STUDENT STORIES

Basia had been looking to buy a house for about six months when she come across a fantastic big flat 980 sqm block in Surrey Hills, Victoria. Renovating or building a whole new house certainly wasn’t part of her plan, but when she found the Payne Street property, she saw an opportunity not to be ...

For the latest in our Building Methods series, we're joined by the very talented and experienced builder James Ind, Director of Loxton Built. With a double degree in Architecture and Construction Management, Master of Architecture and years of experience on site, James and his team work tirelessly to deliver unique, high quality residential homes. When ...

Featured image: The Kensington Grand 40 from Carlisle Homes - the property choice of DevelopHer Samone Shepherdson (read about Samone's journey here). Volume Builder Method  The Volume Builder method is a popular and convenient approach to home construction, offering pre-designed house plans and a streamlined building process. Volume builders construct a large number of homes ...

The process of buying an apartment before it's even built can be full of surprises. But for this apartment in Northcote, it became more than just signing papers—it turned into a team effort. DevelopHer Breeze, dealing with changes in life and unexpected waiting times, changed the original plan to make a special place for herself ...

In the world of homebuilding, there are many paths to creating your dream home. Working with volume builders, like Carlisle Homes, who offer a streamlined and efficient process for turning their customers dream homes into reality was a option that BuildHer, Samone had used previously and had clarity on when she decided to undertake the ...

Next in our journey through each of the Building Methods - Design Team and Tender! Revisit last weeks podcast to find out more about how Elise Weaver navigated her build using the Owner-Builder Method, and make sure to listen in to Rebeka's introduction to all of the different Building Methods, and how they could work ...

Meet Elise Weavers, one of our developers who has successfully completed her own home as an owner builder. Discover how she and her partner Sam transformed their Ascot Vale residence from a dream into reality. The process, while rewarding, comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most significant challenges was time and ...

Meet DevelopHer Anna - a civil engineer who's passionate about building, Anna recently embarked on a remarkable journey to create a dream home for her family. With a love for building and an eye for design, she shares her experience from the initial decision-making process to the final touches. Join her as she navigates through ...

This striking dual occupancy project, led by incredible DevelopHer Amy Lunardi, represents a collaboration filled with dedication and creativity. In this blog we explore Amy's meticulous planning, thoughtful design choices, how she overcame challenges through perseverance and brought together a team that could execute her vision to perfection. Tell us about this project – what ...

Embarking on a duplex project wasn't just about creating a source of passive income for us; it was a dream turned reality, an opportunity to build a diverse portfolio, and gain invaluable experience. This blog dives into the motivations, challenges, and highlights of our journey into duplex development. Background and Inspiration Having studied architecture, I ...

Meet Emily Nair, a passionate force in the design and construction industry. Her story is one of determination, breaking barriers, and transforming dreams into reality. On May 27th, Emily made a big move by buying an apartment that changed everything. It all started with a conversation that got her thinking. She talked about her love ...

In a whirlwind transformation, Jodi revitalized a neglected '80s townhouse, turning it into a stunning Parisian-inspired haven. Despite its unlivable state, she saw potential in its structure. Her vision for a Parisian-style renovation evolved amidst challenges, leading her back to the original inspiration. The renovation was a delicate balance between preserving and updating. Jodi selectively ...

This week we sat down with incredible woman, mum and BuildHer Basia Pham. As her beautiful property is about to go under the hammer at auction, we dig into the vision, process and partnerships that brought her iconic, contemporary barn to life.Thank you so much for chatting to us during such a busy time, Basia! ...

We are thrilled to share an inspiring renovation journey led by Georgina, one of our passionate and practical BuildHer members. With a background in finance and marketing, Georgina, along with her husband, has embraced the world of property development and design. Let's take a glimpse into the extraordinary transformation brought to life through her vision ...

Embark on an architectural odyssey as we delve into the remarkable transformation of an Edwardian home into a breathtaking modern marvel. Meet Louise, a talented architect, and devoted mother, whose vision and ingenuity turned her family abode into a functional and visually stunning haven. Guided by BuildHer's invaluable support, Louise's project showcases the perfect blend ...

Are you ready to be mesmerized by a true architectural marvel? Step into the world of Jessica Chamberlain, the brilliant mind behind Chamberlain Property, and discover the epitome of luxury and low-maintenance living. Nestled on the doorstep of Templestowe Village, this spectacular four-bedroom residence is a symphony of thoughtful design, outstanding craftsmanship, and warm open ...

Meet Georgia Meet Georgia, a successful HR professional with a passion for project management and design. In 2019, Georgia purchased a property that had great potential, but needed a lot of work to bring it up to her standards. The property was in liveable condition, had beautiful period details, and enough space to increase the ...

Using the Blended BuildHer model, Caity and her husband Daniel set about building and extending their home in Surrey Hills, Victoria. The original home was a gorgeous Edwardian that needed a lot of work,and the renovation was brought forward when the bathroom floor rotted out and was no longer useable. Jumping into their build, Caitlin ...

Tamara, who is a very talented member of our BuildHer team, has spent the better part of the last 2 years building these amazing his and hers holiday homes in the picturesque town of Beechworth in country Victoria. Here's her story of how this idea came to fruition, and the journey she took to create ...

You will probably know who she is by now. Rachel Collard is a powerhouse of a woman, with 3 boys, her own business R&Co Design Studio, and she's been a busy little bee earlier this year getting her gorgeous Miss Morris ready for visitors. Rach is a bubbly and vivacious human, and Miss Morris is ...

We are so pleased to share with you the journey of one of our amazing BuildHer Suzanne who build a home with passive home principle and doesn’t need heating at all! Even on the coolest of winter days! Sustainability! Sustainability is top of mind this week with our Sustainability Podcast Series which you can listen ...

Her story isn’t a straight forward one, that’s for sure, but it does end happily with a stunning home in Albert Park ready for a new owner! Purchased in November 2019, the plan was to get the build underway in mid 2020. The house had been renovated approximately 35 years previously adding vital space on ...

Petra is one of our amazing DevelopHer’s and her and her partner are absolute Queens and Kings of the renovation for profit game! What they see that others don’t is potential! Potential not for the biggest most extravagant project, but for reusing the bones of a home and creating an incredible space that people will ...

Renovations and transformations are so much fun and this one is a cracker!  Before stood a dark and dingy 1970’s concrete block-work home, but after Taeler was finished, we have seen this transformed into an architecturally designed home which can adapted and change with a family over time. To do this, Taeler and her team ...

Ariane, one of our BuildHers, started her very first renovation project in 2019,  where she created a calm and cohesive home that utilizes open plan living spaces and clean lines which are accentuated by breathtaking raked ceilings and a neutral colour palette. Nestled in a traditional wooden exterior, this renovation saw old meets new with ...

All images by @dylanjamesphoto/ Devaki, one of BuildHer’s DevelopHers, started her renovation journey in 2015 which saw a fierce passion for design and interiors grow. What started out as a small scale renovation to make the home fresher, more functional and liveable with a tiny scope of which included moving a couple of walls and ...

That is the Million Dollar Question! The beautiful Rathmines South House is on the market! And the BuildHer8 are as proud as punch! We have been overwhelmed by ladies in our community asking us if we are doing any more JV’s as they want to learn more and see behind the scenes. This is amazing, ...

We are so exited to introduce you to the lovely Jacqui! A student in our DevelopHers Masterclass, we met Jacqui last year at our Weekend Intensive and we are so proud of her big life changes so far. We sat down and had a chat with Jacqui about her past and what is in her future – ...

All property images taken by SpacecraftLandscape design by Bespoke Landscapes Thinking of packing your family up and moving interstate? Joni and Alex have recently started their new life in Queensland, with a newborn baby and a 2 year old! As a dynamic duo, Joni is a lawyer her husband (Alex) is a builder, she was always thinking about ...

HOW TO GET IT RIGHT Justine and husband Nick had been planning their renovation for years! They love their tree lined street, love their home and knew the house had a little something more to give and they wanted to get it right. They got some plans drawn up by a local architectural designer and ...

Creating a Low-tox beautiful and functional home with BuildHer Rachel Harris Let’s meet our BuidHer Rachel. She focused on creating a “low tox” home and now we welcome you to join us and take a tour with us. We love this beauty! She – yes, she is a SHE and is full of depth, classic design, love ...

having the right support is key to achieving your dreams Unrealistic expectations are normal, but honestly the view from the outside is so different from the feels from the inside. Not always but frequently! I thought I would try to explain the what and why of what we do and how I became a DevelopHer. But, ...

A story of optimism, designing your outcome and building a ‘dream team’! Whether to knock down and rebuild or renovate is so often a question that we ponder and struggle to find the best answer to. When we are looking at creating our home it is tricky as there are no clear answers, no definitive ...

Welcome to another blog about one of our BuildHers, Celina. A collaborate approach to building really paid off for her. We thought is would be a good idea to dive in a little deeper about the blended BuildHer model that she adopted! Photography by Ben Hosking USING HISTORY TO CREATE THE FUTURE Implementing the blended BuildHer ...

Building houses to bring people together All images supplied by Spacecraft DevelopHer Yolanda’s Northcote oasis is a sight to behold. She certainly doesn’t shy away from a challenge, even when it is as far removed from her day job as possible! Both career driven individuals, Yolanda Aarons and her partner work by day in senior roles ...

1 HOUSE AND 5 APARTMENTS... DONE! Running Melbourne-based domestic building company Kadabra Group with her business partner, Karen has recently put this Heritage redevelopment on the market in Richmond, Victoria. Having seen the potential in the site early on, Karen created an impressive family home in the sought after inner suburb of Richmond.  In the roles of ...

A RENOVATION & EXTENSION IN ROBERT ST, BENTLEIGH For Anita, one of our Master BuildHers, property was a passion shared with her father in her youth that carried through to adulthood. With a cosmetic renovation under her belt, plus the project management and interior styling of a Phillip Island holiday house, Anita gained confidence in ...

LISA'S BACK STORY - HOW SHE GOT STARTED It’s not every day that you see a two-bedroom unit transformed to deliver a genuine WOW factor – yet that is exactly what Lisa Kefford has achieved with her recently completed Carnergie apartment; a high-end apartment intently focused on breaking the dollar value in the local market. ...

SARAH'S TONAL NORTHCOTE HOME Build Like a BuildHer, Masterclass student and Colour Consultant Sarah of Sarah Wood Designs (find her on Facebook HERE) was always destined to be a creator. Growing up with a builder for a father, the family were constantly purchasing new blocks in the neighbourhood, building new houses, moving, and repeating. But it was ...

You may or may not be aware of our lady of many hats, Rachel Collard. Actually everyone here at BuildHer Collective wears many hats (that’s called working in a small business), however Rachel’s many hats come from the many roles and skills she has here with us.  Feeling “excited” about turning 40, we asked Rachel ...

LET'S TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO HER KEW RENOVATION Like many of us, Alison has worn a number of hats, collecting experience in a range of complimentary roles that led her to the hard hat she wears now. Harnessing the analytical side of her brain for her early career years working in cybersecurity and finance, ...

Ivy Huang and her partner Adrian were on the hunt for a family home. Finding the Melbourne property market within their budget overall disappointing, Ivy changed strategy, and was won over by a really old 1910 Edwardian weatherboard cottage with great bones, huge bedrooms and 3.5m ceilings. Set on a quiet Armadale cul-de-sac minutes from ...

Can you believe that two months has gone by since the first project update? And what a hectic two months it has been. Progress on paper, progress on site, two kids birthday’s and one European sojourn later and I am ready for a sleep in this weekend! I guess nothing inspires progress like paying rent ...

Meet Alison, another of our Masterclass Students. Alison is currently onto her second project and is owner building the process. A challenge for sure, but one she feels she can handle with the team from BuildHer by her side every step of the way. Here’s her story:  "My name’s Alison and I’m an interior designer ...