Our Story
Your Home Designs (YHD) was founded in 2013 in Newcastle by Creative Director Zoe Pohlmann. After beginning her journey studying architecture, Zoe quickly realised she craved something more grounded and personal, something that connected her more closely with everyday clients and real homes. That led her to building design, where creativity meets practicality and people are at the heart of every project.
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Over the years, Zoe has worked alongside builders, architects, and designers across a range of projects and environments, building up a deep understanding of both design and construction. But more than that, she’s lived it. Zoe and her partner Tyson, a licensed builder, have personally designed, renovated, and built multiple homes from the ground up. She knows firsthand what it’s like to go through the process as both a designer and a project owner, balancing budgets, timelines, consultants, and all the big (and small) decisions along the way.
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This lived experience shapes everything we do at YHD. Zoe has built a team of passionate professionals who share her values. The YHD team are approachable, collaborative, highly skilled, and genuinely invested in helping clients feel confident and supported from start to finish.
What we are not and YHD!​
- We’re not architects! We’re building designers, which most refer to as a hybrid between an architect and a draftsperson. While architects often focus on large-scale or highly conceptual projects, and draftspersons focus on technical drawings, we sit in the middle, bringing together creative design thinking with practical, buildable solutions. We specialise in residential projects with a strong focus on functionality, budget, council compliance, and personalisation. Our process is approachable, collaborative, and grounded in real-world experience.
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We don’t push a design agenda – Your vision is the foundation of every decision we make. We’re here to listen, guide, and shape your ideas, not override them with ours.
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At the core of YHD!
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We believe in collaboration, not ego – We value your input and see the design process as a partnership. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help defining your style, we work with you, not above you.
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We don’t do cookie-cutter – Every design is custom, and every home we create reflects the people who live in it. No two projects are ever the same.
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Our strength lies in designing thoughtful, well-resolved spaces that are both beautiful and buildable. We understand construction from the inside out, and we know how to bridge the gap between concept and reality. You won’t be pressured into features you don’t want or decisions that don’t make sense for your lifestyle. We’re here to create spaces that feel like you.
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Disclaimer: Your Home Designs is not a registered architectural practice and does not offer architectural services as defined under the Architects Act 2003 (NSW). We are not registered architects.