

unorthobox |
design
studio

Unorthobox Design Studio is a consultancy-based building design practice located in Fishermans Paradise on the NSW South Coast.
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With both a Bachelor and Masters of Architecture on the drawing board,Unorthobox is more than just a drafting service. Through a Biophilic and Phenomenological lens; we think, design and live outside of the box creating unique built environments tailored to the specific needs of the client, nature of the site and demands of the environment.
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Unorthobox Design Studio offers an alternative approach to the typical cookie cutter cluster through a fundamental understanding and
application of passive design principles. We work with the elements
throughout seasonal flux and the shifting solstices to create spaces that are naturally lit and ventilated, naturally heated and cooled, open and transparent yet private and secure.
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With our 2D/3D design process our clients are actively involved and immersed in the design experience to ensure their specific needs are listened to, understood, accommodated and catered for.
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About
Unorthobox Design Studio is a byproduct of the NSW South Coast. Creative director, Daniel Sulis, grew up in Fishermans Paradise, attended Milton Public School, Ulladulla High School and spent his time in, between and amongst nearby bushland, forests, farmland and beaches up and down the coast.
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With a creative mind and keen eye for detail, Daniel attended the University of Newcastle studying both a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and Masters of Architecture, graduating with Honours in 2013. Following his University Studies, Daniel worked in an architectural practice on Sydney's Northern Beaches working on projects varying in size, scope,
scale and typology. Through his University Studies and practical experience, Daniel discovered his passionate niche in theresidential realm of design and construction.
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The one to one scale between the building and the occupant; as well as the one to one relationship between the client and design consultant was positively profound and an aspect of the design, documentation, approval and construction process that Daniel carries through with each and every project.
SERVICES
If you're altering an existing dwelling, planning to knock down and rebuild, or in the process of securing your very own parcel of land, Unorthobox provides insightful, thoughtful and attentive guidance to assist you with
unravelling, revealing and realising your project's potential throughout the design, documentation and
approval process.
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We understand that no two sites are the same and that each client and project brings to the drawing board a diverse array of unique needs, requirements and individual lifestyles. Every stroke of a sketch is considered,
thoughtful and thorough, taking into consideration your specific needs, nature and character of your site and its surrounding contextual conditions.
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We work in depth with our clients from the initial site meeting and concept design, through schematic stages and design development right up to and the whole way through the authority application process. We understand that the process can appear daunting at times, especially for those with know prior knowledge, understanding or experience with the process and the intricacies it entails. For more insight and information around the process, our operation, services and involvement, hover your curser over the steps below for a brief walkthrough of the Unorthodox approach.
STEP 1: Get in Touch
If you’re planning your next residential project; reach out and touch base we’re itching to hear about it.
If you’re planning your next residential project; reach out and touch base we’re itching to hear about it.
STEP 2: Site Meeting
If you’re planning your next residential project; reach out and touch base we’re itching to hear about it.
Our design process thrives through client/consultant interaction. This is why we like to meet with you on site and walk through the overall vision for your project, first hand. We take the time to listen, acknowledge and understand a bit about yourselves, past, present and future projections and objectives of the overall project.
STEP 3: Client Brief
The design process and final product is only as good as the client brief. We ask our clients to break down the bones of their projects into a bullet point brief, detailing the overall scope, budget, timeframes and vision for the project. This written information forms the basis and backbone of the design project to ensure that your specific needs are clearly defined, understood and integrated into the design proposal.
STEP 4: Site Survey
If you have not already done so, we ask our clients to appoint a registered Surveyor to carry out a detailed site survey for the purpose of a future Development Application to be lodged with the respective Local Government Area (ie Shoalhaven City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Kiama Council etc). The survey is coordinated and integrated into the design documentation that allows us to establish existing conditions such as site contours, boundaries, easements, neighbouring buildings, vegetation, services etc. Having worked with a number of local surveyors in the region we are more than happy to guide you in the direction if required.
STEP 5: Fee Proposal
From the information provided in our site meeting, your client brief and surveyors site survey, we will provide you with a fee proposal to carry out the design, documentation and lodgement procedures for your project. Our fee breaks down the overall scope of work into key stages and allows for external quotation and comment from desirable builders prior to subsequent stages and successive lodgement with the certifying authority.
STEP 6: Concept Design
(Preliminary Sketch Design)
With the green light given and fee proposal approved. We return to site to undertake rigorous site analysis to establish existing conditions and contextual surroundings both man made and natural. During this time we walk over the site analysing it’s character, topography, vegetation, neighbouring buildings, shared boundaries, access and egress, lines of sight and vista vantage points, orientation as well as patterns of the sun and wind around the subject site. With our site Analysis, site survey and client brief, we return to the drawing board to conceptualise a preliminary sketch concept. This preliminary sketch design consists of floor plan(s), Sections (Long and Short), Elevations (North, South, East & West), Site Analysis Plan, 3D Concept model and Schedule of Colours and Finishes.
STEP 7: Schematic Design
(Design Development)
We understand that design is far from black and white with right or wrong answer. Building design is an iterative and reiterative process. During this stage of the design process having ascertained feedback and reflection from our clients, we return to the drawing board to make the necessary tweaks and refinements to ensure the proposed design is both practical and functional; site, contextually and topographically responsive; suitable to our clients needs and within the established client budget. Our 3D capabilities allow us to walk you through your proposed design to grasp the sense of scale, spatial relationships and connectivity between both internal and external environments of your future home. We provide our clients with the ability to experiment with materials, textures, colours and forms to further extend our communicative skills thus allowing the client to visualise the overall proposed design as a prospective, virtual constructed reality.
Step 8: Developed Design
(Development Application Documentation + Lodgement)
Once we have a schematic design established and permission to proceed, we then return back to the drawing board to compile the additional approval documentation (Development Application, Construction Certificate, Exempt & Complying Development Certificate). This additional documentation is project dependent and varies with the nature and scope of each individual project and avenue of approval with the various certifying authorities. Additional documents may include; Erosion + Sediment Control Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Demolition Plan, Shadow Diagrams, Landscape Calculation Plan, Notification Plans and Door + Window Schedule. In addition to the drawing set we generate a BASIX certificate for your project and include the BASIX commitments on the approval drawing set. We generate the Statement of Environmental Effects report (council requirement) Prefill DA forms, Waste Management Plans and Transmittal Sheets and ascertain estimated DA fees from council for your project. At this point in time we re-issue the entire package as a draft DA set / preliminary lodgement documentation. This allows us to make any minor adjustments should you feel necessary and signing of the prefilled forms. With the signed forms returned we then compile, collate, print and lodge your project approval package with the respective certifying authority. We keep our finger on the pulse and maintain consistent contact with council throughout the assessment and determination period and attend to council matters should they require any additional information or clarification. This keeps your headache to a minimum and aims to maintain and moderate a smooth council assessment.
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PROJECTS
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UNIVERSITY
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It is with pleasure I write this testimonial for Daniel. Daniel’s architectural skill speaks for itself by virtue of his creations, however it is more his efficiency and respectful nature that is exemplary. Communication is crystal clear and timely, not to mention highly accurate at all times. Daniel’s work is comprehensive, detailed, fast and always meets the brief and more. Daniel is not afraid to be bold in design and modern in approach to his architecture. We were thrilled to have Daniel on our team and the completed home is more beautiful than we first imagined..
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testimonials
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kevin askew
(Curl Curl)
One Three Nine House
narrawallee
We were introduced to Daniel by our nephew David Shuttle Building for our holiday house, to obtain the best possible design for our extensive renovation at Narrawallee beach. From our first meeting on site with this amazing talented young man it was the beginning of a very exciting journey. 2020 being a year of extreme hardships and emotions , Daniel was there for us with his positive and extremely respectful nature together with his outstanding architectural skills and prompt responses ,also making the DA process much easier for us resulting in us having a design which met our brief and being more than we imagined and now really looking forward to the build being completed.
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Ian and Jeanette Shuttle (Goulburn)
Three Eight Five House
Narrawallee
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CONTACT

0402 734 922
Daniel sulis
B Des (Arch)
M Arch (Hons II)
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Creative Director
Design Consultant
Daniel Sulis is a Graduate of Architecture - M Arch (Hons II), B Des (Arch) and is not registered under the NSW Architects Registration Board.