It’s hard for me not have weekly involvement in projects to ensure the level of quality I expect, so it’s a treat to see buildings emerge from drawings very quickly on site. This has been the case in Crookwell where the builder Leigh Plumb has been hard at work - the home has nearly achieved lockup, with framing, cladding and windows installed. Recycled brickwork and internal reverse brick veneer will be next followed by internal fitout. I look forward to bring you further updates.
NSW Planning System Reforms
The Minns Labor Government has announced the introduction of “landmark” legislation to overhaul the NSW planning system. Known as the NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, the amendments aim to achieve faster, simpler approvals, provide more certainty for builders and cut red tape and unnecessary duplication.
While most of the proposed changes in the bill do not impact the work I do with my clients, there are some changes that will affect my work:
Updates to CDC development
The Complying Development Certificate approvals pathway will be expanded to allow for “variation certificates”. These certificates enable local council to review and approve minor variations to prescribed CDC controls, and will be deemed approved unless reviewed within 10 days. While I welcome this change, I am concerned councils may issue a fast refusal due to already large workloads and render this process ineffective.
Minor modifications to consent (S4.55)
Similarly for CDC variations, minor modifications to DA approved projects are subject to a 14 day review window. If not determined in this time, the application is not deemed to be approved, however the consent authority is precluded from refusing it. From experience I haven’t experienced huge delays in S4.55 approvals, so I’m not sure if this will have a huge impact on the work I do.
Simplification of conditions of consent
Standardised conditions of consent are proposed, which would streamline the process for granting of construction certificates post DA consent. I welcome this change, as some conditions can be extremely onerous, poorly written and contradictory to the documentation approved.
The Bill is expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming months. If passed, we can expect to see the NSW Government develop necessary enabling frameworks to deliver the reforms, most likely through a staged rollout over several months commencing in the first quarter of 2026.
References:
Clovelly residence starts construction
I’m pleased to share that our Clovelly project kicked off construction this week… with some sunshine! Our builders face a challenge here constructing a new third storey addition, while keeping the existing two storeys below clean and dry. The new addition houses a new primary bedroom suite with views to Gordons and Coogee Bay.
Surry Hills terrace starts construction
Works commenced this week at my Surry Hills terrace project, with demolition and excavation now well underway. The team at JKORP are making great progress, also completing works to a neighbouring terrace at the same time.
This project creates a new open plan living, kitchen and dining area at ground level, which seamlessly connects to the rear garden to take advantage of the northerly aspect. An existing roof space is also converted into a new home office, with front and rear dormer windows.
CDC Approval granted for Crookwell Residence
I’m excited to announce that our Crookwell residence has this week been granted CDC approval, with construction works commencing straight away. Earthworks have already been completed and I’m excited to see this project take shape. The home is located on a generous site and is planned to two wings - one for everyday living and sleeping, with a seperate bedroom wing when family come to stay.
Petersham Residence starts construction
I’m thrilled to share that our Petersham residence has commenced works on site this week. This modest project involves alterations and additions to an existing semi-detached residence, replacing an existing living room and bathroom with a new contemporary addition. We’re looking forward to getting our clients into the completed project by Christmas.
NSW Government launches Housing Pattern Book
The NSW Department of planning has recently released the NSW Housing Pattern Book, aimed at increasing accessibility to high quality architecture that can be assessed and approved for construction faster. The patterns include a variety of multiple-housing typologies, including semi-detached, terraces, manor homes and row housing.
We welcome this initiative by the government to make great Architecture accessible by the masses, and congratulate the many incredible Architects like Anthony Gill, Carter Williamson and Sam Crawford for their beautiful work. We look forward to seeing more of these examples built in NSW.
Find out more about the pattern book here.
Manor Homes 01 by Studio Johnston, 4 dwellings with garden outlook and skillion roof. Source: NSW Planning
Bronte Beach Residence Completed
I’m very excited to share with you completed photographs of our Bronte residence. This was a external facade refurbishment and landscaping project for clients who were looking for a more coastal aesthetic to their home. I’m really happy with the way the home has been given a new lease of life, contributes positively to the streetscape and brings more amenity to the clients.
Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant Program
The NSW government's Solar for Apartment Buildings program is designed to facilitate the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on multi-unit residential buildings. This initiative aims to reduce electricity costs for residents while promoting the use of renewable energy. By providing support to strata schemes, the program helps streamline the process of adopting solar technology, allowing apartment owners and occupants to benefit from significant savings on their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Applications for the SoAR programme opened on the 28th of February 2025 and close on 1st December 2025 and provide funding up to $150,000 for each project.
Read more about the programme here.
Australian Institute of Architects National Conference
I had the pleasure of attending the Australian Institute of Architects National conference today at one of my favourite venues, the Sydney Opera House - set on Tubowgule, the traditional lands of the Gadigal. This years theme was ‘Architecture in Action’ - and highlighted the ways we as architects can shape our future built environment and society through our work.
The keynote speakers included Jing-Sui (SO-IL) from the US, Kevin O’Brien from BVN Australia, and Vinu Daniel from Wallmakers, India who’s work in the design and construction of low embodied energy buildings that recycle waste products was so inspiring.
Mel Bright from Studio Bright showcased a huge portfolio of beautiful work across a range of typologies, white Dieter Leyssen from 51N4E in Belgium took us through some of his firms work transforming existing structures into new public spaces.
Erskineville Residence Completed
I’ve been extremely excited to see the Erskineville project completed and this week it reached the critical milestone of practical completion. This small but ambitious project included a number of bespoke elements including skylights, stair balustrades, upholstered bedheads and lounge, high end AV equipment as well as extensive joinery and stone elements. The team at Frontier Projects managed these easily and have worked tirelessly to bring the project to completion.
I can’t wait to see the happy clients move in and start enjoying their new home, and look forward to bringing you full completed photography soon.
Bondi Beach Apartment Completed
I’m thrilled for my Bondi Beach apartment clients who recently moved into their completed apartment after extensive renovations. The team at Reed Developments ensured a smooth handover process, with owners (and dog) comfortably at home. I look forward to bringing you further photos of the apartment soon.
Rosebery Residence featured on the Local Project
I’m thrilled to share with you the latest coverage of the Rosebery residence project, this time from the Local Project. The team spent the day with me on site taking some incredible video footage and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The video was made in collaboration with Tesla to promote the new Powerwall 3 which the clients installed late in 2024. Their high energy demands with 3 EV cars, pool heating and AC in the home meant this was a great solution for them.
Petersham residence approved
One thing we pride ourselves on in the office is our attention to clarity and detail in our documentation, alongside the careful consideration of council controls, context and BCA requirements. Although a more modest alterations and additions project, we feel the above has played a pivotal role in the very quick turnaround for DA consent in the Inner West Council for our Petersham residence. The project is now approved in under 7 weeks since lodgement and we couldn't be happier for our clients.
Introducing Crookwell
It’s not every day a Greenfield site comes across my desk, working in the dense urban context of Sydney’s inner city, so I’ve been excited by this new commission in Crookwell - located in the upper Lachlan region of New South Wales.
In concept design, we are working with a local builder and trades to confirm early budgeting and feasibility on the project, and look forward to progressing work on a complying development application in the new year.
Introducing Daceyville
I’m proud to share a new project in the studio - alterations and additions to an existing semi-detached dwelling in Sydneys southern suburb of Daceyville. This substantial addition includes a new two storey addition at the rear of the home, plunge pool and rear garden studio.
The works have been designed for a complying development certificate (CDC) pathway, so I look forward to jumping into documentation on this project in the new year.
Clovelly DA Approved
We are thrilled for our clients this week after gaining approvals for our Clovelly residence through Randwick City Council. We are proud to have delivered a great outcome for our clients, with minimal pushback from council, testament to a design that is sensitive to the surrounding context while increases the liveability and amenity of the existing dwelling.
Existing and proposed images below:
Bondi Beach Apartment starts construction
I’m thrilled to see our Bondi Beach apartment project start on site this week, thanks to the team at Reed Developments who we glad to be working with again. The project involves substantial refurbishment to a top floor apartment, including new glazing, finishes, electrical, joinery and bathroom fit out. I’ve skillfully managed approvals through a CDC pathway, including a very complex Class 2 regulated design approval. I look forward to seeing the project completed early in the new year.
Petersham Residence DA Submitted
We’ve recently submitted to the Inner West Council a development application for modest alterations and additions to an existing semi-detached dwelling in Petersham.
The clients approached us with a number of challenges - a poorly planned rear living space with little connection to the rear garden, which had a lack of light, ventilation and outlook, and a cramped rear entertaining space which needed re-thinking. Our design used a light touch approach, maintaining the existing kitchen and laundry which were in good condition, and inserting a new living and dining space between this and the existing home. We proposed large sliding doors and high level glazing to offer better connection to the rear yard and increased light and outlook to this space. A new family bathroom with skylight is placed between this space and the existing bedrooms, and a mud-room adjacent provides side access to the dwelling.
Erskineville Residence reaches lockup
Another great milestone reached on our Erskineville residence project this week, with lockup achieved on site thanks to the team at Frontier Projects. Recent dryer weather has provided great building conditions, with the project now ahead of schedule.
We’ve worked extensively with Frontier to ensure the double glazed windows and skylights are meticulously installed to provide acoustic and thermal performance for the home. We look forward to seeing rough-in completed over the next month, ready for finishes to start being installed prior to Christmas.
