Small Renovation Specialists — Northern Beaches Sydney
At Beaches Drafting, we believe great design isn't about building bigger — it's about using space smarter.
We specialise in small-scale renovations under $150k, helping homeowners transform their properties through intelligent layout design, functional improvements, and high-impact upgrades without unnecessary approvals.
Our focus is on unlocking the hidden potential within existing homes.
Who You'll Be Working With
Beaches Drafting is led by Deon Du Plessis. Deon holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (RIBA Part 1) and a Bachelor of Architecture (RIBA Part 2), and has spent more than 20 years working in professional architectural practices across Johannesburg, London and Sydney.
That background is deliberately applied to small projects. Most renovations under $150k never get proper design attention — they go straight from a homeowner's idea to a builder's quote, and the opportunity to genuinely improve how the home works is lost somewhere in between. Beaches Drafting exists to put considered design into exactly those projects, at a fee that makes sense for their size.
Every project starts with a free 1-hour consult, and you deal with Deon directly from first conversation to final drawings.
Why We Focus on Small Renovations
Many homeowners assume meaningful improvements require extensions, approvals, and large budgets.
In reality, the biggest transformations often come from:
Reconfiguring internal layouts
Improving space flow
Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms
Adding storage and functionality
Modernising finishes
These changes can dramatically improve how a home feels and functions — often without increasing floor area.
Saving Clients Money From the Start
Development Applications (DA) and Complying Development Certificates (CDC) frequently cost $10,000–$20,000+ once reports, consultants, and approval fees are included.
Our expertise includes designing projects that fall within:
NSW Exempt Development pathways
Internal renovation frameworks
Approval-efficient solutions
This approach reduces risk, shortens timelines, and keeps budgets focused on improvements that add real value.
Our Approach
We combine:
Architectural layout thinking
Interior design expertise
Practical construction knowledge
Cost-aware decision making
Northern Beaches property experience
This allows us to identify opportunities that others often miss.
Many clients are surprised how much improvement is possible without extending their home.
Who We Work With
We typically help homeowners who:
✔ Want to renovate without overspending
✔ Want to avoid approvals where possible
✔ Are unsure how to maximise their layout
✔ Want expert guidance before engaging builders
✔ Are renovating to live, rent, or sell
Common Questions
Are you architects?
No. In NSW, "architect" is a title restricted by law to those registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board, and we're not registered. We're building designers with architectural training — Deon holds RIBA Parts 1 and 2 and spent 20 years in architectural practices. For residential renovations under $150k, that's the expertise the project actually calls for.
Do I need an architect for my renovation?
For most renovations under $150k — kitchens, bathrooms, internal layout changes — no. What you need is someone who can design the space properly and produce drawings your builder can build from. Registered architects are typically engaged for large new builds or complex projects where their statutory role matters.
What does a building designer actually do?
We work out how your home should be laid out, then document it properly. That covers spatial planning, layout redesign, kitchen and bathroom design, joinery detailing, and the builder-ready drawings needed to price and construct the work — plus identifying whether the project needs a DA, a CDC, or no approval at all.
Contact
Questions? Reach out anytime here.
Phone
beachesdrafting@gmail.com
0494 578 085
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