Smart Solutions for City Blocks.

Architectural building design for urban homes, infill developments and complex sites across Central Victoria.

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URBAN BUILDING DESIGNERS | INFILL SITE EXPERTS | TOWN PLANNING SUPPORT | CENTRAL VICTORIA | INNER-CITY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Building Where Space Is Premium

Designing in built-up areas calls for creativity, precision and practicality.

Infill sites, subdivided lots, and narrow blocks bring a unique set of challenges — but also huge opportunity. At Ark Group, we specialise in smart, efficient building design that brings architectural character to even the tightest of sites.

We consider light, privacy, access, setbacks, and council overlays to make sure your home feels spacious and functional — no matter its size.

Whether it’s a rear block, knock-down rebuild or subdivided allotment, we work with you to maximise the site and bring your vision to life.

Modern house with large glass windows, outdoor patio with dining area, and a view into a living room with sofas and artwork, illuminated during evening with string lights and sunset in the background.
Line drawing of a modern multi-story building with large windows and balconies.
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What We Offer for

Urban & Infill Design

We help you:

  • Residential building design for infill and narrow sites

  • Subdivision and dual occupancy advice

  • Maximising space and natural light

  • Creative privacy and acoustic solutions

  • Navigating planning overlays and council approval

  • Coordination with town planners, engineers and surveyors

OUR
PROCESS

A complete service. A practical, professional approach.

Designing a home isn’t just about drawing walls and windows. It’s about navigating the site, the vision, the council process, and builder handover — and knowing what to expect at each stage. That’s what we’re here for.

STAGE 1

Site Insight + Concept Design

We begin with the land — how it flows, where the light falls, and what the planning overlays mean for your vision.

  • Site visit and orientation analysis

  • Understanding slope, bushfire (BAL) rating, and views

  • Early floorplans, elevations and 3D renders

  • Passive design and solar consideration

  • Initial budget and compliance guidance

  • Pre-planning advice

→

STAGE 2

Planning & Approvals

We prepare everything needed to satisfy council, consultants, and anyone involved in approving your build.

  • Site overlays,design compliance, and town planning drawings and permit-ready documentation

  • Navigation of local overlays and zone-specific requirements

  • Coordination with engineers, surveyors and consultants

  • Ongoing liaison with council during the process

→

STAGE 3

Construction Documentation

We get your project ready for builder handover — including the detail needed to quote, build and complete the job.

  • Full construction drawings (NCC 2022 compliant)

  • Working drawings for quoting and builder selection

  • Referrals to trusted local builders and trades

  • Ongoing support throughout the build (if needed)

Specialist Considerations for Urban Homes

Privacy matters

Tight boundaries call for thoughtful design. We use orientation, screening, and layout to create spaces that feel private and peaceful — even in the city.

Maximising light

Access to natural light is critical in narrow sites. Our concepts are carefully designed to welcome light while controlling heat and glare.

Planning complexities

We’re across zoning, overlays and local planning requirements and can help guide your project from concept to council submission.

Access and flow

Whether it's vehicle access, walkways or logical living zones, we plan for real life movement — ensuring ease, safety and connection throughout the home.

Noise + neighbours

Acoustic performance is key in denser areas. We consider materiality, layout and positioning to help reduce external noise and maintain comfort.

Modern open-concept indoor-outdoor home with dining area, outdoor table with chairs, lounge chairs, plants, and backyard at dusk.

Top-rated
City Materials

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  • Close-up of a wall with lime green rectangular bricks and white mortar.

    Vibrant Wasabi Brick

  • Close-up of dark gray vertical wooden paneling.

    Black Axion Cladding

  • A stack of weathered red bricks with some worn and chipped areas, showing signs of age and exposure.

    Recycled Brick

  • Close-up of wooden planks, showing natural grain and knots.

    Silver Top Ash

  • Close-up of a brick wall with gray bricks and orange mortar lines.

    Stacker Bond Blue

  • Close-up of gray metal lockers with vertical ridges in a row.

    Standing Seam Cladding

We consider light, privacy, access, setbacks, and council overlays to make sure your home feels spacious and functional — no matter its size.

— Dennis O’Dwyer, Building Designer

“

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OUR
CLIENTS

Hear from the people that we’ve worked with and helped them achieve their dream home.

See More Reviews

  • Dennis was so helpful with responding to council requirements and our builder was impressed by the level of detail provided in the drawings. We continue to be delighted by our renovation and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dennis.'

    Adrian Ford

  • We loved our home, but Dennis helped us fall back in love with it. The renovation honoured the original design but gave us what we actually needed as a family.

    Castlemaine Renovation Client

  • Dennis guided us through a very complex heritage approval. His drawings, patience and communication made all the difference.

    Woodend Heritage Renovation

  • 'Dennis’s ideas and vision from early on met our brief well, but he was also flexible when we wanted to adjust elements of the design. The quality of his drawings were excellent and he went the extra mile to help cut through the building approval process.’

    Ben & Leesa Carlton

  • ‘Nothing was ever too much trouble for Dennis. His communication was exceptional throughout. Our experience from beginning to end was enjoyable and he was as enthusiastic about our home as us. We couldn’t recommend Dennis highly enough.’

    Stephen & Leonie Higgs

  • 'Dennis’s renovation design transformed our home. It looks amazing, works well with our young family and it’s retained the warmth and character of the original building. We'll definitely work with Dennis again and recommend him for your project.'

    Mathew Churchill

OUR
PORTFOLIO

Homes that respond to land, light and life. Explore how our designs come to life in different settings.

Browse Portfolio
Modern house with a black and white exterior, large glass windows, an outdoor patio with string lights, and a lush green lawn at sunset.
Modern bathroom with a double sink vanity, oval mirrors with LED lighting, potted plants, a glass-enclosed shower with gray marble walls, yellow towels, and beige tile flooring.
Modern indoor-outdoor living space with a large patio, outdoor dining table, modern outdoor chairs, potted plants, and an open view to a backyard with trees at dusk.

Start with clarity.

Design a home that makes the most of your city block.

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Call Dennis