Sophistication at every touchpoint

Your dream home must epitomise both functionality and beauty, serving as a true extension of your identity. Throughout the entire journey, our dedicated team is committed to transforming this vision into a tangible reality.

From our initial meeting to that momentous stride into your freshly minted residence, we stand alongside you. We transcend the role of architects, assuming the mantle of guardians who possess the expertise and dedication to transform your dream home into a living, breathing actuality.

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & design

We discuss and plan every single detail to ensure you have a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Feasibility & design

Schematic 4D modelling

We design a 4D model of your new home so you can walk through each room virtually.

Schematic 4D modelling

Council compliance

We use our council process knowledge and relationships to get quick, easy approval to commence building.

Council compliance

Interior architecture

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Interior architecture

Contract tender

We present you with a curated panel of expert builders. Your vision, budget and the project’s technical aspects are all meticulously managed.

Contract tender

Design management

We stay on top of each aspect of the building process to protect the shared vision of your home.

Design management

Feasibility & Design:

Our primary goal is to unearth your desires but with a strong emphasis on feasibility and cost analysis. We pay meticulous attention as you reveal the intricacies, including practical considerations like where the kids will store their school bags or the strategic location of the drying room. This thorough process lays the foundation for constructing a home that aligns with your unique lifestyle while remaining budget-conscious.

We navigate the complexities of your land and council regulations, assessing relevant zoning requirements, heritage or bushfire stipulations and identifying and addressing any potential challenges associated with your design vision.

If needed, we engage with the council for a pre-DA discussion to ensure compliance and streamline the process.

Recognising the importance of budgets, we undertake a rigorous cost analysis that reinforces the feasibility of your dream home within your financial framework. We bolster this with a market analysis that safeguards the future saleability of your home, ensuring the protection of your investment.

We present you with pencil sketch concepts that combine your vision with a cost-conscious approach. These sketches empower you to engage with various elements, ensuring your dream home is not only a vision but a feasible and budget-friendly reality throughout the entire process.

Schematic 4D modelling:

This phase comes alive through our exceptional 4D computer modelling. It provides the unique opportunity to virtually traverse your envisioned home right from the moment you open the front door.

Our mastery in 4D modelling empowers us to iteratively refine the designs and amplify your vision that will enhance your daily life. We delve into the minutiae, including the choice of materials, from kitchen benchtops to interior panelling, determining the dimensions of your wardrobes, and meticulously selecting the fixtures and fittings that will grace your living spaces. You will understand how the natural light will paint your home and how each area interacts within the dwelling and connects the inhabitants to the house.

Council compliance:

This process phase can often be quite cumbersome. Over decades of designing on Sydney’s North Shore, we’ve fostered strong relationships within the council and possess an intimate understanding of the process.

We expertly manage a proficient consultant team encompassing landscape architects, stormwater engineers, arborists, bushfire consultants, heritage consultants and planners.

We actively participate in council meetings to address any concerns or misconceptions and respond to any inquiries or issues raised by your neighbours about your home and construction project.

Our attention to detail and established rapport with the council ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on your dream home while we care for the rest.

Interior architecture:

Breathing life into the concept, we embark on the comprehensive interior architecture phase. We delve into the intricate details that make a dwelling truly exceptional. Our expertise extends to designing the heart of the home, including the kitchen and bathrooms, meticulously crafting stairs, optimising lighting solutions, and selecting tiles that blend aesthetics with functionality, all while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory and budgetary considerations.

Our interior architecture expertise blends form and function to craft aesthetically pleasing and practical spaces.

Contract tender:

We present an exhaustive set of construction drawings to prepare for entering into a fixed-price building contract. These comprehensive documents serve as the blueprint for the forthcoming construction phase.

Our collaboration begins with you as we assist in selecting a builder whose expertise aligns with your project’s specific requirements. Subsequently, we furnish the preferred builder with the required documentation.

Our active involvement remains throughout the construction phase. This hands-on approach guarantees that we precisely execute every detail, facilitating a seamless process. We remain readily available to address inquiries or concerns, fostering a collaborative working relationship between all stakeholders.

Design management:

This concluding phase ensures that the house you are constructing aligns perfectly with your dream home vision.

We maintain a vigilant watch over every detail in collaboration with the builders, providing peace of mind that we perfectly execute every agreed-upon element, from tile placement to lighting.

Our regular on-site presence with the builders ensures you receive timely progress updates. By taking on this hands-on role, we safeguard your interests throughout the contract administration process, a practice called “design management.”

To you, it translates into a seamless, hassle-free experience both in the short and long term.

Our dedication doesn’t waver – even after you’ve unlocked the door to your new home.

Recent projects

Freshwater

Concept: Creating a light, airy, character-filled three-level Hampton-style beach home on a small corner site

Learn More

Killara Heritage

Concept: Adapting a beautiful family heritage home in a quiet street on a large site to suit the family’s lifestyle

Learn More

East Lindfield

Concept: Designing a new family home that maximises the views and introduces a sense of open space

Learn More

Lindfield Heritage Home

Concept: A complex yet successful renovation of this stunning heritage home in a conservation area

Learn More

Castlecrag

Concept: A 1970s build transformed into a bright, open design maximising stunning harbour views

Learn More

Chilton Parade, Warrawee

Concept: A complete rebuild of half the property over two levels, whilst also incorporating the property next door

Learn More

Palm Beach Renovation

Concept: A majestic holiday home that pushes the design envelop, blending sustainable materials and natural light

Learn More

Arnold Street Killara

Concept: A major ground floor renovation of a large estate with a new three-car garage and 14 metre pool

Learn More

Sydney Councils

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most prestigious municipalities. Playoust Churcher Architects provide expert guidance to ensure you realise your property’s and project’s value.

Learn More

Ku-Ring-Gai Council

North Sydney’s Council regulations for residential renovations can be complex. Playoust Churcher Architects understands the nuances and offers expert and experienced advice.

Learn More

North Sydney Council

Lane Cove Council prioritises sustainability and bushland preservation, often requiring careful environmental considerations.

Learn More

Lane Cove Council

Hunters Hill, one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities, has strict heritage conservation rules, making renovations in the area particularly intricate.

Learn More

Hunters Hill Council

While progressive in its approach to modern development, Willoughby Council enforces stringent height, bulk, and character controls to maintain the area’s aesthetic integrity.

Learn More

Willoughby Council

See All

“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.

They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”

Justin & Marek

“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.

We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”

Nadia & Jamieson

“Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.

It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”

Kate & Scott

“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.

They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”

Lisa

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps are involved in Playoust Churcher’s architectural process?

Our process typically follows these stages: feasibility assessment, site analysis, concept design, design development, council approvals (such as DA or SEPP applications), and builder coordination. Each project is guided with attention to design quality and client outcomes.

Learn more about our Council Insight Hub

How do you approach council and planning approvals?

We manage all aspects of the approvals process—including Heritage Impact Statements, zoning analysis, engagement with consultants and preparation of documentation for DA submission. Our familiarity with councils across Sydney ensures smoother client experiences.

Explore projects delivered through complex DA approvals

How long does the architectural process usually take?

Timeframes vary based on project scale, site constraints and council requirements. In general, feasibility to design approval takes 2–4 months, and design to documentation and council submission may take another 2–3 months.

Can you handle larger multi-dwelling or dual-occupancy projects?

Yes. Our process applies equally to high-end single dwellings and small multi-residential developments. We specialise in design-led projects under R2 zoning or SEPP provisions, maintaining quality at every scale.

What support do you provide after council approval?

Once approvals are granted, we can assist with builder tendering, contract review and construction administration. This service ensures continuity of design intent and a smooth transition into the build phase.

News and articles

2 October, 2025 By Brett Churcher - Managing Director

Have questions? Chat
with our team today.

02 9498 8811

11 Marian Street
Killara NSW 2071
Australia

We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.