![]() | Designed By Catherine Finlay |
Standouts
3x Best of Houzz winner
High-end
Custom work
3 Houzz Awards
3 Houzz Badges
Contact Info:
Catherine Finlay
2 Seaman Street
Sydney, New South Wales 2065
Australia
2 Seaman Street
Sydney, New South Wales 2065
Australia
Typical Job Costs:
AUD $500,000 - $2,000,000
Designs for Alterations and Additions that start from $500,000 for construction to full new dwellings that construction costs up to $2 million.
Designs for Alterations and Additions that start from $500,000 for construction to full new dwellings that construction costs up to $2 million.
Category:
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Award-Winning Building Designers in Sydney's Northern Beaches
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Designed by Catherine Finlay is an award-winning design practice specialising in residential alterations and additions and new homes in the local area. I have 25 years of experience in the design field, with 15 years specialising in residential design.
My favourite aspect of my job is designing the solutions to my clients' brief. It's truly an exciting puzzle to solve, working with unique needs to create beautiful and functional homes. I can also provide assistance with interior design, bathroom design, kitchen design and sustainable design.
We specialise in the documentation for council approval, then identify the best builders and supervise your project. With a concept to completion approach, we will have an open communication so you understand the process and are happy with everything.
Create your beautiful, custom designed home with us.
Services Provided
Building Design, Energy-Efficient Homes, Pool House Design & Construction, Sustainable Design, Custom Homes
Areas Served
Sydney, Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, North Sydney, Milsons Point, Crows Nest, Greenwich, Northwood, Longueville, Lane Cove, Riverview, Willoughby, Chatswood, Kirribilli, Hunters Hill, Cammeray, Balmoral, Northbridge, Wollstonecraft, Woolwich, Middle Cove, Castle Cove, Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay, Bondi, Coogee, Surry Hills
Awards
Builders Designers Association of NSW Inc. B. Design Interior ( hons.1) UTS Winner of 2010 Residential Design Award of BDA
30 Projects for Designed By Catherine Finlay

Longueville, NSW
First Floor Addition & Major Renovation on Longueville
18 photos

Lane Cove, NSW
Bespoke Contemporary Home in Lane Cove
7 photos

Castle Cove, NSW
CastleCove modern
20 photos

Greenwich, NSW
Contemporary & Spacious
13 photos

Neutral Bay, NSW
Contemporary Townhouse in Neutral Bay
5 photos

Greenwich, NSW
Greenwich Renovation
8 photos

Pymble, NSW
Pymble Major Refurbishment.
11 photos

Willoughby, NSW
Contemporary Rear Addition
13 photos

Mona Vale, NSW
Modern Luxury
15 photos

Roseville Chase, NSW
Simple & Modern Renovation
15 photos

Warrawee, NSW
Warrawee House
7 photosShared

Bellevue Hill, NSW
Spacious Transitional Renovation
15 photos
Featured Review

Ward Duvall
Relationship
Client
She incorporated quite a few wow factors, and has a great sense of when to give a firm recommendation on design choices vs. frame options and leave to personal preferences. We absolutely love the space - to live in, entertain and host house guestsRead Full Review
22 Reviews for Designed By Catherine Finlay
5.0|22 reviews
Work Quality5.0
Communication5.0
Value5.0

HU-188132972
Relationship
Client
Catherine was amazing to work with. She was enthusiastic about my brief, also helped in internal design solutions. Amazing detail & thought process throughout the entire design process. Made it a very easy & effortless process designing our dream home within strict council constraints. We are so grateful for all the advice she gave us. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a build.
December 23, 2020

Hugh Bishop
Relationship
Client
Catherine has worked with us now on three properties. Each time she has taken care to understand our needs and tailored solutions to suit them.
We have found Catherine and those tradesmen she works with to be a delight always willing to help achieve a shared vision is time and on budget.
Catherine has very capably managed the processes of design, dealing with Council and Certifiers, Builders and Trades for all our projects.
We would confidently recommend "Designed by Catherine Finlay" to anyone wanting a highly skilled professional to manage their renovations/builds.
December 21, 2020

HU-874113685
Relationship
Client
Catherine has been superb from the start to the finish of this project. She is stunningly efficient, super experienced, a terrific listener and always able to work toward solutions. She is realistic about budget and timeframes, a great designer who understands the brief and is able to both offer opinions and allow you to make decisions. Catherine has wonderful relationships with builders and suppliers and makes this process a dream. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I'm so delighted to be able to narrate such a warm successful professional relationship. I will always speak really highly to others of Catherine's work.
December 12, 2020

kingsinoz
Relationship
Client
We have worked with Catherine on several projects. Her work ethic is second to none. Her planning, coordination, and execution throughout the building process were excellent. As clients, Catherine kept us informed, managed all expectations, coordinated all aspects of the build, and delivered a quality build in a timely manner. We wholeheartedly recommend Catherine and DBCF.
December 5, 2020

HU-914989610
Relationship
Client
Catherine has worked with my family and I on two projects now. The second project being a full renovation of our house from top to bottom including a large extension and pool! Catherine has designed a house that fits beautifully with our family, is functional and beautiful!
Catherine is pragmatic and has worked with us as the build has progressed being available for questions and consults. For key decisions she’s on site walking me through options.
Catherine is well connected to builders and other suppliers and helped run the tender process to select our builders for both projects.
Importantly Catherine is also aware of our budget, something that not all architects are. She works with me to consider how we will use a space or a product and what will therefore be best for us as a family and for our budget.
We can’t wait for the builder to finish so we can move in!
Definitely recommend Catherine to others seeking an architect who is easy to work with and designs lovely homes for families!
December 4, 2020

leighcastelow
Relationship
Client
Catherine has designed two renovations for us and we have found her excellent to work with on both occasions. She finds creative solutions, designs beautifully functional spaces (including pools), is very responsive and takes care of all the approval processes. Catherine has also been a wealth of knowledge when it comes to materials, suppliers and trades, helping us to find a great builder we have used for both projects.
December 3, 2020

HU-393241521
Relationship
Client
Timely and manages to a plan with a coordinated set of deliverables. Cost of service appears reasonable but I don't have any direct comparisons -- we primarily selected Catherine based on recommendations and her assistance in framing the works programme
August 25, 2020

Ward Duvall
Relationship
Client
Catherine was patient with us as first time renovators, was very conscious of our budget, really understood our needs, and based on her experience had a good point of view on how our needs are likely to change . She incorporated quite a few wow factors, and has a great sense of when to give a firm recommendation on design choices vs. frame options and leave to personal preferences. We absolutely love the space - to live in, entertain and host house guests - and are looking forward to enjoying it for decades to come
March 9, 2020Last modified:March 11, 2020

Paul Norman
Relationship
Client
After talking to three different architects Catherine was the obvious choice for our house renovation. She spent the time understanding what we wanted, and the design she came up with met the brief and maximised the potential of our project. Catherine helped guide us through the process of engaging a builder and then managing the build, and was always available to answer our often stupid questions throughout the project. Catherine was a joy to work with and I couldn't recommend her highly enough. We have been living back in our house for a year now and we enjoy every part of what Catherine designed for us.
October 14, 2018

jgd6
Relationship
Client
We had a large dated house that needed work to the exterior and all of the interior. Four bathrooms, a powder room and kitchen and all other areas were refurbished. Catherine had some terrific ideas with reworking spaces. She also guided us on budgets, where to reduce spend and where to invest to aid resale. Her builder and contacts were also very professional . The entire process worked finishing on time. We are currently reburshing a flat. Catherine has reworked the spaces and is managing the works.
October 5, 2018

Jacky Vilardi
Relationship
Client
It was a delight to work with Catherine, she listens to what we wanted and came up with some great designs for us. Nothing was too much trouble and Catherine was there to help whenever we asked for help. Catherine has a portfolio of trades to choose from and we are extremely happy with the building company we selected. Our renovation has recently been complete and we are very happy with our new home
October 3, 2018

Ornella Botter
Relationship
Worked with pro
Catherine Finlay is an extremely professional designer. I have recommended Catherine to many of my clients who have been very happy with her service. Catherine understands design and works to budget. She is very easy to deal with, which is very important.
Catherine also undertook a project by clients who resided in America. They were extremely pleased with the work undertaken. I would not hesitate to recommend Catherine Finlay for a design project.
August 27, 2018

peter farthing
Relationship
Client
Catherine combines good practical input with deep relationships at the Council and a thorough understanding of the approval process for residential renovations. Her design input and contribution was also excellent. She also worked very well with the builders and forged a trusting relationship which meant that there a high degree of trust and confidence in the project team which ultimately delivered the desired results.
August 22, 2018

Freya Reid
Relationship
Worked with pro
As a Commercial Interior Designer, I needed to appoint someone who had a good knowledge of residential design but more importantly had a clear knowledge of the local Council Requirements. Our home was part Heritage Listed and came with several restrictions so Catherine was able to navigate the problems encountered and guide us through all the associated hoops. She was able to work effectively in collaboration with me to pull together the necessary documentation for a DA submission. With her extensive knowledge of local trades she was also able to tender the building works on our behalf and was a constant support as and when required throughout the whole process from inception to completion.
I would happily recommend Catherine Finlay to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, passionate and understanding Designer and have already done so on numerous occasions.
Thank you Catherine.....we couldn't have done it without you.
Freya Reid




August 13, 2018

Glenn Grice
Relationship
Worked with pro
I have worked with Catherine for many years providing structural and civil designs for her projects. She has always produced practical designs that achieve what the client wants. Many clients have commented to me how happy they have been with her designs and the whole process. I have always found it easy to work with Catherine and hope to continue doing so,
August 13, 2018

Bridget Fell
Relationship
Client
Catherine was not only creative and thorough in the planning stages of our project, she was also a highly professional and diligent project manager. We thoroughly recommend her.
July 1, 2018

Alexandra Tiffin
Relationship
Client
I highly recommend Catherine for these reasons plus more:
She is a very good communicator. #1 essential.
She has a great eye for seeing what can be and what will work.
She is practical and thinks of things like a mum.
She is budget aware.
She has a wealth of technical and supplier and design knowledge. She can also help you with the interior furnishings.
She can accommodate whatever level of involvement you want to have on your project.
She is flexible and available to her clients.
She is a really nice person and lovely to work with.


April 27, 2018

CNP Custom Joinery
Relationship
Worked with pro
Catherine Finlay is a true professional. I have had the pleasure of working with Catherine on many projects. Her knowledge and attention to detail is impressive. At all times Catherine considers her highly valued Clients whilst maintaining a generous respect for the companies and Trades working together on the project. In my opinion this creates a healthy and happy working environment with only the best results for Clients. I would highly recommend Designed by Catherine Finlay to anyone looking for a quality project from a quality person.
Narelle - CNP Custom Joinery.
April 26, 2018

Mohamad Jablaoui
Relationship
Worked with pro
AMAZING, a pleasure to deal with, very trust worthy & every renovation/building project is a breeze from the start to the end process.
Quality service is always provided, Professionalism, Sensational Designs & really talented. No regrets, always a pleasure to work with.
April 23, 2018

Kate wc bath + shower
Relationship
Worked with pro
We have recently completed yet another project with Catherine - one of many we have worked on with her over the last 15+ years. Catherine has exceptional skill at designing the most beautiful yet practical homes. Catherine is always professional, reliable and trustworthy. We look forward to continuing our relationship with her and would recommend Catherine for any project.
April 22, 2018

caush
Relationship
Client
Catherine has now worked with us on a couple of home renovations and we could not recommend her more highly. Her practicality and professionalism is exceptional and her ability to deliver a stylish finish on time and on budget.
March 26, 2018

Kellie Milliner
Relationship
Client
I have used Catherine twice now. Three years ago for a full renovation of a cottage, and this year to renovate the laundry and kitchen in an Art Deco apartment. Catherine is easy to work with, has great ideas and I have found her recommendations for trades people very reliable. She is pragmatic, and has brought both projects in on time and on budget.


March 25, 2018
Commented: Where are the lights fromThese lights can be manufactured by a Sydney company call Blommingdales lighting.
July 16, 2013
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