Architecture Republic is an award-winning architecture and interior design studio. We work in Bowral NSW, the Southern Highlands, Goulburn, Kiama, Wollongong and surrounds.

Architecture Republic Southern Highlands

Kiama Rescue Renovation

We renovated this run down midcentury artist's house in the Kiama Hinterland into a contemporary home that embraces its forest surroundings and ocean views, while preserving original timber features.

Grand Designs Earth House

This 8.5 star energy efficient, off-grid underground earth house was featured on Grand Designs Australia, S10. The materiality of the home feels balanced with

Rural Australian Homestead

Inspired by traditional Australian homesteads, this house combines passive solar design & natural materials to create a truly contemporary country home.

Small, Smart Canberra Renovation

Though not a 'tiny house', this small, smart Canberra home is under 94 square meters. We added height, connection to the outdoors and storage.

Southern Highlands Country Home

This quintessentially Southern Highlands country home was designed with a flexible floorplan, passive solar design and a palette of natural materials as key elements. Inspired by Georgian and early Victorian architecture, this building has a similar character to the popular 'Hamptons' style, but maintains an Australian look.

Live better with beautiful, sustainable architecture

Since 2016, we’ve been working with Southern Highlands homeowners on stylish farmhouses and grand weekenders. We prioritise an environmentally-conscious approach in all our projects.

From mansions to master bedrooms, we’ll be a good fit if you:

You have an amazing site but the existing house has seen better days
You want a unique retreat to get away from the city
You have a farm and it needs a farmhouse
Need an architect who knows how to work with Wingecarribee Shire Council

Small, Smart Canberra Renovation

Though not a 'tiny house', this small, smart Canberra home is under 94 square meters. We added height, connection to the outdoors and storage.

Southern Highlands Country Home

This quintessentially Southern Highlands country home was designed with a flexible floorplan, passive solar design and a palette of natural materials as key elements. Inspired by Georgian and early Victorian architecture, this building has a similar character to the popular 'Hamptons' style, but maintains an Australian look.

Rural Australian Homestead

Inspired by traditional Australian homesteads, this house combines passive solar design & natural materials to create a truly contemporary country home.

Grand Designs Earth House

This 8.5 star energy efficient, off-grid underground earth house was featured on Grand Designs Australia, S10. The materiality of the home feels balanced with

Kiama Rescue Renovation

We renovated this run down midcentury artist's house in the Kiama Hinterland into a contemporary home that embraces its forest surroundings and ocean views, while preserving original timber features.

Architecture Republic knows the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands is an exciting blend of heritage homes and modern architecture. We love our rural homesteads and historic terraces. The tangle of quiet villages, bustling towns, bushland and countryside; every corner of the Highlands is unique. We love that every project in our Bowral office is one of a kind. We’re experts at navigating the complex bushfire, heritage and infrastructure requirements. Our team have an excellent working relationship with Wingecarribee Shire Council and other nearby councils. We’re excited to collaborate with you to create your perfect Highlands home.

“We thought it appropriate, having marvelled at our newly gained lifestyle, to put on paper just how grateful we are. Your design has made an outstanding home. Every morning when we walk into our new kitchen we pinch ourselves. Entering into the design process it soon became clear that you were willing to listen and were truly capable of meeting our needs and desires. You left no stone un-turned and always were true to your word; following up with answers and additional feedback. In no time at all, we could see you had meet our needs and the design had us sold; that what we had hoped, was indeed achievable.”

Susan Fittler.

Meet our Southern Highlands team

We take a collaborative approach with every client. We will develop a design that works with your lifestyle, aesthetic, site and budget. Every project is unique, and benefits from our diverse range of passionate, skilled designers. Our qualified team of 12 have together designed more than 130 projects in and around the Southern Highlands, Sydney, Regional NSW and the ACT.

Headshot of Tristan - Architecture Republic Team
Architect, draftsman, perfectionist

Tristan Ryall

Headshot of Jessica - Architecture Republic Team. She is hilarious and good looking!
Designer, artist, renovator, writer

Jessica Ryall

Headshot of Cvijan - Architecture Republic Team
Architect, builder, craftsman

Cvijan Pajkanovic

Headshot of Anastasia - Architecture Republic Team
Designer, traveller, artist

Anastasia Leonenko

Architect, draftsman, perfectionist

Tristan Ryall

Bachelor of Architecture (UNSW) Bachelor of Arts (UNSW) Reg’d Arch: 9651 (NSW)

Growing up on a sheep farm in country NSW, I developed a deep passion for the natural environment. Since starting Architecture Republic in 2011, I’ve brought that passion to architecture. I enjoy solving problems and guiding a concept through to a finished design. Living in Moss Vale, I’m inspired by the Southern Highlands’ architectural fabric. I love weatherboards, natural light and indoor-outdoor design. I’m passionate about sustainable architecture. In challenging climates, it is something all homes can (and should) achieve.

Designer, artist, renovator, writer

Jessica Ryall

Bachelor of Architecture (UNSW) Bachelor of Arts (UNSW)

I’ve always had a passion for making beautiful things. Since starting Architecture Republic in 2011, I’ve brought that passion to buildings. As a resident of the Southern Highlands, I am immersed in the region’s unique architecture. I love the diverse range of styles found in our towns and villages. My goal is to make homes that are beautiful but that also perform well in our challenging climate. I have recently completed a fun and challenging renovation of my own here in Moss Vale. Whether you’re looking to rescue a heritage property or create a contemporary masterpiece, I can bring your vision to life.

Architect, builder, craftsman

Cvijan Pajkanovic

Master of Architecture (UNS, Serbia)

I’ve had the privilege of working on diverse projects in different parts of the world. The Southern Highlands region is great because it offers a rich variety of architectural styles. I find joy in creating designs that blend with the beauty of the area. I love the picturesque country retreats and modern homes in green paddocks. Each project is a new opportunity to create something unique and special.

Designer, traveller, artist

Anastasia Leonenko

Master of Architecture (FEFU Vladivostok)

I have experience in housing, urban, recreational and commercial design. Working in Russia, Israel, Australia and the US, I am an expert with extreme climates. From arctic to desert, I have the versatility to create designs that cater to any environment. My approach is to look at each design from different angles to find the best solution. I’m a fan of simple and honest design with open spaces and minimalist materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a residential architect in Bowral?

Yes, our team works in Bowral, across the Southern Highlands and in Kiama, Goulburn and Wollongong. We design & build residential projects; both new builds and renovations. Occasionally, we work on projects such as small commercial and educational buildings too. We have a small office in Moss Vale where Tristan and Jess are based full-time.

Are you familiar with council regulations in Bowral and the Southern Highlands?

We have a great relationship with the planners and certifiers at Wingecarribee Shire Council. This involves us keeping up with ever changing local regulations. We always attend Strategic Planning consultations to keep our fingers on the pulse. Tristan is a community rep on the Housing and Demographics Committee at Council. He takes a special interest in the future planning and development of the Shire. We have navigated many projects through Wingecarribee’s complex planning rules. We manage heritage regulations, bushfire standards, RFI’s and Sydney Water’s requirements. Our team also has a good working relationship with neighbouring Goulburn, Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong councils.

My house is a bit quirky and has an unusual story. Do you have experience renovating character homes?

These are so common in the Southern Highlands, most often in Bowral and Burradoo. You definitely aren’t our first! Renovations like this are fun and challenging. Firstly, we start by researching the existing building and original owners or architects. This helps us get a good idea of what the building first looked like and was trying to achieve. Then, we problem-solve to bring the existing home in line with what you want. It’s a really fun process. It often feels like we’re meeting a new person, rather than just designing a new renovation.

I want to build something new. Does Architecture Republic design new houses in the Southern Highlands?

All the time. We can help from the very start by advising on siting and orientation. This is helpful on larger, rural blocks (or even smaller ones with challenging siting). Next, we will work together with you to help realise your vision. After that, we will refine the design with your input in a back-and-forth process. The level of detail in the design increases as you make decisions. We fine-tune the design for energy efficiency and green technologies as we go. We enjoy creating practical, sustainable solutions for both large and small homes.

What is your architectural style? Is it ‘Country Bowral’ or something else?
We like to collaborate with you to develop your vision into the final design. We will help you collate inspiration via pictures and descriptions of layouts. Sometimes inspiration comes even from your existing furniture, art and textiles. When we’re done, we want the home to work with your aesthetic and practical lifestyle. This may end up being quite traditional/heritage or very contemporary. We’ve perviously done a variety of styles. Our favourites are:
  • Bush style rural homesteads
  • Hamptons-style houses
  • Minimalist, sustainable designs
  • Homes based on the historic architecture of the Southern Highlands.
The vision we put into your home will ultimately come from you.
Do you offer interior design services in the Southern Highlands?

Yes. We find working on the architecture and the interiors often go hand-in-hand. It’s great to be able to offer this service if you want it.  With your input, we’ll make sure you have the products, finishes and details to make your home unique. We specify everything from paint colours to light switches.

How do I contact you?

You can call us (02) 4879 9119, email us (bowral@archrepublic.com.au) or submit an enquiry right here on our website. We’re excited to work with you on your project. If you have any questions, please contact us for an initial chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

Local Projects

Architecture Republic design

From the Blog

Black and white photo from 1900 showing Bong Bong St in Bowral. You can see the old bank with some smaller timber structures behind.

History of Architecture in the Southern Highlands

Kitchen with rammed earth wall beside

Kiama Rescue Renovation

White architectural building in bush landscape. Full height doors open to reveal dining room with timber veneer wall behind.

Grand Designs Earth House

Bush fire in Australia

Designing for Bushfire: Our Guide