About Us
Building responsibly since 2001
Green Design Architects is a small, dedicated architectural practice based in South Hobart, Tasmania. Founded by David in 2001, the practice brings over 35 years of experience in designing buildings that work with the environment, not against it.
We specialise in sustainable residential and small-scale commercial architecture. Our work ranges from energy-efficient homes achieving 8+ star NatHERS ratings to carbon-neutral buildings, PassivHaus projects, and Tasmania's iconic Overland Track huts.
Every project begins with the same question: how can this building tread most lightly on the earth while providing comfort, beauty, and durability?
Our carbon-neutral studio in South Hobart
Design Philosophy
Seven principles that guide every project
These aren't aspirations — they're the foundation of every design decision we make.
Passive Solar Design
Every project is oriented and designed to harness the sun's energy for heating and natural light, while providing shade and ventilation for cooling. This single principle can reduce energy demand by 60-80%.
Low Embodied Energy
We select materials with the lowest possible embodied energy — the total energy required for extraction, processing, manufacturing, and transport. Timber over steel. Local over imported.
Minimal Site Impact
Our buildings sit gently on the land. We preserve existing vegetation, minimise earthworks, and design footprints that respect the natural topography and ecology of each site.
Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and water-efficient fixtures are standard in every project. We design landscapes that work with natural water flows.
Healthy Materials
We specify ethically sourced, non-toxic, and healthy materials — avoiding VOCs, formaldehyde, and harmful chemicals. Buildings should nurture the health of their occupants.
Climate Resilience
We design for the climate conditions of 2050, not 2024. Our buildings are engineered to withstand increasing bushfire risk, extreme weather, and changing conditions.
Demountability
Where possible, we design for disassembly — so materials can be reused or recycled at end of life, rather than ending up in landfill.
PassivHaus & Beyond
Performance you can measure
We don't just talk about sustainability — we measure it. Our homes routinely achieve 8+ star NatHERS energy ratings, far exceeding the Australian minimum of 6 stars.
As members of the International Passive House Association, we bring PassivHaus rigour to the Tasmanian context — adapting European standards to local conditions while maintaining exceptional thermal performance.
Our own studio is certified carbon neutral — proof that sustainable commercial buildings are not just possible, but practical and beautiful.
8+
Star NatHERS ratings
Zero
Net carbon — our studio
Industry memberships
We're actively involved in the organisations shaping sustainable architecture in Australia and beyond.