Building Design in Sydney

Jay Francis is a Sutherland-based building designer who designs and documents custom homes, renovations, extensions, granny flats and duplexes across Sydney, with most work between Engadine and Cronulla. The first step is a free consultation and site review, and enquiries get a response within one business day.

Request a design consultationCall 0410 752 616

Our Building Design Process in Sydney

You receive concept plans with 3D visualisation, drawings for a development application (DA) or complying development certificate (CDC), and a construction set of working drawings, specifications and schedules. The design studio does not build: it designs and documents the home and works with your licensed builder.

  1. Consultation and project brief. A free consultation to understand what you want, your budget and your block.
  2. Site review and feasibility. The site is reviewed against council controls so you know what can be built before design starts.
  3. Concept design and 3D direction. Concept plans with 3D visualisation, so you can see the design before it is documented.
  4. Council approval and compliance. Drawings are prepared for the DA or CDC, and checked against council requirements.
  5. Construction documentation and handover. Working drawings, specifications, detail packages and fixture and finishes schedules, with engineering and consultant documents coordinated into one set.

What You Get Designing in Sutherland Shire and Sydney

  • One designer on every project. It is a deliberately small studio where Jay Francis works personally on each project.
  • Feasibility before design. A site review and feasibility check against council controls comes before concept design.
  • Approvals documentation included. Drawings for the DA or CDC are prepared and checked against council requirements.
  • A construction set your builder can price. Working drawings, specifications, detail packages and fixture and finishes schedules, with consultant documentation coordinated.
  • Fees agreed in stages. Fees are quoted after a consultation and site review, structured around schematic design, design development and construction documentation.
  • Insured. Professional indemnity of $5,000,000 and public liability of $10,000,000.

About Jay Francis, Building Designer in Sydney

Jay Francis is a building designer with more than 20 years of residential experience, a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from UNSW Sydney and a Diploma of Architectural Technology. He is a member of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA). He is not a registered architect: the title architect is protected under the Architects Act 2003 in NSW.

The studio works mainly in the Sutherland Shire, with projects in St George, the Inner West, the Northern Beaches and Parramatta, and also in Wollongong and the Illawarra through to Lake Conjola.

The studio is in Sutherland NSW (ABN 48 669 037 334), and it is a deliberately small practice.

Request a Design Consultation in Sydney

Request a free consultation through the contact page to talk through your brief and your site, or phone the studio.

Request a design consultationOr call 0410 752 616

Building Design in Sydney: Your Questions Answered

Is a building designer the same as an architect in Sydney?

No. Jay Francis is a building designer, not a registered architect, because the title architect is protected under the Architects Act 2003 in NSW. He has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from UNSW, over 20 years of residential experience and BDAA membership.

Do you build the home as well as design it in Sydney?

No. The studio designs and documents the home in Sydney and works with your licensed builder. You choose and contract your own licensed builder, and the studio does not carry out the construction itself, so mention any builder you already have in mind when you enquire.

Can you design a duplex or dual occupancy in Sydney?

Yes, including the DA and CDC applications. Whether a duplex is allowed depends on zoning, lot size and council controls, so the site review and feasibility step checks those before design begins.

Which parts of Sydney do you work in?

Mainly the Sutherland Shire, with projects in St George, the Inner West, the Northern Beaches and Parramatta. Suburbs not listed can be discussed in a free consultation, and the studio also works in Wollongong, the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven.

Can you just do the drafting from my sketches or plans in Sydney?

Yes. The studio can work from sketches or existing plans, including checks against council controls and buildability. You do not have to use the full design service if you only need documentation prepared.

How long does the design process take in Sydney?

A typical custom home takes 4 to 10 months from concept through to approval. The range depends on the scope of the home, the council involved and how long the consultants take to coordinate their documents.

How are building design fees worked out in Sydney?

Each project is quoted after an initial consultation and site review. After the brief is reviewed you receive a scope of works with a fee schedule, structured around schematic design, design development and construction documentation.

Who prepares the BASIX certificate for a Sydney home?

BASIX certificates are prepared by an external accredited consultant, and the studio coordinates the result into the documentation. BASIX applies to new homes and to alterations and additions above the value thresholds.

How do I start a building design project in Sydney?

Use the request button above or phone 0410 752 616. Bring your brief, your address and any existing plans. The first step is a free consultation, and enquiries get a response within one business day.