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The Truth About Large Voids in Homes
Australia’s housing market is out of balance. While most households are just one or two people, our homes are still designed for large families — or built as speculative assets. Apartments and outer suburban estates often fall short, leaving a “missing middle” of mid-sized, well-designed homes in connected locations. Here’s why better design, smarter policy, and more medium-density housing are key to solving the housing mismatch.
Building with an Architect: Data, Not Myths
Tired of hot takes about architects and home builds? This plain-English guide debunks the big myths with real numbers: feasibility first, clear documents, <5% typical contingency (excl. client changes), and a 93.75% build-through rate after feasibility. Use our benchmarks to choose the right architect—and protect your budget.
Thoughtful Homes, Designed with You
Victoria’s Clause 54 has been overhauled. Amendment VC282 introduces clearer standards for small lots, including reduced setbacks, mandatory canopy trees, clarified amenity rules, and new solar energy protections.
Clause 54 Planning Changes
Victoria’s Clause 54 has been overhauled. Amendment VC282 introduces clearer standards for small lots, including reduced setbacks, mandatory canopy trees, clarified amenity rules, and new solar energy protections.
The Missing Middle: Why Melbourne Needs Mid-Sized, Well-Designed Homes
Australia’s housing market is out of balance. While most households are just one or two people, our homes are still designed for large families — or built as speculative assets. Apartments and outer suburban estates often fall short, leaving a “missing middle” of mid-sized, well-designed homes in connected locations. Here’s why better design, smarter policy, and more medium-density housing are key to solving the housing mismatch.
Great Projects Need Great Teams
Great homes are the product of great teams. Discover how Whisker Architecture works with leading architectural builders in Melbourne to deliver modern, sustainable homes that honour design intent, embrace buildability, and create a process clients genuinely enjoy.
Why Building Costs More and Takes Longer in 2025
In 2025, building costs more and takes longer — but that doesn’t mean your dream home is out of reach. Here’s how to set realistic expectations, avoid budget blowouts, and keep your project on track.
The Benefits of Hiring Sustainable Architects in Melbourne for Your Forever Home
Explore how Melbourne’s sustainable architects create beautiful, high-performing spaces. Reduce your footprint, enhance comfort, and invest in a legacy that lasts.
Designing Dream Homes: How Melbourne Architects Bring Visions to Life
Discover bespoke home design in Melbourne. Whisker Architecture creates timeless, tailored spaces that reflect your lifestyle, vision, and personality.
Why Your Builder’s ‘Rough Quote’ Might Be Thousands Off
Not all quotes are created equal. If you’ve been given a lowball figure for your renovation or new build, this article unpacks why early builder estimates often miss the mark – and how to get realistic cost advice from the start. Learn how architects, builders, and independent estimators approach budgeting differently, and why structured feasibility is key to saving time, money, and heartache.
How We Design Custom Homes: The 5 Stages Every Homeowner Should Understand
Every great home design starts long before the first sketch. At Whisker Architecture, we guide you through a clear 5-stage process to create a custom home that truly supports your family, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
Why More Melbournians Are Choosing Custom Homes Over Standard Builds
Tired of homes that don't quite fit your lifestyle? In Melbourne, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for custom homes that cater to their individual needs, values, and vision rather than settling for one-size-fits-all builds. From sustainable design to future-proof layouts, discover why building a custom home is more than a trend; it's a more innovative, more personal way to live.
Renovation Feasibility Study: A Key Step in Your Renovation Project
Ready to renovate but feeling unsure where to start? A feasibility study from Whisker Architecture gives you the insights and confidence you need. We'll help you understand costs, identify any risks, and plan every step so you can move forward with a clear vision for your renovation. Let’s make your dream home a reality - get started today with a Home Masterplan Report!
Looking for an Architect Who Works in Regional Victoria?
Think great design is only for the city? Think again. At Whisker Architecture, we work across all of Victoria—bringing thoughtful, sustainable design to regional homes from Warrnambool to Corryong. Discover how we balance beauty, functionality, and feasibility, no matter your postcode.
Exploring Modern Home Design in Melbourne: Trends for Stylish Living
Modern home design in Melbourne blends style with functionality, focusing on open-plan living, sustainability, and innovative technology. Natural materials, bold textures, and indoor-outdoor flow create homes that feel both timeless and contemporary. Thoughtful design transforms a house into a space that reflects your values and enhances everyday living.
Why We Still Draw (But Differently)
See how Whisker Architecture uses BIM, 360° renders, QR-linked walkthroughs, and side-by-side comparisons to ensure your project is built exactly as designed.
Feasibility Study Architecture – The First Step to a High-Performance Home or Development
Every great project starts with a clear plan. At Whisker Architecture, our feasibility studies help you understand what’s possible for your site—before committing to costly decisions.
We combine smart planning with design insight to turn uncertainty into clarity, so your dream home or development starts strong and stays on track.
Because building well starts with thinking smart.
Why Your Architect Is the Ultimate Home Build Coach (and So Much More)
Whether you're exploring custom homes Melbourne, dreaming of an energy-efficient renovation, or planning a complete knockdown and rebuild, working with an architect isn’t just about "getting drawings."
It’s about having the ultimate home build coach, strategist, project manager, advocate, designer, and technical expert — all in one.
Energy Efficient House Designs with Whisker Architecture
Imagine a home that stays cool in summer, warm in winter, and filled with natural light and fresh air. A home that connects effortlessly with the outdoors and is built to last using sustainable materials.
At Whisker Architecture, we design homes that reflect your values – blending beauty, comfort, and performance. Our energy-efficient designs lower your bills, reduce your footprint, and enhance everyday living.
Because great design shouldn’t just look good – it should feel good to live in.
Watsonia North Primary School - New Senior Building
Discover how Watsonia North Primary School’s new Senior School Building was designed to support modern learning. Principal Sarah Pollnitz and architect Audrey Whisker from Whisker Architecture share insights into the design process and the future of education spaces.
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.
On 1st May 2024, the National Construction Code in Australia was revised to mandate a 7 Star energy efficiency rating for all new homes. 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.
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.