from the Hills District, North Shore, and Inner West, to Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, and the Blue Mountains. I also take on projects from Newcastle and the Central Coast in the north down to Wollongong in the south.

Question 2

Do you design dual occupancy homes and duplexes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dual occupancy and duplex design is a significant part of my work. A recent example is a large block in Beecroft where we managed a full subdivision, designing a single storey home on one lot and a double storey on the adjoining lot. I handle complete design and documentation for DA or CDC submission including subdivision applications across Sydney and Regional NSW.

Question 3

Do you custom design Granny Flats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A custom designed granny flat needs careful design to get through council approvals and work seamlessly with your existing home. I handle full design and documentation including CDC and DA submissions across Sydney and Regional NSW.

Question 4

How much does it cost to design a custom home in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, professional custom design and drafting fees in Sydney typically range from $6,000 to $30,000+ depending on the project's scale and complexity. I provide a tailored fee proposal based on actual project scope and site complexity, not construction cost percentages.

Question 5

How long does it take to design and get approval?

Accepted Answer

Most residential projects in Sydney take around 3 to 6 months from initial concept through to final approval. The design phase takes 4-8 weeks. Approval timeframes range from 2 to 12+ weeks depending on whether you proceed via CDC or DA through the NSW Planning Portal.

Question 6

Do you handle Council Approvals for DA and CDC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I prepare all documentation for the NSW Planning Portal with high approval rates across Sydney including The Hills District, Hornsby, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, the Inner West, Canada Bay and the Blue Mountains.

Question 7

Do I need a DA or a CDC, and what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

A CDC (Complying Development Certificate) is a fast-track approval assessed by a private certifier, often approved within 2-5 weeks. A DA (Development Application) is lodged through the NSW Planning Portal and assessed by your local council, typically taking 2-4 months or more.

Question 8

How do you ensure my design meets NSW BASIX requirements?

Accepted Answer

With a Master's Degree in Sustainable Design, I engineer homes for performance. Meeting stricter BASIX and 7-star NatHERS standards in 2026 requires smart Passive Solar design — optimising orientation for sun and cross-ventilation to create a home that is naturally comfortable and cheaper to run.

Question 9

Do you have experience in heritage renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have extensive experience with heritage projects across Sydney, particularly in Leichhardt, Concord, Strathfield, and Burwood. My heritage work includes Salt St Design — Winner (Best Heritage) at the BDAA National Design Awards 2025.

Question 10

Do you have experience designing for Bushfire zones (BAL-40 and Flame Zone)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I specialise in high-risk bushfire design, navigating RFS requirements using non-combustible materials. My Mount Riverview project is a National Award Winner designed to BAL-40 standards.

Question 11

Are you a Registered Architect?

Accepted Answer

No. I am a Chartered and Accredited Building Designer (Accred. No. 6164 - Low Rise) with a Masters Degree in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney. With 30 years of experience and over 25 industry awards, I deliver high-quality design and documentation for custom residential and small-scale commercial projects across Sydney and NSW.

Question 12

What is the difference between a building designer and an architect?

Accepted Answer

Both design buildings — the difference is registration, not capability. For Class 1 (homes, dual occupancy), Class 5 (offices), and Class 10 (garages, structures), no mandatory government registration is required in NSW. I choose to hold Chartered and Accredited Building Designer status (Accred. No. 6164 - Low Rise) through the BDAA, meet annual CPD requirements, and hold a Masters Degree in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney — because my clients deserve it.

Building Designer & Architectural Drafting FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a project with you?

How does your fee proposal process work?

What areas of Sydney do you service?

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

Contact

Studio

Follow