With over 25 years experience, Distinct Innovations is owned and operated by chartered and accredited building designer Luke Van Jour. Luke's main passion is to create homes that people love to live in.
We specialise in providing high quality custom designed building plans for all home designs, luxury home designs, town-house developments, dual occupancies, renovations and extensions. We have notable experience and expertise in heritage listed renovations and extensions.
Distinct Innovations has particular expertise in sustainability. Our designs focus on the natural surrounding environment and how an addition or alteration, a new home or a development would best integrate.
We prepare building designs and drafting services to home-owners, renovators, builders and developers. Based in Castle Hill, Sydney. We service all Councils of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra and the Central Coast.
Plan packages are tailored to suit your budget from just a basic house plan with only the necessary documents for Council approval, through to highly detailed plans with full feature and cabinetry detailing, 3D modelling and schedule of finishes.
what people say
"Just want to say thank you so much with all your hard work you have done on the design on our new home. You have such a creative mind and have nailed it. Can you please email me some of the pics so we can dream every night before we fall asleep”.
"Having had no experience in the building game, Luke made us feel confident to move forward with our project from our first meeting. We engaged Luke to design a contemporary addition to our heritage listed house and the outcome is an outstanding, light-filled modern extension that functions incredibly well for our family! He managed to add significant new floor space without compromising the front external appearance to meet the heritage requirements. Luke was able to listen and understand our needs, he was clear, always punctual, very professional and easy to communicate with. We love living in our new home and our guests love to be entertained here! Thank you Luke".
"I have worked with Luke as the Civil and Structural Engineer on a number of projects throughout Sydney. The projects are typically unique one off designs in accordance with client and site constraints. Luke has always shown his ability to undertake the works in a professional and competent manner. The projects often involve consultation to ensure compliance with engineering requirements, Luke has a good understanding of what is required and the experience to integrate key engineering elements within the architectural design. The completed designs are able to meet the requirements of the client and display Luke's ability to deliver a superior design on a custom design project".
"My husband and I took photos of facades which we liked. One day my husband was doing a search for an designer builder and stumbled across Distinct Innovations. It just so happened that Luke designed the majority of the houses which I had pictures of . Luke designed a house which encompasses everything we wanted in a house . One year on, and we still are in awe of our house. When we drive into the driveway we both still can't believe that this is our house!!!Upon unpacking I came across the initial checklist which included everything we wanted in a house. Going through list I ticked everything there . Luke ensured he included what we wanted and went beyond . When we did the initial walk through of the land he mentioned how he was going to capture certain views. The views he captured are amazing .During the build we had minimal questions as the plans were very easy to read. When we did have queries Luke was approachable and answered each question swiftly. I have people commenting on how much they love our house. When people say they slow down and just love to look, what greater compliment can you get . I have no hesitation in recommending Luke . He is amazing at what he does and this part of the building experience was one that didn't create any stress . We have recommended Luke to other family and friends and their experiences have been just as positive as ours".
"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".
"Our dream home was designed with Distinct Innovations and all our requirements were met. We highly recommend the expertise of Luke. It was a smooth process and one of the most important decisions for us in building our new home. Our family is forever thankful".
"In two words...Absolutely Brilliant! Luke's architectural abilities and holistic approach combine sustainable, practical concepts that look AMAZING. He is highly organised, trendy, ensures he fully comprehends the client's brief and produces designs that have an edge...a real Wow factor. We had a sloping block of land with a long list of requirements (budget, time, eco friendly, low maintenance, compliance to Vastu i.e an ancient Indian construction science considered by many as the precursor to Feng Shui, and many more). We also had some covenants and restrictions on the land. Luke delivered on all fronts by striking a beautiful balance of all elements. He also had a great network of consultants required for the plethora of reports needed for the Council Development Application and a huge help to get these organised. The best decision we've made. You can't go wrong with LVJ".
"Luke's architectural plans are very thorough and always to a very high detail. His ability to design with close respect to space conservation and light maximisation is nothing short of impressive. Luke is always up to date with the industry's latest products and materials keeping his interpretations of each design brief unique and fresh. He has a vast knowledge of council and EPA requirements, and an unparalleled skill in designing around tricky development limitations. As a builder, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Luke and see his designs come to life. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anybody seeking an excellent building designer".
"We were drawn to Luke to prepare our plans for our major renovation based on seeing some of his other projects – we liked his style! Luke was so easy to work with. His plans & designs are amazing. He listens, and is supportive of our suggestions and requirements. Not only did he help with our design he also guided us through the process of getting DA approval. It was a pleasure working with Luke and we look forward to presenting him with our completed renovation".