Ready to design the home you have been thinking about? As a dual-licensed builder and building designer, I create construction-ready plans that work on site — not just on paper. Request a consultation to get started, or learn more about how our design process works.
A custom home designer takes your ideas, your lifestyle requirements, and the realities of your block of land and turns all of that into a detailed set of construction documents. These are the plans your builder works from — the drawings that council assesses, that engineers reference, and that keep your project on track from slab to handover.
I have been doing this on the Gold Coast for over 15 years, and before that I spent more than a decade on the tools as a licensed builder. That combination — building designer and builder — changes the way I approach every project. I am not just drawing pretty pictures. I am designing homes that can actually be built efficiently, within budget, and without the nasty surprises that come from designs drawn without construction knowledge.
Design fees for a custom home on the Gold Coast typically start from around $3,000 for a straightforward project and scale up depending on the complexity, size, and site conditions. A two-storey home on a sloping block with multiple living zones will naturally require more design time than a single-level home on a flat lot.
I am upfront about costs from the very first conversation. My initial consultation is $280, and that fee is credited toward your design package if you choose to proceed. During that session, we walk through your brief, discuss your budget expectations, and I give you a realistic idea of what the design phase will involve. No surprises, no hidden extras — just honest numbers so you can make informed decisions. You can book a consultation here.
Here is something most people do not realise: less than one percent of building designers in Australia also hold a builder’s licence. I am one of them. That dual licence — QBCC Builder and QBCC Building Designer — is not just a credential on paper. It fundamentally changes how I design.
When I draw a floor plan, I am already thinking about how the framing will work, where the plumbing runs need to go, how the roof structure ties in, and what the builder will need to price the job accurately. I have seen hundreds of plans from other designers that look fantastic on screen but create headaches on site — walls that do not line up with structural grids, wet areas that need expensive plumbing relocations, or roof forms that blow the budget.
My designs avoid those problems because I have actually built homes. I know what works and what does not, and that knowledge is baked into every drawing I produce. You can read more about my background here.
Every custom home project follows a clear process, and I make sure you understand each stage before we move forward. It starts with the initial consultation where we discuss your vision, your block, your budget, and any council or covenant requirements that might affect the design.
From there, I develop concept sketches — usually two or three layout options for you to compare. We refine your preferred option through a collaborative process until you are happy with the design direction. Then I produce the full set of construction documents: floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, and all the technical details your builder and council need.
I also coordinate with engineers, energy assessors, and other consultants as required. The goal is to hand you a complete, construction-ready package — not a half-finished set of drawings that needs another round of work before anyone can build from them. See the full design process here.
Whether you are building your first home, designing a knockdown-rebuild, or creating something truly unique for a challenging site, the process is designed to give you confidence at every stage. And because I understand construction, I can flag potential issues early — before they become expensive problems during the build.
If you are considering a custom home on the Gold Coast, I would love to hear about your project. Get in touch and let us start the conversation.
Every set of plans I produce is designed to go straight to a builder for pricing and then to council for approval. I include all the technical detail — dimensions, material specifications, structural notes, and compliance references — so there is no back-and-forth, no guesswork, and no wasted time. My construction background means I design with buildability in mind from the very first sketch. Your builder gets clear, accurate documents. Your certifier gets compliant drawings. And you get a home that matches what you approved on paper. The same approach applies to our renovation design service — construction-ready documentation, every time.
Living on the Gold Coast means designing for subtropical conditions — summer breezes, afternoon storms, intense sun, and an outdoor lifestyle that most of the country envies. I design homes that work with the climate rather than fighting it: cross-ventilation, covered outdoor living areas, smart orientation, and shading strategies that reduce your energy bills and keep you comfortable year-round. Whether you are in the hinterland, on a canal, or in a suburban pocket, I tailor every design to your specific site and the way your family actually lives. Learn more about our sustainable design approach.
"David actually respects a budget, thinks practically, and is relentlessly solution-focused. He cares more about delivering for the client than unnecessarily spending a client's money. He listens, truly listens, understands what you mean, and makes the whole journey centred around you as the client."
"David did the design for our house extension and we couldn't be happier. The builders commented that the plans and design were really well done and made a lot of sense to them — they weren't surprised when I told them Dave also has a building background."
Read all reviews · 5.0 out of 5 on Google
Book a consultation to discuss your project. The $280 consultation fee is credited in full if you proceed to design.
Already formulated your vision? Or seeking a start point and guiding hand?
We can help you commence your journey today.
