Project Home Designer & Dual Occupancy Architect
Practical, cost-effective project home designs and dual occupancy designs for builders and developers on the Mid North Coast.
Dustin Leaney is an expert project home designer and dual occupancy architect for Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and the Mid North Coast. My designs use standard building products efficiently while incorporating clever innovation in key areas to create that “wow factor” that helps properties stand out and sell well.
With over 30 years in the building industry, extensive experience working inside project home companies and collaborating with builders, I understand what builders and developers need — homes that are straightforward to build, competitive in the market, and deliver strong returns.
What I Deliver for Builders & Developers
- Cost-Effective Project Home Designs I focus on practical layouts that minimise waste and construction time while maximising livable space and buyer appeal.
- High-Margin Dual Occupancy Designs Smart dual occupancy solutions tailored to work well on your specific site and to provide excellent returns for developers.
- Standout Features That Add Value Signature elements in each design — whether it’s a dramatic entry, clever indoor-outdoor flow, or unique architectural detail — that elevates the home beyond standard project homes.
- Fast-Track Approvals Strong knowledge of complying development and other approval pathways to help get your projects approved and under construction faster.
- Mid-North Coast Expert With over 20 years experience on the Mid North Coast, Dustin has worked extensively with Port Macquarie/Hastings Council, Bellingen Shire Council, and Coff Harbour City Council and detailed experience with their planning regulations. He has also worked with most councils from Newcastle through to Byron on the East Coast of NSW.
Recent Project Examples
Focussing on cost-effective materials and clever detailing, this home delivers a refined traditional Hamptons Style with a relaxed Coastal twist.
Featuring a standout north-facing living area with beautiful rural outlook and a custom-designed country-style kitchen, every element was thoughtfully considered. The result is a warm, elegant home that is practical and affordable to build.
Designed for a 'Mum and Dad' Developer as an investment home we created a positive cash-flow, dual income investment for the owners. A low maintenance brick-veneer construction with clever planning fit a side by side house and granny flat on a standard sized suburban lot, each with a north facing rear yard.
Making the most of a corner block in Kendall, builder Ashley Corbett of Coastal Homes in Port Macquarie created this 'detached dual occupancy' with two 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom affordable homes that would suit a retiring market. This home was sold within the first week of being offered online.
This home is a collaboration with the local Wauchope Builder. He specifically wanted a low maintenance building featuring brick and vertical metal sheet cladding. Inside the home is spacious with a well appointed kitchen and modern, easy to clean bathrooms.
Designed as a speculative home for a local builder, this home broke all the speccy home rules. It didn't have the wow factor from the front door, and it wasn't a big box with lots of rooms.
Designed around a courtyard, the home captures the northern sun and provides every bedroom with an outlook and natural ventilation. Environmentally Sustainable, Passive Solar design on a project home budget.
Why Builders & Developers Choose Dustin Leaney
- Proven experience working directly with project home companies and builders
- Strong relationships with local certifiers and planners in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie
- Designs that balance innovation with sensible, buildable construction
- Focus on delivering homes that perform well in today’s market
- High quality drawings that provide the clear documentation required for ease of construction
Ready to discuss your project?
Whether you have a single site or a multi-lot development in Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie, I’d welcome the opportunity to work with you on your next project home design or dual occupancy design.
Testimonials
Dustin Leaney is someone who understands budgets, and is very creative and practical in achieving outcomes.
Our renovated home now offers a better utilisation of space, opens up to more natural light and the surrounding environment.
We are looking forward to retiring in our forever home.
I would highly recommend Dustin to anyone thinking of building or renovating a house. His design, from my initial design idea is nothing short of amazing.
Dustin is highly professional, knowledgeable, practical, helpful and high value for money.
He has helped me to get my design from concept to DA submission very quickly.
Visitors are amazed by the unique curved hallway every time they visit. We love entertaining and relaxing in the courtyard which offers passive solar benefits through the large sliding doors to the main living area, and provides outlook, natural light and ventilation to the bedrooms. Our family loves living in this home and we would definitely recommend Dustin to anyone who is looking for a unique and comfortable home.
Initially, Dustin worked to understand the varying cultural constraints to ensure he was meeting the needs of all involved. His design was very creative, progressive and very visual, making it easy for the community to 'see' what our future would look like.
I would highly recommend Dustin Leaney for any architectural designs, particularly when working with indigenous communities.
I nearly cried when Dustin showed me the 3D rendering of the design for our renovation. I couldn't believe it.
Now that it is built, our favourite time of the day is at the end of the afternoon, when we sit on our roof top terrace, in the hot tub with a beer, watching the whales swim by.
Dustin took our dream lifestyle and made it happen.
Ready to discuss your project?
Whether you have a single site or a multi-lot development in Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie, I’d welcome the opportunity to work with you on your next project home design or dual occupancy design.
Dustin & his family live and work on Gumbayngirr Country, paying respect to its traditional custodians past, present, and future.