Featured Project
Rob's Cottage, 1884
Waverton, North Sydney
Five High, Kirribilli
The Berrys Bay Touch
Berrys Bay Studio is a multidisciplinary town planning, architecture and construction firm delivering projects across New South Wales — from Metropolitan Sydney to regional, rural and coastal communities.
As a family-owned business, the team you work with has a direct investment in the success of your project. You work with our most senior and talented people — including our Executive Director of Planning, Lynne Sheridan, former Director of the Codes and Design Team at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
We are recognised for our creativity and practical approach, which is evidence-based and focused on Country. Our integrated team of town planners, architects, and builders works across architectural design, planning approval and construction delivery.
Our People
Like mother, like son — a family-led studio bringing architecture, planning, and construction together under one roof.
Cody Sheridan
Cody Sheridan, Director and Project Lead, Berrys Bay Studio · Licensed Builder (NSW)
Lynne Sheridan
Lynne has over 40 years of experience as a town planner and project director across local government, State government, and the private sector. She is a recognized leader in the property development industry and her expertise spans statutory and strategic planning, as well as urban design across Metropolitan Sydney and Regional NSW.
As a specialist in housing policy and delivery, Lynne has held several senior executive roles at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. During her tenure as Director of the Codes and Design Team, she led the development of significant State-wide complying development reforms designed to accelerate housing delivery and improve diversity. Key projects included the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code and Design Guide, the Greenfield Housing Code, and the Inland Code.
Lynne was appointed as an Acting Commissioner in the NSW Land and Environment Court (2021-2023). She was also honored with a Premier’s Award for the Simplified House Code, which modernized NSW legislation by introducing explanatory images to help homeowners better understand development rules.
Lynne Sheridan RPIA, Registered Planner PLUS (EIA), Planning Institute of Australia, accredited under the NSW REAP scheme
John Bohane
With over 25 years of experience in architecture and urban design, John is a strategic design thinker and advocate for design quality who has won multiple awards for his work. His high-end residential portfolio includes Mosman House ($10M), Castlecrag House ($8M), and — while at Peter Stutchbury Architecture — the Robin Boyd and Lesley Wilkinson awarded Lighthouse, Invisible House, and Foredune House. A strong theme of sustainability underlies all of John's work; he has managed multi-site modular housing systems achieving a 6 Green Star rating. John has taught architecture at the University of Sydney, UNSW, University of Tasmania, University of Newcastle, and UTS, and has served on the Local Planning Panel for North Sydney Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel.
Design. Approve. Build.
An integrated team of Sydney town planners, architects, and builders — delivering DA approvals, complying development, heritage advice, and construction under one roof.
DESIGN.
Architecture & Urban Design
Driven by our passion for design excellence, we deliver sustainable and enduring designs. Our talented team of experienced architects create a solid foundation for your project — from high-end residential to urban design.
High-End Residential & Urban DesignLearn More →
APPROVE.
Town Planning & Approval
Our Sydney town planners bring decades of experience navigating development applications (DAs), complying development certificates, statements of environmental effects, and heritage impact statements across NSW councils. We get your project approved on time and on budget.
Town Planning & DA ApprovalLearn More →BUILD.
Construction & Delivery
Through quality and precision construction, our reliable team delivers optimal outcomes. We have a culture of focused and passionate builders whose attention to detail leaves you with the best possible final product.
Precision Construction & DeliveryLearn More →Our Work
Strategic Planning · Inner West Council
Inner West Council: Development Control Plan 2026
Berrys Bay Studio recently collaborated with Inner West Council to conduct a comprehensive strategic peer review of their new Draft Development Control Plan (DCP), which is currently open for community feedback on the Inner West Your Say platform. As recognized industry experts in best-practice DCP writing, our multidisciplinary team applied our signature "Policy to Practice" methodology to transform the DCP into a clear, concise set of planning controls to assist applicants and the community when designing and lodging a development application. By stripping away technical jargon, standardising terminology to remove ambiguity, and cleanly separating qualitative, performance-based objectives from numerical controls, the Draft DCP will be more accessible to the general public and reduce assessment timeframes for development applications (DAs). To learn how we shape planning controls that make it easier to design high-quality, innovative projects, read our detailed article on how to write a legally robust DCP on our blog.
Planning · NSW-Wide
Complying Development Reform
Our Executive Director of Planning, Lynne Sheridan, is the former Director of the Codes and Design Team at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. In that role, she designed and implemented statewide planning codes that reduce approval risk, simplify controls, and accelerate housing delivery — all while maintaining clear, workable design standards. Key Reforms & Codes Delivered: Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LRHDC): Established a complying development pathway for dual occupancies, terraces, and manor houses in established urban areas. This Code unlocks fast-track development opportunities in low-rise zones by providing consistent standards that reduce DA risk. Low Rise Housing Diversity Design Guide: Created practical, performance-based design criteria to provide industry clarity upfront. The Guide balances project feasibility with residential amenity, ensuring compliant projects achieve approval efficiently while meeting neighbourhood expectations. Simplified Housing Code: Lynne rewrote and modernised the Housing Code, incorporating explanatory images into NSW legislation for the first time. This reform reduced complexity for homeowners and certifiers alike, streamlining approvals for new houses and alterations. Lynne received a Premier's Award for this innovative approach. Greenfield Housing Code: Delivered a fast-track approval pathway for new homes in land release areas, with approvals typically issued within 20 days. Tailored, lot-specific standards improve predictability and support efficient project delivery in growth corridors. Inland Code: Introduced a simplified complying development framework specifically for regional and rural NSW. Covering homes, renovations, and farm buildings, this Code reduces red tape and supports both development feasibility and agricultural investment.
Design & Build · Waverton, North Sydney
Rob's Cottage, 1884
Berrys Bay Studio led the Planning, Design and Construction of this heritage listed property in Waverton. Spanning five floors and over 500m², this unique harbourside residence offers an expansive sanctuary just five minutes from the heart of North Sydney. The home features custom-made, mill-finish stainless steel doors and windows that perfectly complement its 'rural-meets inner-city' aesthetic.
Planning · Sydney & NSW
Planning Approvals for Schools
Lynne worked with the Assessments team at the Department of Education to assess new and upgraded public schools and high schools across NSW. Lynne's significant planning experience was utilised by the Department to navigate and resolve complex planning issues and ensure timely planning approvals for a number of significant school projects. New Gledswood Hills High School & New High School for Leppington and Denham Court: Both new high school projects were assessed by Berrys Bay Studio for the Department of Education and were subsequently determined in mid-2025. Construction is now underway on two new high schools in Sydney's South West. Both Leppington's new high school and a new permanent high school for Gledswood Hills will be ready to welcome students on Day 1 Term 1 2027. The schools will each include 51 modern classrooms catering for up to 1,000 students, plus a multipurpose hall, library, science and arts workshops, a playing field, sports courts, canteen and covered outdoor learning area. Leppington Public School Upgrade: The Application was assessed by Berrys Bay Studio for the Department of Education and was subsequently determined on 12 June 2025. This Part 5 Application supported the construction and operation of new school facilities at the existing Leppington Public School, including removal of temporary classrooms, construction of a new three-storey building containing 20 permanent teaching spaces, a new hall with canteen and OSHC hub, extension of the existing library, and upgrades to sports facilities, fencing, and landscaping.
Design & Build · Kirribilli, Sydney
Five High, Kirribilli
Reimagining a 65m² mid-century apartment into a sleek urban sanctuary, Five High proves that compact living can be perfectly tailored for a growing family. Through a series of strategic structural and cosmetic interventions, Berrys Bay Studio transformed the original layout into a bright, airy residence that prioritises open-plan entertaining and functional city living.
Design & Build · North Sydney, NSW
Ormiston Cottage
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of North Sydney — yet just a five-minute stroll from the CBD — this cottage was completely rebuilt for its owners after a devastating fire left the original structure condemned. Every detail of the reconstruction was carefully considered to honour the surrounding heritage conservation area, ensuring the new home sits in perfect harmony with the historic streetscape.
Design & Build · Sydney, NSW
Loft Apartment
In this bespoke renovation of a one-bedroom apartment, Berrys Bay Studio challenged the traditional floor plan to unlock a sense of scale and light. By strategically removing a portion of the first floor, we created a dramatic double-height void that serves as the heart of the home. The material palette is a curated study in texture: original exposed brickwork, Spotted Gum plywood, Aalto granite tiles, a bespoke stainless steel staircase, and a marble-topped bathroom vanity.
Planning · Blues Point, North Sydney
Billy Blues 'The Commodore', 1823
North Sydney's oldest house, 'Billy Blue' was the home of William 'Billy' Blue, a Jamaican convict who was granted land — now Blues Point — by Governor Macquarie. Berrys Bay Studio has undertaken the project management and statutory planning work for an extension, basement and other alterations and additions to this historically significant property.
Planning · Double Bay, Sydney
Double Bay Planning & Urban Design Strategy
The Double Bay Centre is renowned for its village character, vibrant outdoor dining, and diverse mix of local businesses. Its proximity to Sydney Harbour and Edgecliff train station make it an attractive place for people to live, work, and visit. The Centre is currently going through a built form transition. The purpose of the Double Bay Strategy is to ensure that this transition occurs in a coordinated way that reinforces Double Bay's village character. The draft Double Bay Strategy was informed by extensive three-dimensional built form modelling, public domain studies, and a detailed review of existing planning controls. It is accompanied by the Double Bay Transport Study and Draft Double Bay Community Impact Statement. Lynne Sheridan and Haley Rich undertook the post-exhibition review and finalisation of the Double Bay Planning and Urban Design Study, which addressed 264 public submissions. This excellent work, in a highly sensitive location on Sydney's harbourside, resulted in the first major review of the planning controls for the commercial centre in 20 years. The draft Double Bay Strategy recommended built form strategies that aim to protect and preserve what is most loved about Double Bay, while providing a strengthened planning framework to guide future development in the Centre.
Planning · Moree, NSW
Moree Growth & Infrastructure Plan
Lynne was engaged by Moree Plains Shire Council to lead the preparation of the Moree Growth and Infrastructure Plan, delivering a Masterplan and Infrastructure Plan for five key investigation areas in Southwest Moree and Pallamallawa. The Plan responds to projected growth driven by Inland Rail and the Special Activation Precinct and implements the adopted housing strategy, which identifies the need for 2,050–4,400 new dwellings by 2041. Through a comprehensive and structured planning process, Lynne assessed land capacity, infrastructure requirements and housing diversity opportunities to ensure future growth is sustainable, well-serviced and aligned with the Shire's heritage, character and long-term economic objectives.
Planning · Gwydir Shire, NSW
Gwydir Shire Local Housing Strategy
Lynne was engaged by Gwydir Shire Council to prepare the Draft Gwydir Shire Local Housing Strategy, establishing a long-term framework to deliver diverse, affordable and well-located housing across the LGA. The Strategy assesses current and future housing demand, land supply and infrastructure capacity, and identifies actions to support sustainable growth, liveability and economic development. It provides clear direction for zoning, densities and future development opportunities, informed by community consultation to reflect local priorities and aspirations.
Our Process
How We Work
01
Concept to Blueprint
Our architects work closely with you to translate your vision into detailed, buildable designs. From high-end residential to urban design, we create a solid architectural foundation — including heritage-listed properties, new builds, and alterations.
02
Town Planning & DA Approval
Our town planners manage the approval process — from development applications (DAs) and statements of environmental effects (SEE) to complying development certificates (CDCs), heritage impact statements, and rezoning proposals. Our Executive Director of Planning formerly served as Director of the Codes and Design Team at the NSW Department of Planning.
03
Precision Construction
Our skilled builders bring the approved design to life with precision and care. From custom mill-finish stainless steel doors and windows to Aalto granite tile floors and exposed stone walls — we leverage the best materials and processes to deliver on time and on budget.
From the first sketch to the final finish — one integrated team with continuity across design, approval and delivery.
Start Your Project01 — Client Feedback
What Our Clients Say
3 reviews on Google
"Highly recommend the town planning team at Berrys Bay Studio. They handled our planning permit and DA submission in Sydney with total professionalism. They took all the stress out of dealing with the local council and kept us informed at every step of the approval pathway. Great local experts in Waverton!"
Mitchell B
Local Guide
"Berrys Bay delivered. The undercroft in our home needed to be repaired/rectified. All three tradies involved in metalwork, gyprock and painting were excellent and reliable and completed the work on time."
Michael Giblin
Verified Review
"Berrys Bay Studio and Cody have been very helpful and knowledgeable in our DA process. They are also very responsive and prompt. Additionally, they are good at explaining all the requirements and timeframes. They have vast experience in the field."
Diane Humphries
Local Guide
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