Northway Design

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Northway Design Northway Design was founded on the belief that good design should do more than look beautiful. Hello! I know... a long time!

It should respond to its environment, support the way people live, and continue performing well for decades to come. My name is Jess (Northway) & I am a Building Designer with 12+ years of experience as a Registered Building Practitioner and 20+ years experience in the industry overall! I get great satisfaction with creative problem solving to help clients with their Building Projects, big and small. I am a very friendly & approachable person, so reach out if you have questions, I'd be happy to answer :)

When I talk about future-proofing a home, I do not mean trying to predict exactly what life will look like in ten or twe...
11/10/2026

When I talk about future-proofing a home, I do not mean trying to predict exactly what life will look like in ten or twenty years.

I mean designing enough flexibility into the layout that the home can keep supporting you as needs change.

A room that can change purpose, clear circulation, sensible zoning and durable choices can all make a meaningful difference over time.

Swipe through for the practical features I consider, then save this for your future planning.

08/10/2026

What I loved about working with these clients was the trust they placed in the process.

They came to me with a sketch and were open to having their ideas challenged. One of the biggest changes I suggested was moving the master bedroom to the front of the home, rather than the rear as they had originally planned.

It threw them for a loop at first, but now it is one of their favourite features.

Their current home has a beautiful outlook to the garden, especially from the bedroom. We have been able to recreate that same connection in their new home, while designing it around the way they want to live.

Good design is not about changing things for the sake of it. It is about listening closely, understanding what matters, and finding the right way to carry those details into a new space.

07/10/2026

Cold. Draughty. Doesn't capture the views or the sunlight. Hasn't had a proper renovation in decades.

That's the Gannon Homestead as it stands today - a home with a lot of history and a lot of potential, finally getting the transformation it's been waiting for.

We're not just patching it up this time. We're designing a full extension that almost triples the size of the existing home, opening up the kitchen, dining, and living spaces onto a beautiful alfresco area, and capturing the views and sunlight the current layout completely misses.

All while keeping the character that makes it worth saving in the first place.

More to come as the build progresses.

You do not need a perfect brief before the design process begins.It is enough to understand a few honest things:- How yo...
07/10/2026

You do not need a perfect brief before the design process begins.

It is enough to understand a few honest things:

- How you live now
- What is not working
- What matters most
- Where you may need guidance

Our job is to listen, ask the right questions and help turn those thoughts into clear priorities. The brief becomes stronger through the conversation and design process.

Gannon Homestead is starting to take shape!
06/10/2026

Gannon Homestead is starting to take shape!

A future-ready home does not need to predict every change your family might face.It needs enough flexibility to adapt.Th...
05/10/2026

A future-ready home does not need to predict every change your family might face.

It needs enough flexibility to adapt.

That might mean a room that can shift between guest space, work space and everyday living. It might be clear circulation, sensible zoning, durable materials or a layout that can support changing mobility over time.

We are not trying to design for every possible future. We’re creating a strong framework that can keep working as life changes.

Quick question - where are you actually at with your build or renovation plans?This quiz won't give you a score. But it ...
05/10/2026

Quick question - where are you actually at with your build or renovation plans?

This quiz won't give you a score. But it will give you something more useful - a clearer picture of where you're at and what to think about next.

This veranda has become one of the most enjoyed spaces in the home.Creating a generous outdoor area gave the owners some...
04/10/2026

This veranda has become one of the most enjoyed spaces in the home.

Creating a generous outdoor area gave the owners somewhere to relax among the trees, entertain friends and enjoy a different pace of living. Its connection to the kitchen also makes serving food and moving between spaces much easier.

It is a good reminder that outdoor areas need to be designed around how people will actually use them.

Every project has a feature that matters deeply to the client. For this home, it was the bedroom window seat.It was writ...
24/09/2026

Every project has a feature that matters deeply to the client. For this home, it was the bedroom window seat.

It was written clearly into the brief and remained part of the design throughout the process. The finished space creates a quiet place to sit, enjoy the outlook and slow down.

Good design is not only about solving practical problems. It should also make room for the details that help a house feel personal.

Save the details that matter to you. They can become some of the most meaningful parts of a future design.

Finding the right designer is an important part of any building or renovation project.I’ve learned over 15 years that th...
22/09/2026

Finding the right designer is an important part of any building or renovation project.

I’ve learned over 15 years that the best outcomes happen when there’s a genuine fit between the client and designer. That means trust, open communication and a shared understanding of what thoughtful design can achieve.

My approach may not suit every project, and that’s okay. I take the time to ask questions, offer honest advice and work through the details with you rather than simply putting your first idea onto paper.

I care deeply about getting the design right and creating a home that supports the way you actually live. That process needs time, collaboration and a willingness to explore the best solution together.

If this sounds like the kind of support you would value, save this post for your future planning.

Address

71 Johnson Street
Maffra, VIC
3860

Telephone

+61493586757

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