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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.
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.
National Construction Code Updates - 1 May 2024
Welcome to our latest update on the Australian National Construction Code, effective from 1 May 2024. In this video, Audrey Whisker will walk you through key changes in livable housing, energy efficiency, and more, ensuring you're up-to-date with the latest standards for building and renovating.
Education Design with Whisker Architecture
Since founding in 2020 we’ve been awarded contracts with 17 different schools including a $5m project at Watsonia North Primary School. Our goal is enjoyment of the spaces we create for decades to come, with minimal impact on the planet. If your School’s spaces are too small, too dark, or not aligning with the values and vision of your community – consider if building or renovating will address those frustrations.
Designing for Learning: School Building Planning
School building design is an important factor in creating a functional and effective learning environment for students. A well-designed school building can improve student performance, reduce distractions, and create a sense of community and belonging.
Designing for Learning: School Campus Planning
School campus masterplanning requires careful consideration of educational goals, site constraints, and community needs. It is important to prioritize accessibility, consider different groups, incorporate technology, and foster a sense of community. Safety and Dunbar's number should be taken into account when designing the campus, while green infrastructure, energy efficiency, materials, and transportation can help create a sustainable campus.
On time and on budget
We’ve all heard the horror stories about projects that take years to finish or end incredibly over budget. That doesn’t have to happen. The key is understanding the risk points and mitigating them.
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.