About

Bower Street Studio

Buildings are around for a long time

…or at least, should be – so thoughtfulness and quality are core to every design we imagine and create. Our principles are focused on not only what presents beautifully, but what is comfortable, functional, and importantly, sustainable.

We believe great home design considers two important factors. Firstly, who’s going to live there and what kind of lifestyle they have; and secondly, what’s the nature of the site - how can the design best respond to the aspect, topography, climate and surrounding neighbourhood.

We confidently embrace a site’s unique characteristics to ensure we fulfil its potential to become a unique and beautiful home with comfort in warmth, light and noise in combination with flow and space.

We work on all kinds of projects but have a real love for giving new life and form to existing homes through thoughtful alterations and additions.

We predominantly service the suburbs of Perth and surrounds, and the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Hi! I’m Kara

Principal building designer and founder of Bower Street Studio.

Establishing Bower Street Studio was fuelled by an ambition to improve the residential built environment and create beautiful homes that ‘work.’

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Too often I’ve walked into lovely – even luxurious – feeling homes, that just don’t function the way they should. I’m an absolute believer in taking advantage of a site’s best assets to create natural comfort within a space – sunlight, warmth, breezes, views, whatever it might be – and combining these with a clever use of space and flow for function.

I love getting to know my clients to understand their needs, dreams and budget for their home, and provide advice on elements that will make their home more enjoyable and uniquely perfect and comfortable for them. I believe designing your home should be an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding experience. I love collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life. My services ensure you are supported every step of the way, from developing and drawing up design ideas, through to council approvals and construction.

I’m an active member of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) and the Perth Chapter Chair. For the third year running I am also involved in coordinating the BDAA National Design Awards, a 20+ year strong program which recognises outstanding design achievements within the industry across Australia. I have a former career in Corporate Communications which allows me to naturally take an organised and consultative approach to design and working with my clients.

My qualifications include a Diploma in Building Design and a Bachelor of Commerce.

We design with
Purpose:

To create the most comfortable and enjoyable spaces for our clients to live in – matched to their unique lifestyles.

We design with Conscience:

Embracing the unique characteristics of a site to create environmentally responsive, more sustainable homes