Frequently Asked Questions
Does Project Habitation work with new builds or renovations?
Both. We design new homes from the ground up and also guide renovations and extensions of existing buildings, always applying our climate-responsive and sustainable design approach.
What areas does Project Habitation work in?
We operate across South East Queensland and Northern NSW, spanning from Brighton (4017) down to Lennox Head (2478).
What size budgets does Project Habitation typically work with?
We consider projects with a minimum budget of around $800,000. This is due to the rising cost of building, and to ensure there is suitable scope in the project.
How long does the design process typically take?
For a standard new build or renovation, clients should expect approximately 6 to 18 months for the entire design process. This includes design, feedback, engineering, tendering and approvals.
Why is Project Habitation boutique in size?
We are boutique by choice. This lets us:
carefully select projects and clients we genuinely connect with
maintain design quality and integrity
provide close, hands-on client relationships
manage a sustainable workload and work-life balance
How much does it cost to build or renovate?
Building costs vary widely depending on location, finishes, site conditions, design complexity, and materials. Current benchmarks in Brisbane suggest around $5000/m2. For luxury custom homes with high end finishes, expect the rate to sit beyond that.
What is climate-responsive design?
Climate-responsive design means tailoring your home to your sites micro climate. It considers sun angles, prevailing winds, seasonal changes, humidity, topography, water flows, etc to maximise comfort and minimise energy use.
It’s important because it:
reduces your running costs (less heating, cooling, mechanical intervention)
enhances comfort year-round
improves resilience to climate extremes
supports sustainability by lowering resource consumption
What is Passive Design vs PassivHaus?
Passive Design lies at the heart of our climate-responsive approach. It involves strategies like careful solar orientation, shading, thermal mass, insulation, and natural airflow. By aligning a home with its site and climate, we reduce energy use and enhance comfort for those who live in it.
PassivHaus is a highly rigorous performance standard that originated in Germany. It sets strict requirements for airtightness, insulation, mechanical heat recovery, and energy use. The aim is homes so efficient they hardly need heating or cooling. This is particularly useful in more extreme climates than ours.
Because PassivHaus was developed for cooler climates, applying it in subtropical regions like South East Queensland and Northern NSW demands adaptation. In warmer, humid zones, challenges include managing humidity, avoiding overheating, and ensuring good indoor air quality without excessive mechanical systems.
At Project Habitation we combine the best of both worlds. We adopt advanced PassivHaus techniques such as highly insulated envelopes and airtight construction where they make sense. But we also preserve aspects of subtropical living: generous eaves, open planning, indoor-outdoor connections, and ample ventilation paths. The result is a home that is healthier, quieter, energy smart, and still firmly rooted in the joy of subtropical living.
What is the difference between a Drafter, Building Designer and an Architect?
A Drafter typically has a technical certification from TAFE and focuses on technical drawings. They translate concepts or instructions into CAD plans, but don’t usually drive design decisions or assess how a building sits in its environment. They don’t have the breadth of design or regulatory training to develop a holistic solution.
A Building Designer typically has a Diploma and has more design training and understands the coordination of structure, materials, function, and local regulations. In Queensland, building designers must hold a licence under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). They often specialise in residential work, working with clients through concept, approvals, and documentation.
An Architect has completed a Bachelor of Architecture followed by a Master of Architecture. They then need to become registered with the Board of Architects to be a licensed practitioner. They view a home as a system: site, climate, context, regulations, structure, aesthetics and lifestyle. Rather than simply drawing walls, they solve complex problems, such as how to make a home function beautifully, adapt to climate, comply with regulations, and stand the test of time.
What sets Project Habitation apart from the typical Building Designer vs Architect description is this: although we hold Masters in Architecture and a Bachelor in Interior Design, our licence to carry out design work is with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (licence number 1258577), not the Board of Architects. That is a procedural distinction only and it in no way diminishes our professionalism, design ability, or scope of design work. You’ll receive the same calibre of thought, care and precision you would expect from a top tier firm, but with more personalised listening and attention because of the scale of our practice.
Awards & Recognition
Our work has been recognised for its considered approach to design, craftsmanship, and sustainability across Queensland and Northern NSW.
Bathroom of the Year – HIA Brisbane 2025 for Hyde House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Finalist –Green Smart Sustainable Home HIA Queensland 2025 for Hyde House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Finalist – Custom Built Home $650,000–$1 million HIA Queensland 2025 for Hyde House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Finalist – People’s Choice Home HIA Brisbane/Toowoomba 2025 for Hyde House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Finalist – Renovation / Addition up to $500,000 HIA Queensland 2022 Blomfield House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Finalist – Kitchen Design HIA Queensland 2022 Blomfield House
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Bathroom of the Year – HIA Brisbane 2020 for Woodland Bathroom
Awarded to builder Varian Construction, designed by Project Habitation
Winner Sustainable Small House design – Lismore & Byron Bay Sustainable House Day 2014