Residential, commercial, and heritage architecture and design specialists in the Sutherland Shire

From its origins as the home of the Dharawal people over 8500 years ago, to its popularity as a beachside escape, to eventually growing into one of Sydney's largest and most desirable council areas, the Sutherland Shire has seen a lot of change over the years. As the birthplace of Ironbark Architecture's principal architect, the Sutherland Shire is a place we hold close to our hearts.

We are locals. Tied to the local area through our work, and immersed in the community through enduring relationships. Our architecture and design projects span the breadth of Sydney, but it’s here, in the Sutherland Shire where Ironbark Architecture’s first office was established.

 We’ve seen the evolution of the Sutherland Shire first-hand. From the rapid development of urban areas to the preservation of the Shire’s natural charm and community. Our time here has allowed us a hand in this growth and this preservation. We are the architects of one of Cronulla's most significant heritage-listed homes Judge's House, as well as of the oldest home in the Sutherland Shire Gunyah. We've also done our bit to preserve one of the most distinctive traits of the Sutherland Shire - it's tree canopy - showing that development doesn't need to be at odds with the environment, that it's possible for both to work in harmony such as at our Alcheringa project; where we designed a new 5 bedroom home on a bushland block without needing to remove a single tree from the property.

As a Sutherland Shire architect, deep-rooted local ties mean that we understand the intricacies and nuances of each suburb. We embrace modernity and sustainability while preserving the local heritage and showcasing the natural landscape.

Our ethos

Through each project and each space, our work is connected by a consistent set of ethos that can be distilled down into three guiding principles:

Less, but better

Reducing our environmental impact doesn’t mean sacrificing on comfort or livability. Through smart design practices, our Sutherland Shire architect aims to transform each space – big or small – into an expansive experience.

Connection with place

Drawing on our local connection, our Shire architecture and design team looks to create spaces that are in harmony with their environment. Going beyond sustainability, connection with place establishes a clear and consistent narrative with the spaces that we occupy so that we come to love and care for them in turn.

Detail-oriented

We are both detail and technically-oriented in our approach to design and function. From the initial design and concept phase, right through to the construction stage, we ask the right questions so that we’re always on the front foot.

Areas we service in the Sutherland Shire