Architectural Design Services in Geelong
I'm Louise Worth, an architectural designer and Licensed Building Practitioner based in Geelong. With over 20 years of experience in building design, I provide personalised architectural design services for residential and commercial projects across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.
Whether you've recently purchased a property and have alterations in mind, you're planning a new build, or you need expert guidance on a renovation or extension, I'm here to help make your house a home.
Building Design Services
LDDesign offers comprehensive building design and architectural design services throughout the Geelong region. As a full member of Design Matters National and Licensed Building Practitioner, I provide professional design expertise with the straightforward, personalised approach of a small business.
I work across all stages of your project - from initial concept sketches through to detailed construction documentation and building permit applications. Every client works directly with me throughout the entire process, ensuring your vision is understood and realised.
My building design services include:
Concept design and preliminary plans
Detailed construction documentation
Drafting services and technical drawings
Building permit applications and documentation
Town planning submissions for properties requiring planning permits
3D modelling and visualisation
Coordination with engineers, surveyors and other consultants
Project management support during construction
New Homes & Custom Building Design
Designing a new home is an exciting opportunity to create spaces that truly work for your lifestyle. I specialise in custom new home design that balances functionality, aesthetics and budget.
Whether you're building on a suburban block in Highton, a coastal site in Ocean Grove, or rural land near Bannockburn, I'll work with you to develop floor plans and designs that make the most of your site and suit how you live.
My approach to new home design focuses on:
Understanding how you use your spaces day-to-day
Maximising natural light and energy efficiency
Creating functional layouts that work for your family now and into the future
Designing outdoor spaces that extend your living areas
Selecting materials and finishes that suit your style and budget
Home Extensions & Renovations
Many of my clients are looking to improve their existing homes rather than build new. Home extensions and renovations offer a cost-effective way to gain the extra space you need without the upheaval of moving.
I design extensions and alterations for all types of homes across Geelong - from single-storey additions to second-storey extensions, kitchen and bathroom renovations to complete internal reconfigurations. The key is creating new spaces that feel like they've always been part of your home.
Common extension and renovation projects include:
Second living areas and family rooms
Additional bedrooms and bathrooms
Kitchen extensions and open-plan living areas
Second-storey additions
Outdoor entertaining spaces, decks and pergolas
Garage conversions and home offices
Internal layout improvements
Heritage Overlay Properties & Character Homes
One of my key areas of expertise is working with heritage overlay properties. Many homes in Geelong's inner suburbs - particularly Newtown, East Geelong and Geelong West - are subject to heritage overlays that require careful navigation of council planning requirements.
I have extensive experience designing sympathetic extensions and renovations for character homes, including Victorian terraces, Federation homes and Edwardian cottages. The goal is always to respect the heritage character of your property while creating modern, liveable spaces that suit contemporary family life.
When working with heritage properties, I prepare all necessary documentation for planning permit applications, liaise with council heritage advisors, and ensure your project achieves both design excellence and council approval.
Commercial & Industrial Building Design
Beyond residential work, I also provide building design services for commercial and industrial projects across Geelong and regional Victoria.
Commercial design services include:
Industrial warehouses and factories
Commercial fitouts and office spaces
Rural buildings and farm infrastructure
Multi-unit residential developments
Mixed-use developments
Commercial projects require practical, cost-effective designs that meet business needs while complying with commercial building regulations and Australian Standards.
Why Choose LDDesign for Your Building Design?
Qualified & Experienced
I hold a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and am currently completing my Masters in Architecture at Deakin University. As a Licensed Building Practitioner and member of Design Matters National, I bring architectural design thinking to every project with the technical expertise to see it through to construction.
With 20 years of experience in the building industry, I've developed a deep understanding of what works - and what doesn't - in building design. This experience means fewer surprises during construction and designs that stand the test of time.
Local Knowledge
Based in Geelong and working across the region daily, I understand local council requirements, climate considerations, and the unique character of different suburbs. This local knowledge helps streamline the approval process and creates designs that suit their location.
Straightforward Service
I operate as a small business, which means lower overheads and more personalised service for you. You'll work directly with me from start to finish - no handoffs to junior staff or complicated communication chains.
As a mum with a young family, I understand the demands of running a busy household alongside work commitments. I'm flexible with meeting times and responsive to emails and phone calls, making the design process as smooth as possible around your schedule.
Comprehensive Documentation
Good building design documentation is essential for obtaining accurate builder quotes and avoiding costly variations during construction. I provide complete construction drawings that give builders all the information they need, including floor plans with dimensions, elevations, sections, window and door schedules, material specifications, and construction notes.
This level of detail means builders can quote accurately and construct efficiently, saving you time and money throughout the building process.
The Design Process
Working with LDDesign typically follows these stages:
Initial Consultation & Site Analysis - We'll discuss your project requirements, budget and timeline. For most projects, I'll visit your property to take measurements and photos, and assess site-specific considerations.
Concept Design - I'll develop initial design concepts that respond to your brief. This stage explores layout options and design approaches before committing to detailed drawings.
Planning Approvals - If your project requires a planning permit, I'll prepare and submit the planning application to council before proceeding further.
Design Development - Once planning approval is obtained (where required), I'll refine the design with detailed floor plans, elevations and specifications for your review.
Consultant Coordination - I'll liaise with engineers (structural, soil, energy assessors) and other consultants to complete all technical documentation. At this point, builders can quote accurately and propose any changes.
Construction Documentation - I'll prepare complete construction drawings including all the technical information needed for building permit applications.
Construction Support - During construction, I'm available to answer builder questions, review samples and provide guidance as needed.
Service Areas
LDDesign provides architectural design and building design services throughout:
Geelong:
Newtown, East Geelong, Geelong West, South Geelong, Highton, Belmont, Grovedale, Leopold, Lara, Corio, Norlane, Manifold Heights, Herne Hill
Bellarine Peninsula:
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff, Portarlington, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, St Leonards, Indented Head
Surf Coast:
Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Winchelsea
Regional Victoria:
Colac, Bannockburn, Inverleigh and surrounding areas
Ready to Start Your Project?
If you're planning a new home, extension, renovation or commercial project in Geelong or surrounding areas, I'd be happy to discuss how I can help.
You can reach me by phone or email, or use the contact form to tell me about your project. I'm happy to provide initial guidance on feasibility and next steps, and can usually arrange a site visit within a few days.
Let's talk about making your house a home.