APPROACH/PHILOSOPHY
Walknorth Architects are an energetic, design based architectural firm recognised for design excellence. Our architecture is engaging and memorable. We work on a range of project types from bespoke houses to multi-unit housing and housing prototypes, education projects, tourism projects and small commercial buildings. We have successfully worked with a range of clients including varied private clients and organisations such as BMNAC and ambitious public organisations such as the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School.
Walknorth has a strong focus on collaborative effort to achieve the best outcome for the building. We take the time to genuinely know your project: your vision, the goals, the challenges and opportunities, the backstory and the place. We have the experience to make the complex processes simple, to hold our shared vision for the project and to shepherd it through to completion. We collaborate with you, with the engineers, with the planners, with the council, with the stakeholders and with the builders to create beautiful buildings for now and for the future. To this end we have extensive ability and experience in co-ordinating and directing a team of consultants and specialists to produce a quality outcome. The practice physically builds projects and so has a good deal of experience with and understanding of materiality. We combine creative problem solving with innovative pragmatic thinking to provide a range of unique and sustainable solutions.
Our work has been recognised locally and nationally through awards, publications and lectures . Notably, our work has received the highest AIA Awards at NSW regional level, including the James Barnett Award and residential award (Scribbly Bark House, 2022), Timber Award (Canopy House, 2023) as well as various commendations.
SERVICES/PROCESS
All of our projects are unique, a product of the individuality of our clients, their aspirations, and their budgets.
We offer full-service architecture tailored to small and mid-size projects, including concept design, documentation, permits, and construction administration.
Below are our core services.
DISCOVERY AND FEASIBILITY
- Every project begins with place. We shape spaces that respond to their setting, whether in rugged landscapes, urban centres, or cultural contexts, so that each design grows authentically from its site.
Concept & Vision Design
Creative site- and client-led design ideas and feasibility.
Schematic + Design development
Refined layouts, materials direction, and coordination with consultants.
APPROVALS AND DOCUMENTATION
- By documenting with rigor and foresight, we ensure that builders can execute each element with precision, efficiency, and integrity.
Approvals
Prepare submission for approvals with relevant authorities including organising required sub-consultants like engineers and thermal consulants.
Documentation
Prepare construction drawings to enable the project to be costed and built in full detail including the specification of fixtures and fittings.
DELIVERY
- Throughout the process we remain dedicated partners, guiding projects through construction to ensure that what is built reflects the vision we began together.
Tendering
Engage builders to quotes based on construction documents, negotiate to meet budgetary and timing requirements, making changes as necessary. Assist with contract documents and signing.
Contract Administration
Site review to ensure building is built in accordance with the Construction Documents and any authority requirements..
Sacha Zehnder
Bachelor of Architecture University of Newcastle - 1st Class Honours, University Medal
NOMINATED ARCHITECT – NSW ARCHITECT REGISTRATION NUMBER 8557
Graduated from Newcastle University 1999 with a Bachelor of Architecture (1st class honours) and the university medal. Sacha spent 7 years working with well known Australian Architect Peter Stutchbury. Her skill, highly regarded by all who associate with her, of maintaining the strong conceptual language throughout the building development, was also highly valued by Peter. She established Walknorth with Jaya Param, after previously collaborating on a number of projects. She is always liked by her clients, for her honesty, sensitivity and her consistency of approach.
Jaya Param
Bachelor of Architecture University of Newcastle - 1st Class Honours, Design Prize
NOMINATED ARCHITECT – NSW ARCHITECT REGISTRATION NUMBER 8555
Graduated from Newcastle University 1999 with a Bachelor of Architecture (1st class honours) and a design prize for his final presentation. Worked with Sue Harper Architects, a two-person architectural practice focused on environmentally sensitive residential projects and indigenous community housing in collaboration with ‘Health Habitat’. Before establishing Walknorth, Jaya spent time building three houses and has subsequently continued to build two more. In addition to a strong conceptual focus, this time spent time building has helped Jaya develop an expertise in detailed design, documentation and construction.