Designing Timeless Architecture in Bowral and the Southern Highlands
AO Design Studio is an Architecture and Interiors Office located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Bowral NSW. Our focus is on creating unique, beautiful and timeless architecture to suit the Australian landscape.
Architecture with Purpose, Place, and People in Mind
Here at AO Design Studio, we believe in a humanistic approach to all our design work.
We are driven by the people we collaborate with, the unique character of the places we design for, and the purpose behind each building. Our studio is based in Bowral, and we work throughout the Southern Highlands, drawing constant inspiration from the region’s rich natural beauty, heritage charm, and sense of community.
We’re continually reminded of how deeply connected we are to the environment around us. Whether designing a modern country home, restoring a historic residence, or shaping new community spaces, we strive to blur the boundaries between inside and outside—enhancing our relationship with the natural world and creating spaces that feel grounded and alive.
At the heart of our work is a deep appreciation for the landscapes we touch. We aim to tread lightly, designing in a way that respects the local context while contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier planet. This means carefully considered materials, energy-conscious design principles, and a commitment to sustainability—right here in Bowral and across the broader Southern Highlands.
For us, good architecture is not just about form and function. It’s about people, place, and the possibility of creating something enduring that reflects the values of the region we call home.
Our Approach
It is in the Australian landscapes that we begin gathering our thoughts, the connection to place, the approach that gives us our first impressions and the surroundings that influence our decisions. We explore all the possibilities that each site has to offer; where does the sun rise and set, where do we need protection from the elements, are we looking to frame a view or capture the entire landscape.
All with the idea of creating a building that is settled and harmonises with the surroundings, with spaces that enhance the lives of those that use them. We take a sustainable approach in all our design work, we explore opportunities for passive design through cleverly designed overhangs to control solar access, narrow footprints to allow for natural ventilations and beautiful bright spaces for the occupants. We accurately model all our designs to test the performance of the building and collaborate with our clients and consultants throughout this process to realise the best design outcome for the project.
Our Process
The design process, for us, is a dynamic journey that unfolds organically, with our buildings emerging as thoughtful responses to both the people they are designed for and the unique characteristics of the surrounding environment in which they are situated.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to discovering the optimal composition and form, a continuous reflection on how the space will be occupied by different users, to ensure a highly functional building that is beautiful both inside and out. As we navigate through the stages of the design, our ideas evolve and develop, to find the best solution for each individual element as well as the building as a whole. Our ideas become more and more precise through this approach to realise the most complete design possible to us. Collaboration with our clients is a foundation of our methodology, involving them in a constant dialogue that challenges and refines the initial design brief.Through this collaborative approach, we not only confirm the aspects that work but actively seek out new possibilities that may present themselves during the journey.
The process involves a continuous questioning and testing of assumptions, allowing us to modify and adapt as needed. This flexibility and openness to exploration mean that the final design is not a static endpoint but a culmination of a rich and evolving exploration together with our clients. This commitment to a collaborative, adaptive, and exploratory design process ensures that we achieve the best possible outcome, creating spaces that are not only functional but resonate with a depth of purpose and innovation.
Projects
House Kimberly
House Kimberly
House Kimberley is a single-storey, pavilion-style residence designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings while offering a refined and highly functional living experience.
House Forme
House Forme
Nestled in the heart of Exeter village, House Forme is a contemporary pavilion-style residence that balances privacy, openness, and a strong connection to its surroundings.
House Woodlands
House Woodlands
A contemporary addition to an existing 1970’s brick homestead. AO created an addition that complemented the existing dwelling to suit a growing family.
