Studio / About

Building Sydney homes since 1983.

Sydney building designers — formerly Compudraft — with over 50 years of combined experience and a 100% current council approval record. We listen first, then design.

The KBG Planning & Design studio team gathered at the drawing board

40+ Years at the
drawing board

Who We Are

Experience you can build on.

KBG Planning & Design — formerly known as Compudraft — has been helping Sydney homeowners and property investors bring their visions to life since 1983. What started as a small drafting studio has grown into one of Sydney's most trusted building design firms, with over 50 years of combined team experience and a 100% current council approval success rate.

We operate from two convenient studios in Castle Hill and Oatley, keeping us close to the communities we serve across Sydney's Hills District and Sutherland Shire. Our team combines deep local planning knowledge with a genuine, client-first approach — we listen first, then design.

Our Story

Four decades of design.

1983

Founded as Compudraft

One of the first computer-aided design drafting practices in the region.

2000s

A second studio

Expanded services and team, opening a second office to better serve clients across the Sutherland Shire.

2020s

Rebranded as KBG

Rebranded as KBG Planning & Design, reflecting a broader scope — from residential drafting to full planning and design services.

Today

End-to-end design

A team of specialist building designers and planners, partnered with KBG Consulting engineers for a seamless end-to-end service.

The People

Meet the team.

~40 yrs

James (Jim) Watt-Smith

Manager & Principal Designer

With approximately 40 years of experience in building design, Jim is the cornerstone of KBG Planning & Design. Having grown the practice from its early days as Compudraft, Jim brings extraordinary depth to every project — from the intricacies of Hills Shire and Sutherland Shire planning controls to 3D designs that help clients truly visualise their future home. His philosophy — 'we listen first, then design' — underpins everything KBG does.

15 yrs

Siera

Architectural Designer

Siera brings 15 years of architectural design experience to the KBG team. Her design sensibility balances aesthetics with practicality — creating homes that are not only beautiful to look at but genuinely comfortable to live in. She works closely with clients through design development, translating brief into thoughtful, liveable spaces.

15 yrs

Ouday

Building Designer

With 15 years of experience, Ouday specialises in detailed construction documentation and navigating council development applications. His technical accuracy and methodical approach ensure plans are thoroughly prepared for submission — contributing directly to KBG's 100% current approval success rate.

Our Approach

How we work with you.

We Listen First

We start by understanding how you live, your block and your budget — before a single line is drawn.

Design That Works for Life

Homes that are beautiful to look at and genuinely comfortable to live in, day in and day out.

100% Approval Record

A current, unbroken council approval success rate across DA, CDC and complying development.

3D Visualisation

See and feel your home before it's built, with rendered 3D drawings of every space.

Local Knowledge

Deep working knowledge of Hills Shire and Sutherland Shire planning controls.

End-to-End Service

Design through to engineering certification, coordinated with KBG Consulting.

A fully coordinated team.

KBG Planning & Design works in close collaboration with KB Consulting — our structural and civil engineering partners. Together we cover everything from initial design through to engineering certification, giving you a single coordinated point of contact for your entire project.

Visit KBG Consulting

Get In Touch

Book a free, no-obligation consultation.

We'll discuss your project, your block and what's possible — with honest advice from day one.

Book a consultation (02) 8850 0911