From concept design to construction coordination – one architect, one team, one point of accountability for your Sydney home.
Sydney’s Integrated Architecture Practice
Planshop is a registered architectural practice based in South Eveleigh and Parramatta, serving homeowners across Sydney and the broader NSW region. Led by Nominated Architect Martin Taylor – who holds dual registration in NSW (Reg. 10509) and the UK with over 20 years of experience – our team specialises in residential design that is tailored to Sydney’s unique conditions: local council planning controls, site-specific environmental factors, and the way Australian families actually live.
What makes Planshop different from most architectural firms is our integrated service model. We don’t hand over a set of drawings and wish you luck. Our architects remain involved throughout the entire construction process, providing daily on-site presence to support your project from start to finish. This single-source accountability – from the first sketch to the final inspection – eliminates the communication gaps, cost blowouts, and quality issues that commonly arise when design and construction are managed by separate parties.
What’s Included in Our Design Services
Every Planshop design project is structured around clear deliverables so you know exactly what you’re getting at each stage. Our architectural design services cover the full scope of residential projects, from initial feasibility through to construction-ready documentation.
Concept Design & Feasibility
We begin with a detailed site analysis covering topography, solar orientation, access, vegetation, and local planning requirements. This feasibility stage identifies what’s possible on your site under the relevant council controls – whether that’s City of Sydney, Inner West Council, Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown, or councils across Greater Sydney. You’ll receive concept sketches and a feasibility summary that gives you clarity on scope, potential constraints, and indicative budget before committing to detailed design.
Scheme Design & Detailed Architectural Design
Your concept is refined into a comprehensive scheme design, then developed into full architectural drawings that meet NCC (National Construction Code) and BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) requirements. Our designs are produced using ArchiCAD and BIM (Building Information Modelling) software, ensuring precision in every dimension, material specification, and construction detail. The result is a complete set of construction drawings ready for Development Application (DA) submission or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) approval.
Interior Design
Beyond the building envelope, we design interiors that are functional, considered, and aligned with how you use each space. This includes kitchen and bathroom layouts, material and finish selections, joinery design, lighting plans, and spatial flow between living areas. Every interior decision is made with both aesthetics and daily practicality in mind.
3D Visualisation & BIM Models
We use BIMx to produce interactive 3D models, photo-realistic renders, fly-throughs, and photo montages so you can experience your design before construction begins. These visualisations also support DA submissions by clearly communicating the proposal to council assessment officers, reducing the likelihood of requests for additional information.
Residential Projects We Design
Our residential design work covers the full range of housing projects across Sydney, from targeted renovations through to complete custom homes. View examples of our completed projects in our portfolio.
- Home Renovations, Extensions & Alterations: Expanding and updating existing homes to accommodate changing needs, whether that’s opening up living areas, adding bedrooms, or modernising ageing layouts.
- First-Floor Additions: Adding a second storey to increase living space and property value while working within existing site constraints.
- Kitchen & Bathroom Design: Detailed design for the highest-use rooms in your home, balancing material selections, storage solutions, and spatial efficiency.
- Custom & Luxury Homes: Bespoke new homes designed from the ground up to reflect individual lifestyles, site conditions, and long-term adaptability.
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC) Packages: Complete drawing packages for projects that qualify for the faster CDC approval pathway, including smaller renovations, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and granny flats.
- Modular & Prefabricated Home Design: Design solutions for modular construction methods, including container homes and prefabricated additions.
- Heritage Home Renovations: Sensitive design for heritage-listed and character properties, balancing preservation requirements with contemporary living standards.
Our Design Process – Step by Step
Most residential design projects in Sydney take between 8–16 weeks from initial concept to DA lodgement, depending on complexity and council requirements. Here’s how we work:
- Initial Consultation & Site Visit: We meet you at the property to understand your goals, assess the site, and discuss budget parameters. This is a no-obligation meeting to determine if the project is feasible and if we’re the right fit. Request a consultation.
- Feasibility & Site Analysis (1–2 weeks): We review council planning controls, zoning, heritage overlays, and site conditions. You receive a feasibility report outlining what’s achievable.
- Concept Design (2–4 weeks): We develop initial design options as sketch plans and 3D models. This is a collaborative stage with revisions based on your feedback.
- Detailed Design & Documentation (4–8 weeks): The approved concept is developed into full construction drawings, specifications, and DA/CDC documentation meeting NCC and BASIX requirements.
- Council Approval: We manage the DA submission process, liaise with council, and respond to any requests for additional information. Our town planning team supports complex applications.
- Construction Phase – Architect On Site: Unlike most architectural firms, our involvement doesn’t end at approval. Our architects provide daily on-site presence throughout construction, delivering quality, resolving issues in real time, and maintaining single-source accountability from design to completion. Our project management team coordinates timelines, budgets, and contractor communication.
What Sets Planshop Apart
Most architectural firms in Sydney complete their involvement when council approves the plans. At Planshop, that’s where we’re just getting started.
Our integrated model means the same architect who designs your home also oversees its construction – on site, every day. This eliminates the disconnect between what’s drawn on paper and what gets built. When issues arise during construction (and they always do), your architect is there to resolve them immediately, maintaining design intent without costly delays or rework. Learn more about our Architecture On-Site service.
This approach delivers three key advantages for homeowners:
- Design integrity: Your home is built exactly as designed, with no ad-hoc changes or builder shortcuts that compromise the architectural vision.
- Cost control: On-site architectural oversight catches problems early, before they become expensive variations.
- Single point of contact: One team manages design, documentation, council approvals, and construction oversight. You don’t have to coordinate between an architect, a project manager, and a builder.
Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Design
Sustainability is embedded in our design process, not treated as an add-on. Every Planshop project is designed to meet or exceed BASIX energy and water efficiency targets. We prioritise passive design strategies – solar orientation, natural cross-ventilation, thermal mass, and appropriate shading – to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. Material selections consider embodied energy, longevity, and suitability for Sydney’s coastal and subtropical climate conditions.
Beyond Residential – Commercial & Multi-Unit Design
While residential design is our core focus, Planshop also takes on commercial fit-outs, apartment developments, and multi-unit housing projects. Our experience spans pre-DA scheme preparation, SEPP compliance, and multi-dwelling design that balances density with liveability. We’ve delivered projects across Sydney, the Central Coast, Melbourne, and the Hunter Region. View our portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Architectural Design
How much does architectural design cost in Sydney?
Architectural design fees in Sydney typically range from 8–15% of the total construction cost for a full-service engagement, or can be quoted as a fixed fee based on project scope. Factors that influence cost include the size of the project, site complexity, council requirements, and the level of interior design involved. At Planshop, we provide a clear fee proposal after the initial consultation so you understand costs upfront before committing. Our integrated model – where design and construction oversight are managed by the same team – often reduces total project costs by preventing the rework and variations that occur when design and construction are managed separately. Get in touch to discuss your project.
What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer?
In NSW, the title “architect” is legally protected and can only be used by professionals registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board. Registration requires a minimum of five years of university education, two years of supervised practical experience, and passing the Architectural Practice Examination. Building designers are not required to hold the same qualifications. At Planshop, our Nominated Architect Martin Taylor holds registration in both NSW and the UK, providing an additional layer of professional accountability and international design perspective.
How long does the design process take?
Most residential design projects take between 8–16 weeks from initial concept to DA lodgement. Simpler projects such as CDC-eligible renovations can be faster, while complex new builds or heritage properties may take longer. Council assessment timeframes vary – typically 6–12 weeks for a standard DA – and are in addition to the design phase. We provide a project-specific timeline at the feasibility stage.
Do I need a DA or CDC for my renovation?
It depends on the scope. Smaller renovations, internal alterations, and some additions may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which is a faster approval pathway assessed by a private certifier rather than council. Larger projects, heritage-listed properties, and work that doesn’t meet the CDC criteria will require a Development Application (DA). Our team assesses the appropriate pathway during the feasibility stage and can manage either process. For more detail, visit our town planning page.
Do your architects oversee construction?
Yes – this is what makes Planshop fundamentally different. Our architects provide daily on-site presence throughout the construction phase, not just periodic inspections. This means the person who designed your home is on site every day ensuring it’s built to specification, resolving construction issues as they arise, and maintaining quality control from start to finish. Learn more about our Architecture On-Site service.
What software does Planshop use for architectural design?
We use ArchiCAD for architectural design and documentation, with BIM (Building Information Modelling) as our standard workflow. BIMx is used for interactive 3D models that clients and builders can navigate on any device, providing real-time access to the design during both the approval and construction phases. This technology enables precise coordination between design intent and on-site delivery.
Start Your Architectural Design Project
Whether you’re planning a renovation, a new build, or a first-floor addition, Planshop provides the full scope of architectural design services with the added assurance of on-site construction presence. Get in touch to discuss your project.
Phone: 02 7253 6550 | Email: info@planshop.com.au