residential building designer Brisbane

Creating livable spaces tailored to your family's needs

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Build in under & carport extension building design in East Brisbane by Three Stems Residential Building Designer

Functional house designs for Brisbane families

  • Creating spaces for ordinary people to do extraordinary things

    Tired of living in a cramped, outdated home that’s not meeting your family’s needs?

    Do you dream of a contemporary, open plan design that fits your expanding family without breaking the bank?

    It’s time to transform your space!

    At Three Stems, I specialise in creating personalised, functional, and beautiful home designs tailored to your lifestyle, with a particular passion for Brisbane’s iconic Queenslanders.

    My award-winning residential building designs have been featured in Grand Designs Australia and Custom Homes Magazine.

    So let’s bring your vision to life!

    view my process
    View of freshly renovated enclosed verandah in East Brisbane Queenslander designed by Three Stems

  • Meet Stella Franks

    Hi there! As a licensed, award-winning building and interior designer, I have a passion for creating spaces that improve your lifestyle.

    I understand that renovating and extending your home can feel overwhelming and you may not know where to start. That’s where I come in.

    If you want a building designer who will truly listen to you, then I’m your person!

    I’ll work closely with you to develop and translate your vision into functional residential design plans that meet your needs, budget, and council approvals. 

    I’ll guide you through the pre-site process from start to finish, including liaising with my trusted network of industry professionals to obtain relevant approvals. This means you can relax and focus on the enjoyable parts – like dreaming of what you’ll do with all of that extra space!

    learn more about me
    Stella Franks headshot Residential Building Designer at Three Stems Brisbane

    • Residential Building Design Services in Brisbane

    thoughtful house designs

    Whether you need a complete house design, an interior redesign to fit that extra bedroom and bathroom, or a raise and build under plan for your Queenslander home, Three Stems offers a full range of bespoke residential building design services to suit your needs.

    I work with clients across the greater Brisbane and Ipswich areas to  transform their homes. My work spans from classic Queenslanders to contemporary designs, aiming to create liveable homes specifically for your family.

    awards & testimonials

      Michelle

      Paddington

      Stella was fantastic to work with. She understood the brief, was easy to deal with, was fast, efficient and delivered as per our instructions.

      Karl

      Greenbank

      Always received a follow up message, was kept in the loop. Always knew what’s going on if changes happened.

      Denise

      Tallebudgera

      Stella Franks was kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable, professional and an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Lyle

      Yeerongpilly

      Stella has been professional, reliable, flexible, and fun to work with. The ability to share a laugh at stressful times is great.

      Jonny

      Salisbury

      Stella is great to deal with.

      Simon

      Paddington

      Stella has been super helpful. We have been very happy with her. She was easy to deal with, understood the brief, was fast and efficient.

      Erin

      Rosewood

      Stella has been wonderful, she is an asset to your team. Nothing is too much trouble and Stella is really trying
      to help us design the perfect layout we will have to live in for a very long time.

      Stella is a real asset to your team. So friendly and helpful and knows her stuff!

      Barry

      Mooloolaba

      10/10.  Stella has been fantastic working with the certifier who is hard to deal with, but she is working through his issues and we will have a great outcome.

    As featured in

    Grand Designs Australia

    The display home I designed for ‘Privium Homes’ appeared in the Grand Designs Australia Magazine issue 8.6.

    Display home designed by Stella Franks featured in Grand Designs Australia issue 8.6

    Custom Homes Australia

    The display home I designed and conceptualized for ‘Privium Homes’ won Custom Homes Magazine “Housing and Construction Awards” for “Brisbane’s Best Display Home over $551,000”.

    view the write up here
    Industrial Style Display home designed by Stella Franks featured in Custom Homes Australia

    Privium Homes

    Read the description of the display home I designed and conceptualized for ‘Privium Homes’.

    view the write up here
    Privium Homes display home designed by Stella Franks featured in Custom Homes Magazine

    pre-site process

  • My Proven Design Process

    I’m here to remove the headache from the renovation or build process!

    From the initial consultation to the final approved plans, I make the process as streamlined and hassle-free as possible for you. 

    I’ll collaborate closely with you to develop your ideas, offer expert recommendations, and create cohesive house design plans to achieve your vision for your dream home. 

    As a QBCC-licensed Residential Building Designer, I simplify the process of altering floor plans, liaise with all consultants required, and ensure your building plans are council-approved and ready for construction.

    view my process
    New build floor plan render by Three Stems residential building Designer Brisbane

  • Why Choose Three Stems?

    Working with me means personalised attention, and a friendly expert to bounce your ideas off.

    I love to sit down over a cuppa, take the time to understand your vision and create functional, beautiful, and sustainable solutions for you and your family.

    Many people wonder if they need an architect or draftsperson for structural changes involved in home renovations, extensions, or raise and build-under projects. As a licensed building and interior designer, I fill that sweet spot by offering comprehensive and affordable design solutions that meet all pre-site regulations.

    As a Brisbane local and mum, I appreciate the unique architectural features involved with renovating Queenslander homes, while ensuring it meets the practical considerations of growing families.

    Partnering with Three Stems means:

    • transparent, inclusive package prices
    • no hidden fees
    • multiple revisions included in packages
    • a focus on client satisfaction with one point of contact (me!)
    schedule a consultation
    About Three Stems Residential Building DesignHer outside Moorooka home

    • my latest residential designs

    completed Brisbane house transformations

    I’m delighted to have worked with clients across Brisbane and Ipswich, including Moorooka, Salisbury, Yeronga, Holland Park, Greenslopes, East Brisbane, Paddington, Wooloowin, Sadliers Crossing, and Woodend, to transform their homes.

    view all projects

    connect with three stems

  • got a question?

    It’s natural to have a lot of questions when embarking upon your home renovation or extension project. 

    Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with my answers to a range of commonly asked questions, from ‘what does a building designer do’ to an explanation of Brisbane and Ipswich building codes.

    Of course, if you have further queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

    view faqs
    drawing of a question mark on pieces of paper, on a wooden table with coffee and a keyboard in the foreground

  • get in touch

    Cup of tea icon

    To get started, you can give me a call or fill out the form on the contact page.

    We’ll arrange a time for an on-site no obligation chat and a cup of tea to discuss your project and refine your vision.

    I will get an understanding of your project, requirements and budget and be able to answer any questions about the process.

    Let’s get started!

    submit an enquiry
    Family looking at house designs on laptop