Full Services.

Concept Design

We explore different site planning options the relationship between built and natural spaces, and opportunities to enhance sustainability through solar access, and passive design principles. We also assess staging and phasing strategies where applicable, ensuring a logical and flexible development process.This process will provide a clear framework for future design decisions, ensuring that all elements work harmoniously within the broader vision for your property. Using simple floor plans and sketches, we explore different ways your home could be arranged, how the rooms connect, how spaces flow, and how the design can support your lifestyle.

Design Development

During this stage, our focus is on refining the design so it not only looks beautiful, but also feels functional, comfortable, and cohesive. We model everything in 3D to test ideas, resolve details, and make sure the design truly works. 3D views help illustrate how spaces connect, how light moves through them, and how the overall form takes shape. Because the process is collaborative, your feedback continues to guide the design, ensuring it grows into something that truly reflects your needs, aspirations, and way of living.

Planning Application

At this stage, we prepare the detailed application package - either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on the chosen pathway. We coordinate with the required consultants, compile all documentation, and manage the lodgement through the NSW Planning Portal to obtain approval from council or a private certifier.

Construction Documentation

To translate the concept into reality, we prepare comprehensive and precise construction drawings. These include detailed specifications for finishes, materials, fixtures, joinery, and other design elements. This level of detail ensures seamless communication with builders, contractors, and suppliers, enabling the design to be executed with accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the detailed documentation provides clarity for builders and trades during the tender process, helping to generate more accurate and consistent pricing.

Interior Design

We select all finishes and present the internal layouts of all joinery, kitchens and bathrooms to you. We complete highly technical drawings of the interior joinery and bathroom layouts for construction.

Tender

We prepare a tender package to send to our most trusted builders to prepare a detailed tender breakdown of costs and liaise with them on your behalf until you sign the contract.

Construction Certificate

We prepare Construction Certificate drawings and a package of consultants based on the conditions of consent to a private certifier to commence construction.

Services During Construction

Our involvement during construction is tailored to suit your needs and the complexity of the project. We can provide full contract administration, or offer a more limited service such as responding to RFIs, attending site visits, and reviewing shop drawings. This flexibility allows clients to choose the level of support that best suits their project and working arrangement with the builder.

Enquire Now

Frequently asked questions

  • If your project involves planning approvals, a complex site, or a significant investment, engaging an architect is recommended. An architect manages design, planning, approvals and coordination holistically. Elo Architecture specialises in residential renovations and new homes across Sydney’s North Shore, Northern Beaches and acreage properties.

  • The best time to engage an architect is before purchasing a property or committing to a builder. Early architectural advice helps assess planning controls, development potential, site constraints and budget alignment, reducing risk later in the project.

  • Design Discovery is an early advisory service that helps clients understand what is possible with a property before proceeding to full architectural services. It is suitable for developers, property buyers, or owners seeking planning advice, feasibility guidance or initial layout concepts. Full architectural services are better suited for homeowners planning a renovation.

  • Yes. Elo Architecture designs alterations and additions, major renovations and new homes. We regularly work with existing houses on sloping sites, bushfire-prone land and environmentally sensitive locations.

  • Yes. We have extensive experience designing homes in bushfire-prone locations across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore and semi-rural areas. Bushfire requirements are considered from the earliest design stages, including building siting, Asset Protection Zones and material selection.

  • Timeframes vary based on site constraints and approval pathways. Early design typically takes 4–8 weeks, documentation and approvals preparation 6–10 weeks, and council assessment for a DA usually ranges from 10–16 weeks.

  • Architectural fees depend on the project scope, complexity and level of service. Elo Architecture offers fixed fees for defined scopes, stage-based services, and hourly engagements for advisory work. Fees are discussed upfront so clients understand what is included.

  • Yes. We are independent of builders and can work with your preferred builder or assist with builder selection and tendering. This ensures design intent is maintained throughout construction.

  • Yes. Sustainability is integrated into our design approach, including passive solar design, energy efficiency, material selection and long-term performance. Our aim is to design homes that are comfortable, durable and responsive to their environment.

  • Elo Architecture primarily works across Sydney’s North Shore, Northern Beaches, and surrounding semi-rural areas, including acreage and bushland sites.

  • Yes. We can provide DA-only architectural services where appropriate. That said, we generally recommend progressing beyond DA into documentation and construction support to ensure the design intent is properly carried through and the project is delivered smoothly.