Building designer in Canberra: project updates, planning approvals and design resources.https://remely.com.au/en-AUhttps://remely.com.au/2026/08/05/project-update-krichauff-street-3/https://remely.com.au/2026/08/05/project-update-krichauff-street-3/Last week, Paul from Mode Imagery photographed the completed owner-builder extension. He captured the owner's dog enjoying the new deck. You can check out more of his excellent images on the Krichauff project page.Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:02:03 GMTnewsproject-updatesite-dogshttps://remely.com.au/2026/07/30/a-site-plan-in-7-minutes-using-the-block-report-dxf-and-revit/https://remely.com.au/2026/07/30/a-site-plan-in-7-minutes-using-the-block-report-dxf-and-revit/I've just published a tutorial video that shows how to turn a Block Report DXF into a Revit site plan in under seven minutes. The video covers downloading a DXF and importing it into Revit. I show you how to build a topo surface from the contour data. I also run through the basics ofThu, 30 Jul 2026 02:26:44 GMTabacushttps://remely.com.au/2026/07/16/project-update-krichauff-street-2/https://remely.com.au/2026/07/16/project-update-krichauff-street-2/The master bedroom addition, new courtyard and updated carport in Page are done and dusted. The owner builder has received his certificate of occupancy. Congratulations!Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:39:30 GMTnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2026/05/26/new-tool-tracks-development-applications-by-suburb/https://remely.com.au/2026/05/26/new-tool-tracks-development-applications-by-suburb/I've just launched a free tool that lets you search for development applications across the ACT by suburb. The tool shows recently lodged DAs, applications open for public comment, and the full five-year DA history for any Canberra suburb.Tue, 26 May 2026 00:30:55 GMTabacusnewshttps://remely.com.au/2026/04/10/canberra-extension-calculator-gets-a-major-update/https://remely.com.au/2026/04/10/canberra-extension-calculator-gets-a-major-update/The Canberra Extension Calculator has had a significant makeover. The app now features a simplified interface, making it easier to sense-check your requirements and budget before committing to a project. The calculator is now fully hosted at abacus.remely.com.au, and generates a detailed PDF budget breakdown once you've entered your requirements. It's a handy first stepThu, 09 Apr 2026 22:04:55 GMTabacusnewshttps://remely.com.au/2026/04/10/plans-for-approval-of-townhouse-re-roof/https://remely.com.au/2026/04/10/plans-for-approval-of-townhouse-re-roof/I recently helped a homeowner in Holder with plans for a retrospective building approval for a re-roof using a Section 69(2b) application. The property is a stylish 70s townhouse designed by renowned Canberra architect Gary Willemsen. If you've carried out building work without approval and need help getting it sorted, get in touch.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:40:43 GMTapprovalsnewsside-noteshttps://remely.com.au/2026/03/17/abacus-goes-live-test-news/https://remely.com.au/2026/03/17/abacus-goes-live-test-news/I'm excited to launch abacus.remely.com.au. This is a dedicated site with apps and tools I'm developing to support the building design, architecture and construction industry. Abacus is where I'll be releasing practical, purpose-built tools designed to make your work easier. The first tool is the ACT Block Report and a development version is live nowTue, 17 Mar 2026 06:12:10 GMTabacusnewshttps://remely.com.au/2026/02/27/project-update-guguru-place/https://remely.com.au/2026/02/27/project-update-guguru-place/Work is going well on the master bedroom addition and bathroom renovation at Guguru Place. The bathroom is mostly done, and the plasterers are now on site finishing the internal sheeting. The project is being delivered by Highland Craft Renovations. More updates to come as work wraps up.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:53:24 GMTnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2025/12/09/project-update-raoul-place-2/https://remely.com.au/2025/12/09/project-update-raoul-place-2/Extension and deck nearing completion Last week I visited the site to check on progress. Upright Building Services are working on an extension to add an ensuite and walk-in robe, along with a new deck. The deck is almost complete and the extension has just had the cladding installed. When I was there, the teamMon, 08 Dec 2025 23:55:39 GMTdecks-pergolasnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2025/10/16/planning-approvals-for-a-roofed-pergola-on-a-corner-block/https://remely.com.au/2025/10/16/planning-approvals-for-a-roofed-pergola-on-a-corner-block/Recently, I helped a home owner with approvals for a large pergola. Because it was constructed facing the street , it required a Development Application (DA).Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:54:41 GMTapprovalsdecks-pergolasnewsside-noteshttps://remely.com.au/2025/09/24/planning-approvals-to-raise-the-garage-roof-of-a-70s-townhouse/https://remely.com.au/2025/09/24/planning-approvals-to-raise-the-garage-roof-of-a-70s-townhouse/I assisted a builder by preparing plans and lodging a DA for his project to raise the garage roof of a townhouse in Mawson.Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:12:32 GMTapprovalsgaragemulti-unitnewsside-noteshttps://remely.com.au/2025/09/10/project-update-foveaux-street/https://remely.com.au/2025/09/10/project-update-foveaux-street/Another one my of designs is being constructed by Upright Building Services. This extension to a heritage house in Ainslie is nearing completion. Features include a new master suite with a his and hers walk-in robes! While visiting the site I snapped these progress photos and patted the client's charming kelpie! See more photos andWed, 10 Sep 2025 04:25:07 GMTnewsproject-updatesite-dogshttps://remely.com.au/2025/09/10/project-update-granny-flat-completed-in-kambah/https://remely.com.au/2025/09/10/project-update-granny-flat-completed-in-kambah/A two-bedroom granny flat I designed for an owner builder in Kambah is now finished. The 77m² secondary dwelling transforms what was an underutilised back garden into a bright, energy-efficient home. The L-shaped design captures winter sun while creating a private north-facing outdoor area. Key features include an open-plan living area with raked ceiling, space-savingWed, 10 Sep 2025 04:11:33 GMTmulti-unitnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2025/08/11/project-update-raoul-place/https://remely.com.au/2025/08/11/project-update-raoul-place/This month Dale and his crew from Upright Building Services started a small extension in Lyons. For this extension I designed a luxurious ensuite and walk-in robe to update a stunning modernist house. The project also includes fixing the leaking flat roof along with a new alfresco area.Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:59:55 GMTnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2025/08/10/planning-a-home-extension-and-wondering-about-the-cost/https://remely.com.au/2025/08/10/planning-a-home-extension-and-wondering-about-the-cost/It's a common question for homeowners. To help you get started, I've created a simple app: The Canberra Extension Calculator. This app provides a quick and easy way to estimate the budget for your project. You can specify the rooms and renovations you'd like to include. The calculator uses up-to-date construction rates to give youSat, 09 Aug 2025 21:12:49 GMTnewsresourceshttps://remely.com.au/2025/07/04/a-short-guide-to-attics-in-canberra/https://remely.com.au/2025/07/04/a-short-guide-to-attics-in-canberra/Attics are an exciting and cost-effective way to add space to your Canberra home. If you're building new or extending attics can transform unused roof space into a valuable storage or living area.Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:18:24 GMTnewsresourceshttps://remely.com.au/2025/06/27/missing-middle-housing-reforms-will-dramatically-change-the-planning-rules/https://remely.com.au/2025/06/27/missing-middle-housing-reforms-will-dramatically-change-the-planning-rules/The ACT Government’s “missing middle reforms” aim to dramatically increase dwelling densities in established suburbs. In its current form, the reforms will result in fundamental changes to the character of Canberra’s suburbs. Individually the changes might appear minor. But when combined, they will result in: Large developments of town houses and unit complexes throughout residentialFri, 27 Jun 2025 01:16:16 GMTnewsside-noteshttps://remely.com.au/2025/04/17/project-updates-completed-at-the-start-of-2025/https://remely.com.au/2025/04/17/project-updates-completed-at-the-start-of-2025/It’s very satisfying to see projects completed. Here are a couple of images from the most recently finished projects; Jordan Place and Molineaux Place.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:21:22 GMTnewsproject-updatehttps://remely.com.au/2025/04/17/adopting-plain-english-terms-and-conditions/https://remely.com.au/2025/04/17/adopting-plain-english-terms-and-conditions/In early 2025, I rolled out a ‘one-click’ system for my fee proposals. At the same time, I updated my terms and conditions to use Plain English . I did this because I want to be clear about what to expect when using my services. I also want to avoid the confusing legal language oftenThu, 17 Apr 2025 01:19:07 GMTnewsside-noteshttps://remely.com.au/2025/03/05/im-feature-in-construct-your-career/https://remely.com.au/2025/03/05/im-feature-in-construct-your-career/In this MBA publication, you’ll find an overview of my background along with an insight into my day-to-day work as a building designer. If you're in Year 12 and wondering about your next steps, I recommend checking it out. It can help you navigate the possibilities within the construction industry and understand the types ofTue, 04 Mar 2025 22:55:49 GMTnewsside-notes