Architecture Republic is an award-winning architectural and interior design studio. We work in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Camden, North Shore and Blue Mountains
Architecture Republic Sydney
Live better with beautiful, sustainable architecture
Architecture Republic was born in Sydney. Several of our designers graduated with Architecture degrees from UNSW and UTS.
Whether you’re after heritage work, new homes, renovations, or dual occupancies, we’ll be perfect if you:
love where you live but your existing house has seen better days
are passionate about Sydney’s architectural heritage and want an architect who feels the same
want a comfortable, sustainable home that works with Sydney’s variable climate
are looking for an architect who can unravel the unique quirks of your house or site
Architecture Republic knows Sydney
Sydney is a spectacular city in a spectacular landscape. It has, however, a challenging architectural heritage. Despite having the world’s best climate, most Sydney homes are damp, cold, and draughty. Using the best sustainable practices, we work on anything from terraces to knockdown-rebuilds. We love paying homage to the rich and beautiful architectural heritage of the city. Often, we incorporate colours and forms from these older homes into our new buildings. Our team are are experts at navigating Sydney’s tangled planning system. From beachfront homes to the Blue Mountains, we will help you build your dream home.
“Architecture Republic consulted with us for the entire design process and really listened to what we wanted. Everything we discussed was given a chance and their designs were creative, diverse and truly phenomenal.”
– James R
Meet our Sydney design 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 team of 12 have together designed more than 130 projects in and around Sydney, Canberra and Rural NSW.
Jess Ryall
Sarah Brown
Tristan Ryall
Olha Tryvailo
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you residential architects in Sydney?
Yes, we are a residential architecture practice in Sydney. Our team has strong ties to the area and several of us are based on the city’s outskirts. Jess grew up in the Eastern Suburbs. She is a passionate advocate of Federation and terrace architecture. Tristan, Jess and Nathan have all lived and studied architecture in the city. We have the experience and knowledge of Sydney’s unique architectural landscape. With this expertise, we design homes that not only meet your needs but also match the city’s character.
Are you familiar with council regulations in Sydney?
Yes, we are familiar with council regulations in Sydney. In fact, our team has years of experience working with Sydney’s local councils. We also have a great working history with planners and certifiers in the city. As a result, we have a great understanding of the goals of council-specific regulations. We have successfully navigated many projects through the city’s complex planning rules.
We attend committees and planning reviews to stay up-to-date with any changes in the rules. This continuous engagement allows us to remain well-informed and adapt our strategies. We have experience working with heritage, bushfire standards, and Sydney Water guidelines.
With our knowledge and experience, we are confident navigating any regulatory hurdles. Our goal is to ensure your project is completed quickly and easily. We focus on working with council’s regulations while getting you the house you desire.
What is your Sydney Style?
We are inspired by the unique character of Sydney and its history. The design team creates spaces that are sustainable, luxurious and contemporary. We will also always pay homage to Sydney’s rich architectural heritage.
We love designing and renovating Victorian era terraces and Federation Houses in Sydney’s Inner West and Eastern Suburbs. We ensure that our designs enhance the original features and character of these homes.
Our concept designs often draw inspiration from a range of architectural styles. Some favourites are: Mid Century Modern, Italianate and Art Deco. We strive to create homes that are both beautiful and functional. We have a strong ethos of sustainable and environmentally conscious design.
When it comes to interior design, we take a personalized approach. We tailor our services to match each client’s unique needs and tastes. Collaborating closely with our clients, we ensure that the final design is a true reflection of their style and personality.
We’re here to bring your vision to life, combining aesthetics, function, and a respect for Sydney’s architecture.
What are the current building codes and regulations in Sydney?
At Architecture Republic, we are well-versed in the current building codes and regulations. In Sydney, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets standards for building design/performance. We keep up-to-date with the most recent edition of the NCC, which is currently the 2022 version.
In addition to the NCC, each council in Sydney a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP). Some council areas may even have more than one DCP. These plans provide specific guidelines and requirements for development in that area. For example, maximum building heights, setbacks from boundaries, and requirements for open space.
We also use exempt and complying Development codes, like the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). This allows us to submit as Complying Development Certificate (CDC) where possible. The Codes SEPP is a set of state government rules that allows a bypassing of council. This is an alternative pathway to approval. This process is helpful as it offers a faster and more streamlined approval process.
Each local council may also have specific rules for heritage, bushfire, or tree protection. We are familiar with these local council regulations. Our team works with planners and certifiers to ensure that our designs meet all codes and regulations.
Architecture Republic is well-versed in the LEP and DCP requirements for each council area in Sydney. We work closely with planners and certifiers to ensure that our designs comply with all relevant LEP and DCP guidelines, as well as the NCC. Complying with these regulations is crucial. Not only for obtaining development approval but also delivering high-quality projects.
We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional service. We will always stay informed on any changes or updates to the codes and regulations.
How do you design homes to take advantage of Sydney’s climate?
Logic says that with a climate as comfortable as Sydney’s, this should be easy! If you’re anything like us, however, you’ve suffered in an uninsulated box in Sydney’s winter. It’s crucial to take advantage of Sydney’s climate, but we can’t take the warmth for granted. We incorporate a range of techniques to keep our homes comfortable.
– We focus on solar passive design. This includes building materials and design features that will keep you comfy all year. This approach is critical in Sydney where temperatures can vary wildly. Sydney summers (especially in Western Sydney) are only getting hotter.
- We utilise the nearby built environment and trees to provide natural airflow and shade. Our goal is to make a comfortable microclimate within the home and out in the garden.
- Thermally efficient insulation is a must. We will specify your home specifically to maintain a consistent temperature inside. This can include double glazing, high-performance insulation and ventilation.
- To provide any additional heating or cooling, we will consider energy-efficient systems (e.g. heat pumps). These systems provide cheap and sustainable solutions for maintaing temperatures inside.
By working these into our designs, we ensure that our clients homes are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable and great to live in.
How do you work with local councils in Sydney to obtain approvals for new builds?
When it comes to local councils, we take a non-confrontational, friendly, and collaborative approach. We always keep our ultimate goal in mind: get the approvals through.
Each Sydney council has it’s own Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP). These documents set out guidelines for new developments in their area. We take time to review and understand these guidelines. When working with council, everything goes smoothly if we’ve done our homework. Our designs move faster through their approvals if they follow every dot point.
We also use the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) Complying Development Code (CDC) process where we can. This alternative pathway to approval offers a quicker, more streamlined process.
Our team also takes the time to understand the council’s intent and vision for the area in which we are working. This helps us to design homes that not only follow the rules but also work with the surrounding context and community.
Communication is key to working with local councils. We keep the council involved throughout the design and approval process. Our aim is to work collaboratively to ensure that the design meets both the client’s needs and the council’s requirements.
How do you accommodate for bushfire-prone areas and bushfire attack level (BAL) requirements in your design?
Our team takes the safety of our clients seriously. This is critical in areas that are prone to bushfires. First, we conduct a thorough site analysis to determine the safest location for your home. We will then help you meet any RFS requirements or flood-prone land rules from your local Council. Meeting the minimum standards is just the start. We use a range of common sense and technical approaches to protect your home. We have also written an article about building on bushfire-prone land. It outlines our recommendations and advice for our clients. Learn about bushfires here. in light of the Black Summer bushfires of 2020. Our recommendation remains to limit risk where possible and to avoid building in BAL-FZ (flamezone) prone land.
How do you approach designing for heritage areas and conservation zones in Sydney?
At Architecture Republic, we have extensive experience working with heritage. We understand the importance of preserving the unique history and character of our built environment. Any alterations or additions need to enhace and compliment the existing heritage fabric.
Our approach: Research! We always seek to understand the historic context of the home and local area. This informs everything we do, going forward. We work closely with Council to follow their heritage guidelines and regulations. We will also work closely with you, our client, to understand your goals. There is a solution in there. We love to create designs that are sensitive to the heritage, yet also innovative and functional for modern life.
We are passionate about preserving the heritage of Sydney and ensuring that these homes are enjoyed for years to come.
How do I contact you?
You can call us (02) 9248 7245, email us ( sydney@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 a chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
