Our architectural services – from concept to completion
We specialise in creating designs that are beautiful and reflect Newcastle’s unique character

1. Feasibility Design
Our process begins with understanding you. The Feasibility phase is about far more than just assessing a site — it’s about building a deep understanding of how you want to live. During this stage, we develop a detailed brief through genuine conversations about your family, lifestyle and long-term goals. Whether you dream of a spacious family home for hosting or a compact and efficient retreat, we take the time to ensure your vision and our design thinking are fully aligned.
We’re proud to go well beyond basic ‘drawings’. Using advanced 3D modelling and virtual reality walkthroughs, we bring ideas to life early — giving you the tools to explore and refine your vision in real time.
We then move to Feasibility Design, where we combine your goals with site opportunities and local council requirements to uncover what’s truly possible. This phase balances creativity and practicality. From bold possibilities to more conventional paths, we explore a range of options and provide recommendations. A cost check at this stage is also encouraged to align the vision with your budget. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of design possibilities — with realistic expectations around costs, timeframes, and planning pathways.
2. Concept Development
With a preferred direction established, we move into the Concept Design phase. Here, your ideas begin to take on a clear, three-dimensional form. Through hand sketches, computer modelling, and precedent studies, we translate feasibility outcomes into tangible design solutions.
We dive deep into the spatial relationships that define the way you’ll live in your home — how the living room connects to the kitchen, the flow from indoor to outdoor spaces, the light, and the orientation. This is where materiality starts to come into play, as we investigate not just the layout, but the character and feel of your home.
You’ll begin to see your future home take shape through compelling visualisations and models that help you feel confident about the path forward. It’s a dynamic, creative step that brings excitement and clarity to the design process.


3. Development Application (DA)
Most residential projects require Development Approval (DA) from local council. Our team prepares all necessary documentation and design development to a standard suitable for submission. At this stage, we ensure the design meets planning regulations — including the size, bulk, height, setbacks, and general appearance of your home.
We maintain a careful balance: while our documentation must satisfy council requirements, we retain design flexibility to allow detailed resolution in later stages. This gives us room to finesse construction methods and material selections further down the line.
Once the application is lodged, the DA enters the assessment phase. Timelines vary depending on council, but typically range from 6 weeks to 6 months. Most assessments take around 3 months. During this time, Hutch Architecture actively manages the process, liaising with council and providing any additional details they may require to progress your application efficiently.
This stage is pivotal for securing consent while keeping the project on track and aligned with your goals.
4. Construction Certificate
With development consent in hand, we move quickly to secure a Construction Certificate — the legal document that allows building work to commence. This certificate confirms that your design complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
To achieve this, we refine the design to demonstrate how the structure addresses technical standards like energy efficiency, waterproofing, fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility. This includes resolving external materials and construction approaches.
Construction Certificates are issued by a private certifier known as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). Once this certificate is granted, construction may legally begin. However, while approval is granted at this point, there is still critical work to do to ensure your home reflects your lifestyle and design expectations in full detail — which is where our Design Completion phase comes in.


5. Design Completion (Construction Documentation)
This stage ensures nothing is left to chance. While you technically have approval to build, the Design Completion phase is where the details that truly define your home come together. It’s where we document everything required to transform your home from great to exceptional.
We work closely with you to document:
- Construction detailing — both internal and external
- Finishes and colour palettes, avoiding clashes and ensuring cohesion
- Functional layouts for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
- Selection of tapware, sanitary fixtures, and appliances
We follow a simple rule: If we don’t draw it, you can’t control how it’s built. This stage provides both creative certainty and construction precision. It ensures that your builder understands exactly how every part of your home should be executed — down to the smallest detail.
6. Construction
Once documentation is complete, we move into pricing and builder engagement. This may involve competitive tendering or direct negotiation with a preferred builder. The design documentation we provide will form the contractual foundation for construction — clearly outlining expectations and standards.
Once on-site construction begins, our role remains just as critical. Unlike project homes, your design is bespoke — and unique projects often bring unforeseen decisions. Builders may raise queries or substitutions due to trade availability, and every decision made during construction has the potential to either elevate or dilute the design outcome.
We recommend remaining actively involved during the build. Our team provides ongoing design guidance, helps administer the contract, and ensures that the construction aligns with the original design intent.
Post-construction, we continue to offer support during the defect liability period. Should any issues arise, we’ll help you liaise with the builder to ensure they are rectified promptly and correctly.

T E S T I M O N I A L S
Mark Fenwick2025-05-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Over a variety of projects Hutch Architecture has provided a creative, personal response for each, acknowledging the client's lifestyle brief and the positive attributes for that place. Edward can envisage the opportunities of the site and existing buildings while working with constraints sometimes associated with a heritage listed building or a house within a Heritage Conservation Area. He pushes for contemporary living in a heritage context. He listens and promotes good outcomes. Leigh Gibson2024-10-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Hutch Architecture at the recommendation of a local Heritage Architect to complete the design work and council submissions for a small home addition in Newcastle East. The building is within a heritage conservation area and also governed by a separate standalone heritage conservation management plan. It was a sensitive job with many limitations. Ed was excellent to deal with and facilitated a seamless process from design to council approval. The design work was of a high standard and the quality of service along the way via regular and receptive consultation was excellent. I would recommend Hutch Architecture to any potential client based on this experience. Isaac Lowe2024-09-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ed's bespoke design of our House in Islington showcases remarkable attention to detail. The design modern seamlessly blends contemporary elements with the home’s inherent character. Every aspect, from the layout to the finishes, reflects a commitment to quality and sophistication, making it a true gem in the neighborhood. Thanks for all of the hard work Ed. Lincoln2024-09-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Hutch Architecture to design our new Mount Vincent, Hunter Valley home and we couldn't be more satisfied with the professionalism, thoughtful design and service provided. Hutch came up with the perfect design, capturing precisely the modern farmhouse look we were aiming for, thoughtfully optimised for the contours and outlook of the site itself. We wanted something modern, but had the warmth and elegance of a traditional country farmhouse and Ed's eye for detail delivered. He also kept us within a strict budget. After trying with a number of other designers and architects, Hutch immediately understood what we were looking for and put forward some great suggestions to work around some of the site complexities. It was also an absolute pleasure working with Ed throughout the process. He was always patient, honest and proactive during all our interactions and it took a lot of stress out of the design and building process. The result is a country home that is practical, beautiful and the perfect place to raise our young family. We highly recommend Hutch! Zoran Kirkovski2024-09-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hutch Architecture designed my home in the Cooks Hill Heritage Conservation Area of Newcastle. From the start, Edward demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in designing homes within heritage areas, producing a beautiful design that is contemporary, while also respecting the surrounding context. Edward guided me through the entire process, ensuring the best possible design outcome while managing the construction budget and incorporating council requirements. I would have no hesitation in recommending Hutch Architecture. Their design creativity and service are exceptional. Dimity Lear2024-09-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I engaged Hutch Architecture to design our contemporary home at Rocky Point, Lake Macquarie. Upon meeting Ed, we were immediately put at ease with his gentle nature, a kind, intelligent and open person with good values which is so refreshing in such an egomaniacal industry. The lovely Ed designed a contemporary, functional, yet luxe home that incorporated all of the features we wanted as well as some that we did not think of. His visionary design, collaborative approach and attention to detail and his professionalism made the entire process a superior experience. Ed responded in a timely manner every time we had a question and went above and beyond to address all concerns and questions we had. He was so pleasant to work with. We highly recommend him to anyone seeking architectural services. We are looking forward to enjoying our new home!
Why Choose Hutch Architecture?
- Personalised Process: Every design starts with a deep understanding of your lifestyle, not just your site.
- End-to-End Expertise: We manage everything from concept to council, construction, and contract.
- Advanced Visualisation: 3D modelling and virtual reality walkthroughs help you experience your home before it’s built.
- Design Excellence: We combine architectural creativity with functional outcomes for homes that are both beautiful and practical.
- Local Knowledge: We’re based in Newcastle and understand local council requirements, site constraints, and lifestyle trends.