Client Stories and Testimonials
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
"We worked with Chris to design our two-storey, modern barn-style home completely from scratch, and we couldn’t be happier with the finished result.
The design process was genuinely collaborative. We had a lot of ideas and made extensive changes along the way, and he was incredibly patient and flexible throughout, while continuing to guide us on the practical and technical aspects of the design.
Our plans also evolved considerably during the project. We changed the size of the home when we decided to move from the Council DA pathway to certification, paused the project at different stages, and later incorporated a granny flat. He worked through each of these changes with us and adapted the design without losing the overall architectural intent.
He also worked closely with our NatHERS assessor and engineers to make sure the design performed as well as it looked. Particular attention was given to the placement, size and specification of the windows, and the completed home achieved a NatHERS rating of over 7 stars. We can absolutely feel the benefit now that we live here — the house is exceptionally comfortable and warm and performs beautifully through the colder months. There are extensive views to our beautiful settings from every window, and the exterior was not compromised.
Most importantly, the finished house feels completely at home on the site. It nestles beautifully into the landscape and the architectural design is sympathetic to our near-forest setting, the surrounding area and the way our family actually lives.
It is one thing to love a house on a set of plans, but the real test is living in it. Having now lived in ours, the proportions, layout, natural light and connection to the site work exceptionally well. It is a beautiful home, but also a genuinely excellent home to live in, and we are very happy with what we created together."
- E Wilson (Bundanoon)
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
"We were looking for a draftsman after considering a home extension for about a year. We approached Chris and it was immediately apparent that Chris had a kind manner, strong knowledge of best building and design practices, and was very much ready to help us achieve the extension design we were hoping for. Throughout the entire process from design, drawing, regulation and approvals, Chris was very quick to respond to an email or pick the phone up to have a chat about anything that came up. His design reflected our wishes and goals, he was always ready and willing to take our feedback and incorporate it into the final plan. We always felt heard and supported from Chris, and are so happy with the end result. The project was a huge success and that comes down to Chris’ expert work and advice.
Chris’ openness and eye for detail. No design element or idea was dismissed when broached with Chris. He is very practical with his design and understands that clients have their own ideas for design that he works with to enhance the space. Chris was also very generous and flexible when it came to supporting the regulations and planning side of home projects. We were able to get insight and support with the council process which gave us confidence we were on the right track. The biggest thing for us during the process was feeling like we had someone in our corner. Dealing with builders can be confusing and difficult, Chris was the opposite of this and took the time to explain pros and cons of each design decision, without this the project would have been more stressful and confusing for us."
- Nick and Meredith (Bowral)
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
"Working with Chris from Veness Design & Drafting was a fantastic experience from start to finish. He was instrumental in helping us achieve approval for our daycare bathroom renovation and created a design that perfectly suited our needs.
Throughout the project we encountered a number of hurdles, including changing council requirements, but Chris was always incredibly prompt in making any requested amendments and remained professional and easy to communicate with at every stage. His knowledge and guidance made what could have been a stressful process much easier.
The final plans were approved, the renovation has been a great success, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We highly recommend Veness Design & Drafting to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and professional designer."
- Emily (Bowral)
A bit about me
Hi, I’m Chris, founder of Veness Design & Drafting.
My interest in design started well before I established the business in 2010. I studied a Bachelor of Environmental Design, a cross-disciplinary design degree where I majored in Architecture and Interior Architecture. During my studies, I was fortunate to begin building my career within a number of leading design practices in the ACT, working alongside some incredibly talented people who became mentors, role models and an important influence on the designer I am today.
Those early years gave me much more than technical design experience. They taught me the importance of listening, questioning, problem-solving and understanding that great design should always have a purpose.
My career later took an unexpected turn into teaching and education, where I discovered another passion helping people learn and feel confident in reaching their maximum potential. That experience has had a lasting influence on how I work with my design clients today. I don’t expect you to understand drawings, planning processes or building terminology. It’s my responsibility to explain things clearly, guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your home.
Why I started Veness Design & Drafting
When I established Veness Design & Drafting, I wanted to create the kind of design service I would want for my own family: personal, approachable, honest and genuinely focused on the customer.
That customer-first philosophy has always been the way I operate, and it always will be.
I’m a family man myself, so I understand that a home is much more than walls, rooms and a roof. Home is where life happens. It’s where families grow, where memories are made and where, at the end of the day, you should feel most comfortable being yourself.
That’s why I take the time to understand not only what my clients need today, but also where they see themselves in the future. How will your family change? How do you actually use your home? What concerns you about it now? What would make everyday life easier? And importantly, what will make it feel like your home?
What I value
I value honesty, clear communication and genuine relationships with my clients. I want you to feel comfortable picking up the phone, asking a question, changing your mind or telling me if something doesn’t feel right.
There’s no ego here. My job isn’t to impose my style on your home. It’s to listen, bring ideas and experience to the table, aim for the best solution and ultimately create something that reflects you.
Whether you're planning a new home, extension, renovation or simply have an idea and don't know where to begin, you don't need to arrive with all the answers.
Bring me the ideas, the wish list, the Pinterest images, the sketches on scraps of paper - even the things you can't quite explain yet. We’ll work through it together.
After more than 15 years of Veness Design & Drafting, what I still love most is seeing an idea that began as a conversation become someone's home.