New Home Designs in Brisbane

Create Your Dream Home from the Ground Up

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Family kitchen in new home designed by Three Stems in Brisbane

custom house designs brisbane

let's create your dream new build

When it comes to new home designs, the sky’s the limit.

With no existing structures to constrain our creativity, we can explore nearly limitless design potential. Whether you’re dreaming of inviting areas to entertain, cozy relaxation spaces, or guest-friendly quarters, we’ll design a home that allows you to live exactly how you envision. 

Orientation is one of the most overlooked but influential elements of home design, which is why we will carefully consider it to reduce Brisbane’s glaring summer sun and welcome the gentle winter light, enhancing your living experience year-round.

Get in touch to see how I can bring your vision to life!

book your free consultation
External facade of award-wnning Rochedale contemporary display home designed by Stella Franks
  • About Three Stems

    Hi there, I’m Stella! I’m an experienced residential building designer with a passion for helping Brisbane families create their ideal living space.

    Designing a new home is an adventure filled with endless possibilities. Together, we can bring your vision to life, creating a space that’s perfectly attuned to your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.

    I’ll listen to your needs, assess your block, and work with you to design a floor plan layout that will become a home you and your family will love for years. If you’re considering an accompanying granny flat to accomodate those hobbies or other family members, I can help with that too!

    Whether you’re looking for a single storey, double storey, contemporary or traditional Queenslander-inspired design, I can not only design your vision, but also take care of the nitty-gritty pre-site process and approvals. 

    get in touch
    Stella Franks headshot Residential Building Designer at Three Stems Brisbane
  • three stems new home design services

    Single Storey House Plans

    Thoughtfully designed to maximise space, comfort and accessibility, my single-level home designs offer a perfect blend of style and practicality.

    I’ll consider every detail to ensure your new home is as functional as it is beautiful, and work closely with you every step of the way, so your new home is a true reflection of you.

    Double Storey House Plans

    For those seeking additional space while retaining precious yard space, wanting to make the most of those Brisbane vistas, or possibly those looking for a bit of separation.

    My double-storey house plans deliver innovative design solutions that make the most of your property. With your input, I will craft each plan to provide seamless living experiences across multiple levels, tailored to your specifications.

    Customised Home Solutions Tailored to your Unique Circumstances

    Are you building on a slope, subdividing, or have other landscape considerations that need to be incorporated into your home’s design?

    Or perhaps you would like a home that is as individual as you. At the heart of my new home designs is a commitment to translating your unique preferences and circumstances into a stunning reality. 

    I also offer transparent pricing packages without hidden fees that include a FREE 90-minute consultation with an experienced interior designer!

    Vase sitting on wooden bench with cactus interior design Brisbane

    Three Stems Projects

    my custom house designs

    Check out the below selection of beautiful new builds and renovation projects I have completed for my clients. You may find inspiration for your own home!

    I have successfully transformed homes across the Brisbane and Ipswish areas, including Moorooka, Salisbury, Yeronga, Holland Park, Greenslopes, East Brisbane, Paddington, Wooloowin, Sadliers Crossing, and Woodend, to name a few.

    faqs

  • have questions about designing a new home?

    Check out my answers to some frequently asked questions regarding planning a new build, or click on the button below to view all FAQs.
    • Drafter: A drafter can draw plans but cannot submit them for certification or construction. You will need a licensed professional to handle that part.
    • Building Designer: We design and document your plans, ready for certification and construction, as we are licensed and insured. This is the sweet spot for affordability if you’re making structural changes without needing full-blown architectural designs.
    • Architect: They have been at uni a looong time, have higher qualifications, and they can charge the dollars to suit. They are required to be board registered.

    In short, generally 3-4 months from our first site visit to gaining approvals for the build.

    The timeline depends on factors like how quickly you make decisions, as well as any site-specific applications or restrictions, such as town planning, relaxations, and BOS applications. Here’s a typical timeline:

    • Surveyor: Provides the survey within 2 weeks of the initial site visit.

    Once I receive her plans and conduct my site measure, whichever comes last,

    • First Draft: Sent within 2 weeks after receiving the survey plans and completing the site measure.
    • Subsequent Drafts: Turnaround is significantly quicker.
    • Engineer: Takes 2 weeks to complete their part.
    • Final Plans: Provided within 1 week after the engineer’s work is done.
    • Builder Contract: Now is the time to get your builder to provide the contract.
    • Certifier Approval: Takes up to 1 month, depending on the involved applications.

    Yes! In the first revision I generally provide 2 floor plan options, and sometimes a few different alternative layouts for say the bathroom or kitchen. 

    A building certifier is the ultimate checklist checker. They go through and ensure that the plans comply with the Queensland Development Code (QDC), specific council requirements etc. This includes verifying that buildings are structurally sound, safe from fire, protected against pests, and meet energy and water efficiency standards. Then at the end of the build, they will come back and confirm that the builder built as per the plans.      

    While private building certifiers issue most building approvals, Brisbane City Council also offers these services. Certifiers must lodge building work documentation with the Council and conduct technical inspections throughout the building process.

    More information about the building approval or certification process is available on the BCC website at this link.

    The pre-site package includes all the consultants required for most projects. Some projects require extra consultants, and you will be advised during the preliminary design phase.

    Absolutely! As part of the pre-site package, a 90-minute onsite colour consultation is included free of charge with my Interior Designer Stephanie from Margaux Interiors. If you need further support we can arrange a price for a full specification document to be provided. 

    View all FAQs
    Young couple consulting with buildilng designer on home renovation plans
  • 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.

    contact

  • 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