Award-Winning Building Designer
Bringing Your Dream Home to Life - Custom Home Design & Architectural Drafting , Sydney & Surrounds
Why Choose Distinct?
Tailored Building Design to Transform Your Property
Whether you're planning a heritage renovation, dual occupancy, or a modern residential extension, Distinct Innovations delivers personalised building design and architectural drafting services that enhance your lifestyle and unlock your property's full potential. Every home we custom design is one of a kind. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, your site, and your vision, creating bespoke architectural plans that fit seamlessly and elevate your everyday living.
Our residential design services include:
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Custom house plans tailored to your lifestyle
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Beautiful home renovations and extensions that blend effortlessly with your existing structure
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Smart, efficient new home designs that balance form, function, and budget
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DA Plans, CDC documentation & council liaison
Expertise Beyond Single Dwellings
For more complex developments, we offer complete design and planning solutions, including:
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Strategic site planning for residential developments
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Modern duplex and dual occupancy designs
Expert Handling of Council Approvals
We can manage the entire approval process - from concept design to council submission, taking care of paperwork, compliance, and communication with local authorities.
Local Expertise
Based in Castle Hill, we design homes across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Illawarra. With a deep understanding of all council regulations, bushfire zoning, and heritage overlays, we ensure your plans are both inspired and compliant.
Complete Project Partners
We offer more than just building design and drafting:
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Building Design Concepts
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Architectural Drafting Plans & Documentation
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Ongoing assistance with council applications and approvals
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Interior Design and Schedules of Finishes
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Interior Cabinetry & Detailing
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3D Visualisation
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Construction Coordination & Site Visitations to ensure nothing is missed in the process.
Award-Winning Results
With industry recognition and satisfied clients across NSW, we bring experience, quality, and creativity to every project. Distinct Innovations is the name homeowners and developers trust to bring beautiful homes to life.
Our Approach
At Distinct Innovations, we bring your ideas life with our expert guidance and design knowledge.
Our Collaborative Design Process
We pride ourselves on a hands-on approach, ensuring your architectural plans genuinely reflect your vision:
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Begin with an in-depth consultation (3–4 hours) to discuss your lifestyle, preferences, and design goals
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Bring a scrapbook or reference images - this helps us understand your style for your custom home design
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We thoroughly assess your site’s rules, controls, and natural features to promote sustainable home design
From Sketch to Construction Support
We can guide your project through every phase with expert care:
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Initial hand sketch to confirm your ideas before we create the final architectural plans
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You’ll review and approve each stage to ensure everything aligns with your vision
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Ongoing assistance with council applications and approvals
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Continued support throughout construction coordination
Our Designer
Luke Van Jour
Award-Winning Principal Designer
Luke Van Jour is an award-winning building designer and architectural draftsman with a masters in sustainability and over 28 years of experience.
Since 1997, he has been self-employed, focusing on innovative sustainable designs that exceed client expectations whether for new house design, house extensions, home renovations, or development projects like duplex design and dual occupancy.
With expertise in heritage conservation and comprehensive home renovations, he creates unique designs that respect historical significance while incorporating modern sustainability principles.
His wife, Albina brings valuable support to the team, overseeing administration, marketing, 3D modelling, and schedules of finishes to help ensure a smooth and efficient experience for every client.
What Our Clients Say
Real Testimonials from Homeowners across Sydney — with the Stunning Results to Match.
“There’s something very special about Luke. He took our home from ‘lovely’ to ‘WOW’. He struck the perfect balance between heritage sensitivity and modern design. His professionalism, creativity, and deep understanding of sustainable design gave us a home that’s not only stunning but naturally efficient. A rare blend of creativity, sustainability and heritage expertise, Luke transformed our vision into a light-filled, naturally comfortable home.”
Qualifications & Accreditation
Chartered & Accredited Building Designer (Accred.no.6164)
Masters Degree Design Science (Sustainable Design) Sydney University 2008
Certificate of Architectural Drafting 1988
For more information about Building Designers
Awards
Luke's has received 19 awards for his innovative designs across all categories of new homes, multi-unit developments, sustainable design, interior design, and heritage renovations.
See the award-winning homes in our Gallery.
Luke has also been recognised in the "Best of Houzz" awards on the home improvement site Houzz
A number of Luke's designs have broken sales records, highlighting the financial benefits of working with Distinct Innovations
Memberships & Appointments
Publications
Chartered & Accredited Member Building Designers Association of NSW (BDA)
BDANSW Appointed Chair of the National Sub-Committee 2012-2015
BDANSW President Sydney Regional Branch 2006-2010
BDANSW State Secretary 2010-2012
Australian Architect ure Association
Luke's designs have featured a number of times in The Daily Telegraph "Home" section as well as in Best Australian Architecture and
Award Winning Design Magazines.