Our multidisciplinary practice was established in 2002 from a spare bedroom-turned-office, which grew into a multi-practice accredited design and planning team. Over the decades, we’ve developed a team of talented building designers and won accolades from professional associations like the Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) and the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA).

We have the capabilities and expertise to take on residential, commercial, and industrial design projects of all shapes and sizes, creating a structurally strong, energy-efficient, and visually stunning result, no matter the building type.

With more than two decades of experience and an eye for style and detail, our building designers in Newcastle, Sydney, and the Central Coast can make your vision a reality. Whether you’re looking to design your dream home or working on town planning with your local council, you can trust we will provide outstanding service and creative ideas.

Work with the best building designers NSW has to offer. Contact us for an obligation-free consultation today.

With more than two decades of experience and a keen eye for style and detail, our NSW building designers in Newcastle, Sydney, and the Central Coast can make your vision a reality. Whether you’re looking to design a new home, a commercial space, or you’re working on town planning with your local council, you can trust we will provide outstanding service—every time.

If you’re ready to work with the best building designers NSW offers, get in touch today.

• What does a building designer do?

  Building designers are crucial in bringing your residential, industrial or commercial project to life. We are responsible for the design and documentation of buildings, handling all aspectsfrom early concepts to the finer details of construction drawings. We take a structurally sound approach, ensuring the buildability of the project.

  A building designer does more than just draw plans—we guide you through the design development process, helping to shape your vision into practical, buildable solutions. This includes producing detailed drawings, coordinating with engineers and other consultants, and preparing documents for council approval.

  In short, we provide a complete design service focused on functionality, compliance, and cost-effective outcomes.

• Can you show me what my project will look like?

  We understand taking the plunge on a new project can be daunting, so we offer virtual walk-throughs of our projects via 3D rendering. We offer highly detailed life-like 3D renders, displaying your design's textures, colours, materials, and finishes. You can see your design from all angles before a brick is laid!

  Your skilled building designer will present this design to you in person and, using ArchiCAD technology, make edits in real-time to ensure your ideas and “must-haves” are incorporated where feasible. This allows us to maintain seamless communication and reduce back-and-forth, ensuring your project goes ahead on time as planned!

• Do you offer eco-friendly building designs?

  Yes! We are officially registered and accredited as HIA GreenSmart Professionals, allowing us to incorporate the latest environmentally friendly building techniques and innovations into your design, guaranteeing a beautiful, functional design with minimal environmental impact. Whether you want to make the most of natural light, save on heating bills or reduce water wastage, our professional building designers will ensure your property is eco-friendly.

• Can you help with rezoning and dealing with council?

  Yes, we can liaise with the council on your behalf and help with rezoning and other town planning matters. Our urban and town planning specialists have decades of experience navigating building and planning regulations, from revitalising town centres to developing eco-friendly residential areas. Whether you need to submit a rezoning application or lodge a development application, we can handle it all for you. We’ll make your vision a reality!

• Do I need council permission to build a granny flat?

  You will either need to obtain council permission or a complying development certificate (CDC) to build a granny flat on your property. CDCs allow granny flat builders to bypass council permission which can speed up the building process by a number of weeks or months, however not all granny flats are eligible for a CDC.

  At Sorensen Design we’ll take care of all council approvals on your behalf, applying for the appropriate permission to ensure your project can get underway as soon as possible. We design custom granny flats and the permissions required will vary depending on your block of land and your granny flat design.

• Why should I choose Sorensen Design as my NSW building designer?

  When it comes to building designers, NSW is a highly competitive market—so why choose Sorensen Design?

  • Over 20 years of experience. We’ve been providing industry-leading, multi-award-winning building design services to NSW residents since 2002.
  • BDAA membership. Since 2004 we’ve been continuous members of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) which marks us as highly-qualified industry leaders.
  • Chartered Building Designer Director. Adrian Sorensen, our Director, is a BDAA accredited chartered building designer and has been designing buildings for more than 25 years.
  • Residential Builder of the Year. At Sorensen Design & Planning, we’re proud to have twice been awarded residential builder of the year at the prestigious Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) Housing awards.
  • Realistic 3D renders. Using licensed copies of ArchiCAD software, our building designers produce detailed, high-resolution 3D images of your project so you can visualise the final result before work even begins.
  • Experienced team. Each member of staff is fully qualified with years of experience in town planning and building design. Plus, we invest in extensive ongoing training to ensure our staff are industry-leaders.
  • Boutique experience. We hand-select the building design and town planning projects we take on in NSW to ensure every client receives the premium service and attention to detail they deserve.
  • Council permissions. We’re highly experienced in all council requirements, including lodging your development application (DA) on your behalf and engaging and liaising with all other sub-consultants such as structural engineers and surveyors where required.
  • BDAA National Design Award Winners. In 2019 we were thrilled to be awarded the BDAA National Design Award Winner for New Residential Buildings over 450m2 and under. We’re also the proud recipients of many other BDAA awards for renovations, new houses, multi-residential design, dual occupancy, alterations and additions, as well as bathrooms, kitchens and interiors

  We’re incredibly passionate about what we do and our expert team is dedicated to not only delivering exceptional results but also providing a great experience along the way. Get in touch today to find out more about working with Sorensen Design and get your next project underway.