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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Most homeowners assume their builder’s quote covers the entire project cost—until unexpected fees pile up. This guide breaks down the hidden costs of home construction in 2025 and how to budget smartly from day one.

By combining strategic foresight with meticulous preparation, we help clients navigate the complexities of the town planning process, reducing delays and mitigating risks.

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.

Join Audrey Whisker and Bernadette Jansen on an important episode of the She Renovates Podcast. Discover practical tips to save on time, money, and energy bills while transforming your space into a cozy haven. From DIY insulation hacks to maximizing natural light, Audrey shares invaluable insights to elevate your home's efficiency.

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.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, designing a home that stays warm in winter and cool in summer without relying on traditional heating or cooling systems is more crucial than ever.

Because we’re archi-nerds, some of our followers are fellow archi-nerds in the industry, and some of our clients nerd out with us about architecture too. The focusses of these podcasts are business, design, technology, but most of all - architecture and design.

The selection of building materials in residential construction plays a crucial role in determining the overall sustainability and performance of a building. Timber and steel are commonly used materials for studwork systems. This article aims to compare the environmental impact, energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of construction of timber and steel studwork in residential construction, considering their life cycle assessments and performance characteristics.

Architecture is more than just designing and building structures. It brings value to clients in various ways that go beyond aesthetics. From capital gains to operational savings and improved physical and mental health outcomes, hiring an architect can be a wise investment.

As architects and designers, we have a responsibility to create buildings that not only meet the functional needs of the occupants but also have a positive impact on the environment. One way to achieve this is by implementing high performance building design strategies in our projects.

In the age of digital learning, it is important to understand how the cognitive styles of thinking of students impact the architecture and interior design of learning spaces. Visual, spatial, and verbal learning styles are three distinct cognitive styles that have a significant effect on the way a student learns and interacts with their environment.

Pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching, is a vital component of any educational institution. A school's pedagogical vision refers to the overarching philosophy and approach to teaching and learning that guides its educational practices.

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.