Whether you’re creating a family home or a duplex/multi-unit investment, we work closely with you to bring your vision to life while ensuring your project remains feasible and achievable.
We act as your single point of contact to manage the entire journey from initial feasibility through to custom design, approvals, builder engagement, construction support, and assisting agents with high-quality marketing of your designs through the sales campaign with photo-realistic flythroughs and renders.
With over 200 successfully delivered projects to the value of over $300 million in tendered builds, we combine deep industry experience with a transparent, client-first approach.
Great architecture transforms spaces into experiences that enrich everyday life.
At the heart of Studio 72 Design are its Co-Founders and Directors, whose combined passion, experience, and hands-on approach shape every project we deliver. Together, they bring a unique balance of creative vision, commercial acumen, and genuine care for every client. With a shared belief in delivering tailored solutions and guiding clients seamlessly through the design and development process, they ensure each project achieves its full potential – whether it’s a custom family home or a high-performing residential development.
Founder & Design Director
Founder & Portfolio Director
Richard Chapman, the visionary behind Studio 72 Design, has been shaping the architectural landscape since 1972 a legacy that inspired the studio’s name. With over five decades of experience designing bespoke homes across Sydney, Byron Bay, and other iconic locations, Richard is known not only for his creative brilliance but also for his commercial acumen and strategic approach to design.
With an unmatched understanding of both design excellence and development potential, Richard brings a rare skillset to each project, using his architectural expertise to unlock value, optimise site potential, and ensure the efficient use of project budgets. His ability to align design outcomes with the target market brief ensures every home not only looks and feels extraordinary but also enhances saleability, increases profitability, and delivers strong returns for both owner-occupiers and property developers.
His portfolio spans the North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, and Cronulla, through to Byron Bay, Lennox Head, and Burleigh Heads — regions where he has consistently delivered standout homes tailored to diverse market demands.
Richard’s design philosophy is rooted in transformation and inspiration. Known for light-filled, open-plan layouts that connect effortlessly with the natural environment, his work combines aesthetic impact with practicality. Leveraging advanced 3D CAD technology, Richard enables clients to visualise and refine their designs early, reducing risk and streamlining decision-making before construction begins.
Characterised by clean lines, enduring materials, and sustainable thinking, his designs strike a perfect balance between form and function. From the iconic “Curved Cronulla” residences to high-performing coastal developments, Richard’s ability to push creative boundaries while remaining commercially grounded sets him apart in the industry. Whether collaborating with owner-builders or experienced development teams, Richard leads each project with clarity, creativity, and a solutions-first mindset.
His work continues to leave a legacy — delivering homes that inspire, perform, and stand the test of time.
With over 15 years of experience in the residential design and development industry, Will Ellwood has built a reputation for delivering high-quality custom projects with precision, integrity, and a strong focus on client success. His modern project framework guides clients seamlessly from early feasibility and acquisition, through custom design and building approvals, to construction oversight and optimal resale — supported by trusted agent networks and alignment to current market insights.
Will is highly regarded for sourcing our on/off market development sites, producing detailed feasibility studies and carefully structured project timelines, ensuring every element is thoughtfully planned and aligned with both budget and end goals. His strategic input in the early stages — and throughout the entire project lifecycle — empowers clients to make confident, well-informed decisions that lead to successful outcomes.
Will has a good understanding of how to navigate site feasibility & planning controls, helping clients obtain the most suited approval pathways via Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Development Applications (DA) – or sometimes a mixture. This knowledge enables Studio 72 clients to navigate complex regulatory environments with clarity and efficiency.
Beyond his technical expertise, Will brings serious firepower to each project through his strong relationships with top-tier custom builders, town planners, private certifiers, and other key consultants. He approaches every project with a problem-solving mindset, ready to validate strategies, push design boundaries, and deliver results.
Will has led the successful delivery of residential projects across New South Wales’ most prominent and exclusive regions — from Eastern suburbs and northern beaches in Sydney, the Central Coast to the Northern Rivers — earning consistent recognition for his attention to detail and outcome-focused approach.
With formal qualifications in business, project, and program management, and an incredibly strong financial and cost control aptitude, Will combines technical capability with practical leadership and hand on execution. His role at Studio 72 reflects a passion for design excellence and a hands-on commitment to delivering a seamless and rewarding experience for every client.
