Design · Land · Natural materials
Project-specific design services structured on an as-needed basis, offering affordable entry into design & plan documentation, and flexible engagement from site consultations through to full documentation.
Design Advice ReportsTalk to Vasko about your project.
Advice & direction
Where's the best place to build on your land? Can that existing house be extended? Is a farm property suitable for your homestead dreams?
Our reports give you clear, practical guidance tailored to your project needs — from desktop research and regulatory analysis through to on-site assessment with concept sketches.
Each report condenses years of residential building and planning experience into straightforward advice, helping you avoid costly mistakes and make well-informed decisions.
They stand alone as valuable insights, and they're also a natural starting point for full design services.
Desktop-based research - regulatory analysis and specialist guidance without requiring a site visit.
Written guidance for natural building and owner builder projects.
Comprehensive regulatory research and compliance assessment for building projects.
Own a home and want to improve or add to it.
Want to modify, renovate or extend your own home? Get regulatory guidance and design advice for your project.
Thinking of buying a property? Get an independent opinion on structural soundness and design possibilities before you commit.
Assessment under Victorian guidelines allowing additional affordable dwellings on existing residential properties.
Ready to build? From sustainability assessment to house design.
Complete design consultation for new home projects.
Comprehensive site feasibility analysis for vacant land development.
A grounded assessment of what level of sustainability and self-sufficiency your land can realistically support.
Comprehensive sustainability assessment for larger rural properties and farms.
Thinking bigger - multiple dwellings or shared land.
Analysis of subdivision opportunities for vacant land or properties with existing dwellings.
Feasibility assessment for eco-villages, co-housing projects, and intentional community developments.
02 / Design & documentation
Comprehensive building design services from initial concept through detailed documentation for planning and building permit applications.
Complete building design from concept through detailed drawings, incorporating wholeness principles and environmental responsiveness.
Comprehensive documentation and drawings required for planning permit applications, including site analysis and design rationale.
Technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for building permit submission, ensuring compliance with building codes.
Integration of building design & landscape with food growing areas, circulation areas, water features - dams & ponds, orchards, trees & shelter belts.
03 / Planning & coordination
Complete project management services coordinating all consultants and experts throughout the full design process, from initial assessment through permit approval.
Coordinating specialist consultants including fire assessment experts, land capability assessors, structural engineers, and other technical specialists as required by your specific project and site conditions.
Managing the complete council application process including permit submissions, responding to planning officer requests, and ongoing liaison with authorities until permits are granted.
Guidance through the owner builder permit application process, helping you understand requirements, documentation, and insurance obligations to determine if this self-build approach aligns with your project goals.
Managing the tendering process to engage suitable builders, including preparing tender documents, evaluating proposals, and facilitating contract negotiations to find the right building partner for your project.
04 / Building & support
Professional administration services throughout the building stages, including contract management, site inspections, and specialized support for owner builders.
Professional administration of building contracts, progress payments, and contractor coordination throughout construction.
Regular site inspections during construction to ensure compliance with approved plans and building standards.
On-site problem resolution, technical advice during construction, and solutions for unexpected building challenges.
Hands-on building workshops and training for owner builders, covering natural building techniques and project management.
Common questions about natural building, owner-builder processes, and regulatory navigation.
I specialize in natural building systems including light earth, strawbale, mudbrick, and hybrid approaches. I also work with conventional systems where they make the most sense for your project context.
Yes, though I'm transparent about current challenges. Light earth faces regulatory hurdles, while strawbale has clearer pathways. I work with specialized surveyors who understand alternative building systems and can navigate approval processes.
Absolutely. I provide design services, training coordination, and guidance through the owner-builder registration process. My approach connects traditional building wisdom with modern requirements.
Steep slopes, flood zones, and heritage overlays require careful navigation. I assess site constraints early and develop strategies that work with regulations while honoring the landscape.
Natural materials often cost less than conventional ones, but labor requirements vary. I provide honest cost assessments including material sourcing, processing time, and skill requirements for different building systems.
I work from Christopher Alexander's principles of wholeness, integrating site analysis, climate response, and your specific needs. The process is collaborative, starting with understanding place and purpose.
Yes, I travel throughout Victoria for site visits and consultations. Additional travel costs apply for locations outside the Daylesford region.
Timelines vary greatly depending on building system, site complexity, and regulatory requirements. I provide realistic timeframes considering approval processes, material preparation, and construction methods.