Playoust Churcher Architects A year in review

As we sign off for 2025, I take this opportunity to look back on a year of innovation and insight at Playoust Churcher Architects. Our blogs covered topics ranging from preserving the charm of heritage homes to exploring new development opportunities on Sydney’s North Shore.

Here are some highlights from 2025 that show how Playoust Churcher Architects continues to lead as North Sydney’s architectural experts.

One focus this year was on integrating modern living into historic homes. We addressed the challenge of updating Federation-era houses without losing their character. These beloved early-1900s homes come with strict conservation rules and design constraints. Our approach balances preservation and innovation. As I noted, “Our goal is to preserve the soul of a Federation home while creating light-filled, sustainable spaces that feel like a natural evolution of its story.”

In practice, we work closely with heritage consultants and councils to introduce modern comforts and sustainability within the historical framework, respecting the past while meeting contemporary needs.

Home design is evolving in response to changing lifestyles. We found that downsizing no longer means downgrading, as one article noted, many downsizers now demand “more home with less maintenance”. Empty-nesters on the North Shore still want luxury features and space for hobbies and family, even in smaller, easier-to-manage properties. Likewise, outdoor living has become essential. In Sydney’s North Shore suburbs, indoor-outdoor flow is more than a trend – “it’s a way of life”

We shared tips on creating alfresco entertaining areas and garden connections so that homeowners can maximise their outdoor space year-round.

We also discussed innovative strategies for property development. One article tackled the classic “knockdown rebuild or renovate?” dilemma. Our advice: start with a careful feasibility study and lean on local expertise. With over 50 years in the area, Playoust Churcher’s clients “lean on our local knowledge and experience” to guide their decisions. Sometimes a sympathetic renovation preserves a home’s charm; other times a brand-new build can best unlock a site’s potential for natural light, views, and modern amenities.

Another hot topic was dual occupancy and multi-dwelling developments. North Shore owners can unlock significant value with well-planned dual occupancies. We cautioned against rushing in for profit. Instead, our “smart density” philosophy emphasises bespoke, high-quality designs that enhance community character while delivering long-term ROI.

A poorly designed project can face council hurdles and diminished returns, whereas a thoughtful design will add value.

Understanding local council regulations was a recurring theme throughout the year. To help demystify regulations, we published Sydney Council Insight guides for municipalities throughout the North Shore.

Our new online Council Insight Hub brings together guidance, reflecting our decades of experience working with all the North Shore councils. Over the years, we’ve built a thorough understanding of each council’s nuances and strong relationships that ease the approval process.

Our clients move forward with confidence, knowing compliance is handled and creative design won’t be stifled by bureaucracy.

In addition to sharing advice, we pulled back the curtain on our practice. In March, we provided a detailed overview of our six-stage architectural process and expanded our Project Case Studies section with additional examples. These case studies showcase completed homes across Sydney’s North Shore, explaining how we tackled each project’s unique challenges.

Our 2025 articles reinforced that, with the right planning and process, you can achieve a home that is both beautiful and a savvy investment. As we head into 2026, Playoust Churcher remains dedicated to guiding clients from start to finish. With deep roots in Sydney’s North Shore  and a passion for quality design, our team ensures every project meets council requirements and exceeds expectations

We look forward to turning more dreams into reality in 2026.

Playoust Churcher Architects is Sydney’s North Shore’s most respected architectural firm. We have been integral to the area’s architectural fabric for over thirty years, designing and supervising the construction of some of the area’s most esteemed renovation and new-build projects.

An integral part of your journey with us is our comprehensive process approach, tailored to meet the demands of our clients and council regulatory frameworks. Our team is well-positioned to maximise your financial return and is committed to delivering value that minimises risk and ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget. We specialise in Federation and heritage projects and invite you to view our projects.

Contact our team for a comprehensive consultation on your project.