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Featured Articles
Spring Clean Your Home Before You Renovate
Before you renovate, your home can teach you a lot about how you actually live. This article shares practical ways to test flow, storage and daily routines before committing to permanent renovation work.
What an Architect-Designed Home Budget Includes, 2026 Guide
A 2026 guide to the full budget for an architect-designed home: construction, consultants, approvals, contingencies and owner costs, with practical decision points before design.
One Project, One Development Approval
Victoria doesn’t need weaker planning and building controls. It needs a better way of administering them. Audrey Whisker argues for one coordinated development-approval gateway when planning is triggered, keeping the protections while putting regulatory complexity behind the counter.
Saltbush Retreat Featured by Modinex
Modinex has featured Saltbush Retreat, detailing the Western Red Cedar cladding used across the Warrnambool home’s external walls and concealed garage door.
Smart Storage for a Calmer Home
Thoughtful storage can make a home feel calmer, more spacious and easier to use. See how early planning, well-placed joinery and practical dimensions improve everyday life in four Victorian homes.
Renovating a Melbourne Apartment from Overseas
A South Yarra apartment was redesigned and delivered for clients living in the United States. See how clear decisions, 3D walkthroughs, detailed documentation and regular site reporting made remote collaboration work.
AI in Architecture: Useful Tool, Uncomfortable Questions
How Whisker Architecture uses AI for information processing, practice systems and visual communication while retaining human verification, professional responsibility and project-specific safeguards.
Heritage Overlays in Victoria
A practical guide to Heritage Overlays in Victoria, including how to check a property, understand the schedule and statement of significance, and plan a renovation or extension around site-specific controls.
Building in a Bushfire Prone Area in Victoria
Understand the difference between a Bushfire Prone Area and Bushfire Management Overlay, how BAL requirements affect design, and why the so-called 50% renovation rule needs project-specific advice.
Saltbush Retreat Wins 2026 HIA Western Victoria Home of the Year
Saltbush Retreat, designed by Whisker Architecture and built by Argent Constructions, has received three 2026 HIA Western Victoria awards.
Designing Homes for Pets and People
Whisker Architecture is featured in Domain discussing pet-friendly home design, including clever details from our Banksia Renewed project in Wonga Park.
Designing Out the Mental Load
In this ArchiPro feature, Audrey Whisker discusses how thoughtful residential design can reduce the mental load of everyday life.
Hillside Home on ArchiPro
ArchiPro featured our Beaconsfield Hillside Home, a family home designed as a glowing beacon within the landscape.
Responsible AI with Greenfleet
Greenfleet featured insights from Whisker Architecture in an article examining the environmental impact of artificial intelligence and the importance of responsible AI adoption.
Residential Lessons from Schools
ArchiPro featured Audrey Whisker in an article exploring what residential architecture can learn from education design.
Audrey Whisker Shares Her Architecture Origin Story
In this feature for Sounds Like Design, Audrey reflects on the experiences that have shaped her approach to architecture.
School Master Planning Recognition
Consult Clarity included Whisker Architecture in its list of the 19 best school master planning consultants across Australia and New Zealand.
12 Things We Avoid Specifying in New Homes
Twelve familiar products, systems and details we usually avoid in new homes, and the better-performing alternatives we consider for comfort, durability and future adaptability.
Designing a Home That Is Easier to Manage With Allergies
Practical design strategies that can make a home easier to manage with allergies, including cleanable surfaces, moisture control, ventilation, storage and all-electric services.
Hillside Home with Cosh Living
Cosh Living featured our Hillside Home project, exploring how architecture, landscape, and furniture selection work together to create a cohesive living environment.
Download A Free Guide
Learn more with our free downloadable guides, designed to be printed or viewed on your device.
At Whisker Architecture, we craft custom homes that are as unique as you. Guided by empathy and sustainability, we design energy-efficient forever homes that reflect your values and lifestyle.
Who We Are
Led by Audrey Whisker, our team specialises in creating bespoke, timeless designs that support your aspirations and make a positive impact.
Our Sustainability Values
We integrate energy-efficient layouts, passive solar design, and sustainable materials to create homes that balance luxury and environmental responsibility.
Our Process
Our client-focused approach begins with our Home Masterplan Report, offering:
Tailored layout options
Council reviews
Cost and timeline estimates
This ensures clarity and confidence from day one. From design to completion, we’re with you every step of the way.
What Our Clients Say
“Our house is beautiful but also comfortable and functional. Audrey and Winnie took the time to understand our vision and needs as a family and were responsive, friendly and easy to communicate with. They were also happy to liaise in the design and tender stage with our chosen builder which made the build process more efficient. Thank you, Whisker Architecture!” - Micaela & Benjamin
Start Your Forever Home Journey
Discover how Whisker Architecture can bring your dream home to life. Download our capability brochure today and begin your journey to a truly unique forever home.
Discover how to design, build, or renovate your home for unmatched energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and exceptional thermal comfort. Our Free Design Guide to 7 Star Homes is the ultimate resource for homeowners and renovators in Australia who want to create sustainable living spaces without compromising on style or functionality.
In Victoria, the NCC 2022 energy-efficiency changes commenced on 1 May 2024, introducing a 7-star thermal-performance requirement through the NatHERS pathway and a separate Whole of Home energy-use requirement for relevant new homes. Requirements, compliance pathways and commencement dates vary between states and territories. This guide offers practical design principles; confirm the applicable NCC edition, Victorian variations and transitional arrangements with your building surveyor and energy assessor before relying on it for a project. This easy-to-follow guide empowers you with practical advice and expert insights on achieving a 7-star NatHERS energy rating, including tips for:
Energy-efficient home design: Learn how to incorporate passive solar principles and smart layout strategies for year-round comfort.
Reducing energy bills: Explore sustainable solutions that cut energy consumption while keeping your home cosy and cost-effective.
Thermal comfort: Discover the secrets to maintaining optimal indoor temperatures, even in Australia's diverse climates.
Renovating for sustainability: Find actionable steps for retrofitting existing homes with modern, eco-friendly upgrades.
Designed for Victorian homeowners, renovators, and builders, this downloadable PDF guide addresses the key elements of achieving energy-efficient homes, from insulation and draught sealing to renewable energy integration. It’s perfect for families, professionals, and anyone who values long-term sustainability.
Why Download This Guide?
Save money: Understand how energy-efficient designs lower ongoing energy costs.
Live sustainably: Reduce your carbon footprint with environmentally conscious home solutions.
Plan smarter: Get step-by-step advice to confidently start your 7-star home project.
Designed for Australians: Tailored for homes in Victoria and beyond, this guide aligns with local climate considerations and building standards.
This download is the July 2024 edition. Its general design advice should be read alongside current requirements; it is not a substitute for a project-specific energy assessment or compliance advice.
Download your free guide today and start designing a home that’s better for the planet, your wallet, and your family.
Redefine education spaces with Whisker Architecture. Our Learning Environments Capability Statement is a comprehensive document that highlights our expertise in designing innovative, sustainable, and inclusive learning spaces for Victorian schools.
We combine functionality with creativity to deliver high-impact, low-maintenance solutions tailored to each institution's unique needs. From STEM facilities to multi-purpose learning hubs, our designs inspire both educators and students while prioritising long-term value and environmental sustainability.
Highlights of Our Capability Statement:
Purpose-driven designs: Fit-for-purpose spaces that support diverse learning styles and activities.
Sustainability focus: Environmentally conscious solutions, including energy-efficient and low-maintenance designs.
Inclusive environments: Spaces that foster equity, accessibility, and collaboration for all users.
Proven expertise: Extensive experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education projects for government, Catholic, and private clients.
Transform your vision for learning into a reality with architecture that empowers the next generation.
Download our Learning Environments Capability Statement today and explore how we create spaces where education thrives.
We should all be so lucky to age in a society that allows us to age gracefully.
Designing for inclusion is one way we hope to leave the world better.