Inspired Design. Grounded in Place.
Tasmania
About Us
At Play Design Studio, we design spaces that invite joy, connection, and imagination. Our work is rooted in nature and guided by intuition — blending sustainable thinking with playful creativity to craft homes that feel truly alive. Every project begins with listening — to the land, to the people, and to the possibilities hidden in between.
From wild rural retreats to refined urban homes, we weave together texture, light, and landscape to create architecture that feels both grounded and free. Our approach is not just about building structures, but shaping experiences — places that move, inspire, and reflect the rhythm of those who live within them.
About Me
I’m Hugh Walker — a fully accredited and chartered Building Designer (BDAA) with over 23 years of experience in architecture and two degrees in the field. I was born in rural New South Wales, and my love for the Australian landscape continues to shape everything I design.
From the vast openness of the bush to the quiet rhythm of the coast, I draw inspiration from the land — crafting homes that belong to their place, that breathe with light, texture, and life.
Through Play Design Studio, I bring together technical precision, creative intuition, and a deep respect for nature. Every project is a collaboration — between people, place, and possibility — resulting in spaces that feel honest, timeless, and alive.
Design, to me, is more than structure. It’s about creating stories in the landscape — homes that hold warmth, connection, and the spirit of those who live within them.
Our Offerings
At Play Design Studio, we work with our clients from concept to completion — guiding every stage of the journey with creativity, care, and technical expertise.
Whether it’s a new home, an extension, or a dream retreat, we design with the landscape in mind and your lifestyle at heart.
Our process is personal and thorough — we listen deeply, collaborate closely, and handle the details so you can focus on the excitement of creating your home.
From early sketches to final approvals, we bring clarity, imagination, and grounded experience to every step.
Custom New Home Design
Every home should tell a story — of its people, its place, and the life it holds. We design bespoke homes that respond to their environment and celebrate the individuality of those who live in them. With a balance of creativity and technical depth, our designs are crafted to feel timeless, sustainable, and full of warmth.
Alterations / Extensions
We reimagine existing spaces with sensitivity and purpose — whether it’s expanding a family home, reconnecting to the outdoors, or giving new life to what’s already there. Our approach blends the old with the new, creating cohesive, inspiring environments that grow naturally with you.
Concept work / Feasability
We begin every project by listening — to your ideas, to the site, and to what the landscape is asking for. Our concept and feasibility stage explores design options, planning constraints, and environmental potential to find the right fit for your vision. This is where imagination meets practicality, setting the foundation for a design that feels effortless and alive
Sustainability & Efficiency
Play Design Studio integrates sustainable materials, passive design principles, and energy-efficient systems into every project. We believe that true sustainability is both environmental and emotional — homes that are kind to the earth, and that nurture the people who inhabit them.
Assisting with Council and Government
We manage the planning and approval process so you don’t have to. With extensive experience across Tasmanian and NSW councils, we prepare and lodge documentation, liaise with planners and certifiers, and ensure your design meets all regulatory standards — all while keeping your vision at the forefront.
Our ideas & Projects
Our Approach
Purposeful Design
At Play Design Studio, our approach is rooted in creativity, connection, and craft. We design with purpose — creating spaces that not only look beautiful but feel deeply grounded in their environment and enrich the lives of those who live in them.
We believe the best homes come from listening — to the land, to the light, and to the people. By weaving together sustainability, imagination, and intelligent design, we create architecture that feels alive, timeless, and uniquely personal.
Our Services
Skills & Expertise
Architectural Design
- Residential and rural home design
- Alterations, extensions, and adaptive reuse
- Bespoke and lifestyle-focused spaces
Planning & Approvals
- Development Applications (DA)
- Section 68 and 138 applications
- Building Information Certificates (BIC)
- Liaison with council planners, certifiers, and engineers
Sustainability & Performance
- Passive solar design
- Condensation management and thermal detailing
- BASIX and NatHERS coordination
- Energy-efficient materials and detailing
Technical & Documentation
- Detailed construction drawings
- Specification writing (NCC and Australian Standards compliant)
- Coordination with structural and hydraulic engineers
- Fire rating, access, and BCA compliance documentation
Project Support
- Site planning and feasibility assessments
- 3D visualisations and concept renders
- Client and builder collaboration
- Coordination through to construction certification
What we Know
Specialist Knowledge
At Play Design Studio, our approach is rooted in creativity, connection, and craft. We design with purpose — creating spaces that not only look beautiful but feel deeply grounded in their environment and enrich the lives of those who live in them.
We believe the best homes come from listening — to the land, to the light, and to the people. By weaving together sustainability, imagination, and intelligent design, we create architecture that feels alive, timeless, and uniquely personal.