Geographe Home Design

Geographe Home Design John McInerney is focused on helping people create homes that truly belong to their site.

With over 40 years of experience in design and construction across WA, “We design and transform South West homes into lifestyle spaces people never want to leave.”

Granny Flats Are Back: How WA’s New R Code Changes Unlock Hidden Value on Your BlockWestern Australia’s updated R Codes ...
22/08/2026

Granny Flats Are Back: How WA’s New R Code Changes Unlock Hidden Value on Your Block

Western Australia’s updated R Codes and local planning reforms have quietly sparked one of the biggest opportunities for homeowners in years: the ability to add a granny flat (ancillary dwelling) on far more residential blocks, with fewer restrictions and faster approvals. For anyone sitting on unused backyard space, this shift is a game changer.
The new rules make it easier to build a self contained studio, one bedroom or two bedroom dwelling without needing a separate title or complex development pathways. In practical terms, it means homeowners can now create multi generational living, rental income streams, or flexible lifestyle spaces—all within the footprint they already own.
For regions like Busselton, Bunbury and the South West, where block sizes are generous and demand for adaptable living is rising, granny flats are becoming one of the smartest ways to maximise land value. Instead of letting the back corner of the yard sit idle, families are transforming it into a modern retreat, a teen pod, a home office, or a comfortable space for ageing parents to stay close while maintaining independence.
Geographe Home Designs has long championed thoughtful, coastal inspired layouts that make smaller footprints feel spacious. Their design approach—clean lines, functional zoning, natural light, and relaxed WA styling—translates perfectly into contemporary granny flat concepts. Whether it’s a compact studio with raked ceilings or a two bedroom ancillary home with a private courtyard, the emphasis is always on liveability and flow.
With construction costs stabilising and planning pathways simplified, now is the ideal moment to explore how an ancillary dwelling can elevate your property. Beyond lifestyle benefits, granny flats offer strong ROI, improved rental yield, and future proofing for changing family needs.
If you’re ready to unlock the potential of your block, a well designed granny flat might be the smartest investment you make this decade.

15/08/2026

Welcome—I'm John McInerney

For over four decades I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of West Australians design homes they'll enjoy for generations.

People often ask what makes my approach different.

The answer is simple.

I don't start with a floor plan.

I start with the land.

Before I draw a single line, I want to understand your site, how your family lives, where the sun rises and sets, where the breezes come from, what views are worth capturing and how we can create a home that feels like it truly belongs.

Throughout my career I've been fortunate to work across a diverse range of projects—from custom coastal homes and rural homesteads to renovations, lifestyle properties, strata developments and challenging sloping sites. Every project has taught me something new, and many of those lessons are just as relevant today as they were when I first began.

On this page I'll be sharing:

Real project stories and the thinking behind them.
Practical design advice before you build or renovate.
Tips for choosing the right block of land.
Ways thoughtful design can reduce unnecessary construction costs.
Passive solar and climate-responsive design ideas for the South West.
Lessons learnt from over 40 years in residential design and construction.

My hope is that these posts help you make informed decisions—whether you eventually work with me or simply gain ideas that improve your own project.

If you're planning to build, renovate or develop in the South West, I invite you to follow along and join the conversation.

John McInerney

"Why Move When You Can Improve?"Transform the home you have into the home you've always wanted.Every successful renovati...
15/08/2026

"Why Move When You Can Improve?"

Transform the home you have into the home you've always wanted.
Every successful renovation begins with understanding what already works and identifying opportunities to create something even better.
In today's housing market, many homeowners are discovering that renovating an existing home can be a far more cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new property. With rising property prices, stamp duty costs, moving expenses and limited availability of homes in established suburbs, improving an existing residence often represents better value while allowing families to remain in the neighbourhoods they already know and love. By building on the solid foundations of the existing home, this design delivers many of the benefits associated with a new build, including improved functionality, modern living spaces and enhanced lifestyle amenities, without the significant expense and disruption of relocating.
For this South Bunbury home, our brief was not simply to add more space. Instead, it was about improving the way the home functions, enhancing connections to outdoor living, and creating a lifestyle-focused design that better suits modern family living. The existing residence featured a solid floor plan with three bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, and generous outdoor space, providing an excellent foundation for a thoughtful transformation.
One of the key objectives was to strengthen the relationship between the home and its backyard. By opening up the existing kitchen and reconfiguring the rear of the residence, we have created a much stronger connection to a new alfresco entertaining area, pool room and swimming pool. This approach allows indoor and outdoor spaces to work together seamlessly, making the home feel larger, brighter and more connected to its surroundings.
A major feature of the design is the addition of a new garage connected directly to the home through a practical laundry and mudroom zone. This area also incorporates a second bathroom and separate toilet, adding everyday convenience for family life while improving circulation throughout the home.
The redesigned kitchen forms the heart of the renovation. A large scullery provides additional storage and preparation space, helping to keep the main kitchen clean, organised and highly functional. The result is a contemporary living environment that supports both entertaining and daily family routines.
Careful consideration has also been given to the site's solar orientation. The placement of the outbuilding, pool room and outdoor living spaces has been designed to maximise natural light and create comfortable, usable areas throughout the year.
Importantly, the proposal offers flexibility for the owners by allowing construction to be completed in stages. Essential additions such as the garage, laundry and bathroom facilities can be delivered first, with the alfresco and pool areas completed later if desired. This staged approach can assist with budgeting while still working towards a cohesive long-term vision.
At Geographe Home Design, we believe the best renovations respect the character of an existing home while transforming the way it is lived in. In today's housing market, thoughtful renovation can often deliver greater value than moving house, allowing homeowners to create a tailored living environment without the substantial costs associated with purchasing a new property. This South Bunbury project demonstrates how strategic design can unlock the hidden potential of an established home, improve everyday functionality, embrace outdoor living and create a contemporary family lifestyle that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Clients Brief: Country style home in the rolling hills of Ferguson Valley, maximising natural light and views, large gra...
08/08/2026

Clients Brief: Country style home in the rolling hills of Ferguson Valley, maximising natural light and views, large granny flat, big shed, separate living for adults and kids.
The overall result - stupendous and spectacular.

Sloping block in the rolling hills of Fergusen Valley, the home was designed to encapsulate views, sun, outdoor living s...
25/07/2026

Sloping block in the rolling hills of Fergusen Valley, the home was designed to encapsulate views, sun, outdoor living spaces, separate granny flat, big sheds and so much more. Taking shape and closing in on the finish line.

Great design never happens by accident.Every exceptional home begins with a vision—and a designer who knows how to turn ...
19/07/2026

Great design never happens by accident.

Every exceptional home begins with a vision—and a designer who knows how to turn a challenging site into something truly special.

This stunning waterfront home in Basilica Place, Pelican Point is a perfect example of thoughtful architectural design. From the striking street elevation and bold roof forms to the way the home embraces its waterfront setting, every line has been carefully considered.

What makes a home like this stand out isn't just its size or location—it's the way it responds to the block, captures natural light, creates inviting living spaces, and delivers incredible street appeal from every angle.

For over 40 years, John McInerney has been designing homes throughout the South West that are as practical as they are beautiful. His philosophy has always been simple: every home should be designed specifically for its owners and its site—not from a catalogue.

Whether it's a sloping block, panoramic views, rural acreage or a premium waterfront location, John's experience allows him to see opportunities that others simply miss.

✨ Timeless architecture.
✨ Intelligent design.
✨ Homes that continue to impress for decades.

If you're planning to build your forever home, don't start with a floor plan.

Start with a designer who understands how to create one that's uniquely yours.

📍Designed by John McInerney – Geographe Home Design

Why I Always Walk Your Block Before I Draw a Single LineOne of the first questions prospective clients often ask me is, ...
16/07/2026

Why I Always Walk Your Block Before I Draw a Single Line

One of the first questions prospective clients often ask me is, "Can you give us an idea of what our home might look like?"

My answer is always the same.

"Let's go and walk your block first."

After designing homes throughout the South West for many years, I've learnt that no two sites are ever the same. Every block has its own personality. The slope of the land, the winter sun, prevailing breezes, neighbouring homes, distant views and even where you first arrive at the site all influence the way a home should be designed.

It's often while standing on a block that opportunities reveal themselves—opportunities that simply don't appear on a contour survey or satellite image.

I recently visited a site that, at first glance, looked like it was going to be an expensive challenge. The block had almost a two-metre fall from one side to the other, rather than from front to back. To make things more interesting, it enjoyed magnificent water views to the north and west, and the owners also wanted convenient access to a future unit or granny flat at the rear of the property.

Many people would immediately think the answer was to level the site with extensive excavation and large retaining walls to create one flat building platform.

On paper, that might seem logical.

In reality, it would have meant moving a significant amount of earth, constructing costly retaining walls and adding many tens of thousands of dollars to the project before the first brick was even laid.

Standing on the block, however, it became clear the land was actually telling us exactly what to do.

Rather than forcing the site to suit the house, we designed the house to suit the site.

The natural contours lent themselves perfectly to a three split-level design. Each level stepped effortlessly across the slope, dramatically reducing the need for major retaining while allowing the home to sit comfortably within the landscape.

The outcome was far more than just a substantial saving in site works. The split levels created a home that embraced its surroundings. The living areas were positioned to capture sweeping water views to the north and west, natural light filtered deep into the home throughout the day, and the layout provided practical, future-ready access to the proposed granny flat without compromising the main residence.

What first appeared to be one of the site's biggest obstacles became one of its greatest design opportunities.

I've always believed good design isn't about making things more complicated. It's about understanding the land, asking the right questions and finding solutions that work with nature instead of against it.

Sometimes the smartest design decision isn't adding something—it's recognising what doesn't need to be built.

That's why I insist on personally walking every block before I draw a single line. It's where the best ideas are born, expensive mistakes are avoided, and every site begins to tell its own story.

After all, a great home shouldn't simply sit on the land—it should belong there.

Elevations can make or break a home. The clever use of different materials will also add style and individually to your ...
27/02/2024

Elevations can make or break a home. The clever use of different materials will also add style and individually to your home.

Chief designer John loves adding creative flair to all of his designs.


The brief: inner city block, modern facade with striking street appeal, and lots of light throughout.Client was delight...
26/01/2024

The brief: inner city block, modern facade with striking street appeal, and lots of light throughout.

Client was delighted with the final design.

When a home design starts to take shape. Your dream becomes real. An extraordinary lifestyle home on a large block is co...
18/01/2024

When a home design starts to take shape. Your dream becomes real.
An extraordinary lifestyle home on a large block is coming out of the ground.

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Bunbury, WA
6230

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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