Drafting & Design Services.
Designing homes that feel like you.
With over 20 years of experience, I combine creativity and technical know-how to help homeowners in the Central West transform their existing houses into homes and spaces that are unique, functional, and deeply personal and feel good to live in.
About me.
Here’s the inside scoop on your designer.
I’ve been in the design world for more than twenty years which sounds wild when I say it out loud! I started out in commercial interior architecture, working across Canberra & Sydney on projects that stretched not just across Australia but even overseas. After a decade of corporate and commercial life, I shifted into hospitality design (because let’s be honest who doesn’t love calling hanging out in restaurants & bars ‘work’?). Eventually, I found my true passion in residential design, helping people create homes that actually feel like them.
With a Bachelor of Interior Design & an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Drafting under my belt, I’ve had the chance to work on just about every kind of project you can imagine. From heritage homes to flood zone challenges, rural homesteads to sweet little cottages…I’ve learned that the magic of design isn’t only in how a space looks, but in how it makes you feel every day you live in it.
Since moving back to Orange in 2014 (after my city chapter), I’ve built my business here in the Central West. These days, I spend my time working with homeowners & families who want more than cookie-cutter solutions, they want homes with personality, practicality, & heart.
At my core, I’m a country girl who grew up in the Central West, headed off to the big smoke, & came home again to raise my two boys close to family (& let’s be honest, to enjoy the local wine and lifestyle too).
For me, design isn’t just about floor plans & finishes, it’s about the journey. I love blending creativity with problem-solving, making the tricky parts feel simple, & turning what could be a stressful process into one that’s exciting, enjoyable, & maybe even a little surprising.
Services.
Homes that hug back.
I help homeowners reimagine & transform their existing homes, whether it’s a little tweak, a clever extension, or a full-on renovation adventure. My goal is to create spaces that are not just functional, but genuinely unique, personal, & full of character, homes that feel like you.
That might look like opening up a dark, poky kitchen into a light-filled hub of the home, reworking awkward floor plans so they actually make sense, or blending old with new so an extension feels seamless (instead of tacked on). Sometimes it’s about creating more room for a growing family, & other times it’s about simplifying & making life easier to live day-to-day.
Since moving back to the Central West, I’ve worked on all sorts of homes, the kind with creaky old floorboards & hidden fireplaces, the ones that need clever solutions to handle flood zones, & beautiful rural homesteads where the views do half the design work. Every project has its own quirks & curveballs, but that’s where the magic happens (& where the best design ideas usually appear). My role is to take those tricky bits off your shoulders & turn them into opportunities, so instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can actually enjoy the process of seeing your home take shape.
I also love teaming up with other local designers & stylists to make sure your project has the right mix of creativity & expertise. Together, we take your ideas, sprinkle in some design magic, & turn them into a space that’s thoughtful, beautiful, & genuinely enjoyable to live in.
The Process.
Your Design Journey.
The journey starts with an initial meet-and-greet to discuss your project & ideas so I can provide a detailed fee proposal. Once you engage my services, I visit your site, take measurements, & hold a collaborative briefing to explore your goals & design vision. From there, I prepare sketch & existing plans, preliminary packages, & manage documentation for Development Application & Construction Certificate submissions, coordinating with engineers, town planners, & other consultants as needed. I can also support you during construction with guidance, correspondence, & site visits where required. My aim is to make the process clear, manageable, & enjoyable, so you can focus on creating a home that truly reflects you.
What's coming soon.
Your Digital Design Hug.
I’m excited to soon offer a range of digital products designed to help you plan, visualise, and manage your home renovations with confidence. From guides and templates to step-by-step resources, these tools will make your design journey simpler and more enjoyable.
Let's Make House Talk.
Big visions, small tweaks, or anything in between.
Let’s chat design… From clever little fixes to bold renovations, I’d love to see what you’re dreaming up, discover your ideas, & explore how to bring it to life. You can get in touch with me using the contact form below. Let’s get started!
Get Social with Me.
See projects, behind-the-scenes moments, and a dash of my design life.
Follow along for a peek behind the scenes of my design projects from clever little tweaks to full-on renovations. I’ll share snapshots of spaces in progress, handy tips, & a little slice of life from the Central West. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own home, curious about how I work, or just here for a bit of design snooping, get your scrolling fingers ready & join the journey.
Hey, still design snooping?
Well, I’m Michelle, the designer & draftsperson behind SCHRijVER design.
I’m a little bit creative, a little bit structured, & all about making spaces feel like home.
Let’s make house talk! Say hello & we’ll schedule a design chat.
Want to peek behind the drafting & design table?
Follow along for design snooping, projects in progress, & a little slice of life in the Central West. Inspiration, tips, & a pop of design awaits!
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