An Independent Studio Built on Design Rigour
We are a dedicated custom home design studio — not a volume builder, not a draftsperson service. We are architectural designers who believe that where you live should be designed with the same intellectual care and creative discipline as any significant building project.
Custom Home Design, Done Properly
Our studio was founded on a straightforward conviction: that every person who builds a home deserves a design that has been genuinely thought through — not adapted from a catalogue, not squeezed onto a site, and not compromised by production-line constraints.
We specialise in custom home design, with particular expertise in complex and tricky sites. Narrow blocks, steep gradients, irregular boundaries, challenging planning overlays — these are the projects that demand real architectural thinking, and the ones we do best.
Over more than 15 years, our studio has developed a reputation for design quality, client collaboration, and documentation that builders can actually use. We work closely with a range of registered builders — and are proud design partners of Nice Builds and Nice Homes — to ensure every design we produce can be brought to life with integrity.
Our Core Values
Craftsmanship
Every line, detail, and proportion is considered with precision. We believe great architecture is the sum of a thousand thoughtful decisions.
Innovation
We embrace new technologies and design thinking to push boundaries — from 3D virtual walkthroughs to energy-efficient passive design strategies.
Integrity
Transparent communication, honest advice, and unwavering commitment to delivering exactly what we promise — on time, on brief, and on budget.
Client-First
Your vision is our brief. We listen deeply, ask the right questions, and craft homes that reflect your unique lifestyle, values, and aspirations.
15 Years of Building Dreams
What started as a single architect's vision has grown into a trusted team of passionate designers, delivering over 500 bespoke homes across the region.
Custom Home Design founded by principal architect James Whitmore
Awarded Best Custom Home Designer — Regional Excellence Awards
Expanded to double-storey and acreage design specialisations
Launched signature Hamptons and Modern collections
500+ homes designed across the region
Introduced 3D render previews and virtual design consultations
Design & Build Partnerships
Great architecture is only complete when it is built. We work in close partnership with trusted building companies to offer clients a coherent, coordinated path from design to construction.
Nice Builds — Brisbane
Nice Builds is a premium custom home builder based in Brisbane, known for exceptional craftsmanship and a client-first approach. As our primary construction partner, Nice Builds brings our architectural designs to life with precision and quality across South East Queensland.
Together, our studios offer a seamless design-and-build experience. Our documentation is produced to Nice Builds' construction standards, ensuring a smooth, efficient build process with minimal variations and maximum design integrity.
Visit Nice BuildsNice Homes
Nice Homes is a property-focused partner within our network, specialising in residential property development and investment-grade home solutions. Our collaboration with Nice Homes extends the reach of our design capability into property development — delivering architecturally considered homes that perform both as places to live and as long-term assets.
Through this partnership, clients who are building or investing in residential property have access to design expertise calibrated for both liveability and market performance.
Partnership — More Details Coming SoonHow We Design
Our design process is collaborative, thorough, and site-responsive. More detail about how we work — including our tools, technology, and consultation approach — will be added here shortly.
Awards & Industry Recognition
Our work has been recognised across 18 industry awards. A full list of awards and commendations will be published here shortly.
Best Custom Home Designer
HIA Australian Housing Awards — Regional Excellence
Outstanding Residential Design
Master Builders Queensland — Design Excellence Award
Architectural Innovation Award
AIBS National Built Environment Awards — Residential Category
Sustainable Design Commendation
Green Building Council Australia — Residential Recognition
Client Choice Award
Housing Industry Association — South-East Queensland
Best New Residential Design Studio
Queensland Architecture Awards — Emerging Practice
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