Who We Are

Founded in Sydney, BJ Architects is a boutique architectural design studio dedicated to creating thoughtful, well-crafted architecture that enhances the way people live, work, and invest. Our practice is built on a passion for contemporary design, spatial quality, and careful attention to detail. 

We believe great architecture is the balance of beauty, functionality, and buildability. Every project is approached with a strong design vision, a clear understanding of context, and a commitment to delivering spaces that are both elegant and practical. 

Our team specialises in a wide range of project types, including bespoke houses, duplexes, townhouses, multi-residential developments, and selected commercial projects. Working closely with our clients, we translate ideas into refined architectural solutions that are tailored, enduring, and of consistently high quality. 

At BJ Architects, we are driven by design excellence and a dedication to creating spaces that stand the test of time.

Our Services

01 Architectural Design

Architectural design shapes space, form, and experience into a refined dialogue between function, context, and timeless aesthetic clarity.

02 Interior Design

Interior design refines spatial atmosphere through material, light, and detail, creating a cohesive environment where function and aesthetic experience exist in quiet balance.

03 Project Management

Project management ensures clarity and control across every stage, aligning design intent, budget, and delivery through precise coordination and disciplined execution.

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Our Process

01Concept Design

  1. Site analysis and planning constraints review
  2. Feasibility study and development potential assessment
  3. Sketch plans and initial design options

02Development Application (DA)

  1. Architectural drawings for council submission
  2. Coordination of planning reports and consultant inputs
  3. BASIX and sustainability documentation
  4. Council lodgement, amendments, and response to feedback

03Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

  1. Fast-track approval pathway assessment
  2. Code-compliant architectural documentation
  3. Coordination with private certifier for approval

04Construction Documentation (CC)

  1. Detailed architectural drawings for construction
  2. Structural and services consultant coordination
  3. Specifications, schedules, and material selections

05Tender & Builder Selection

  1. Preparation of tender documentation
  2. Tender comparison and clarification
  3. Builder recommendations and value assessment

06Construction Administration

  1. Site inspections and design clarification
  2. Responding to RFIs and technical queries
  3. Review of variations and compliance with design intent

Our People

BJ Architects International is a collaborative studio of registered architects and designers dedicated to thoughtful, well-resolved architecture. Our team brings together a diverse range of experience across residential, multi-residential, commercial and community projects throughout New South Wales. 

Led by Directors Bo Shang and Jing Guo, the studio combines strategic design thinking with strong technical expertise. From early feasibility and planning analysis to detailed documentation and construction delivery, the team works closely with clients, consultants and builders to ensure each project is both conceptually clear and practically buildable. 

With a shared commitment to precision, collaboration and long-term design quality, BJ Architects International focuses on creating spaces that respond carefully to context, planning frameworks and the everyday lives of the people who inhabit them.

People
Bo Shang
Director
B. Arch, M. Arch
NSW Architect ARB#10871
NSW Building Design Practitioner DEP0000312
NSW Building Principal Design Practitioner PDP0000113

NSW Architect ARB#10871

NSW Building Design Practitioner DEP0000312

NSW Building Principal Design Practitioner PDP0000113

Bo Shang is a Director of BJ Architects International. His professional foundation was established at Mackenzie Architects, where he developed extensive experience in Class 2 residential architecture. This early grounding shaped his enduring focus on medium to high-density housing and contemporary urban living environments.

Bo approaches architecture as a disciplined and strategic practice. He is particularly engaged at the formative stages of projects, where spatial clarity, proportion and direction are defined. His ability to interpret planning frameworks and development parameters with precision enables complex constraints to be distilled into coherent architectural language.

Precision and constructability remain central to his methodology. Bo maintains close involvement throughout documentation and construction, recognising that architectural quality is sustained not only through concept, but through careful coordination and execution.

Collaboration is fundamental to his process. Through sustained dialogue with clients, engineers and consultants, he values the exchange of ideas as both creative stimulus and technical resolution. He believes meaningful architecture emerges through collective intelligence — balancing ambition, feasibility and responsibility.

At BJ Architects International, he works alongside his partners and team across residential and community-focused developments throughout New South Wales, including houses, multi-residential projects and specialised commercial typologies.

Outside of practice, Bo values time with family and believes that lived experience continues to shape his understanding of space and everyday life. He currently serves as President of the Lions Club of Sydney Harmony, reflecting his broader commitment to civic engagement.

NSW Architect ARB#10984

Jing Guo is the Director and Co-Founder of BJ Architects.

With a strong focus on early-stage design strategy, Jing works closely with clients and developers to translate site constraints, planning controls and commercial objectives into clear, buildable and market-responsive design outcomes. She believes good architecture is not only about form, but about making informed decisions at the right time, before problems become costly.

At BJ Architects, Jing leads design direction, client liaison, branding and business development. She is particularly experienced in guiding projects from feasibility and concept design through to Development Application, helping clients unlock the full potential of challenging sites.

Known for her practical mindset and collaborative approach, Jing values clear communication, thoughtful problem-solving and long-term relationships with clients and consultants alike.

NSW Architect ARB#12970

Since joining BJ Architects in 2020, Joanne’s portfolio spans across multiple scale of projects ranging from bespoke small residential dwellings to apartments, industrial warehouses, heritage buildings, retail and hotel refurbishments.

With demonstrated experience working with complex briefs in Sydney, Joanne upholds a commitment to bring design excellence to clients’ satisfaction, from design planning, challenging statutory frameworks to approval processes with local authorities. Her disciplined, methodical approach in project management and coordination ensures that every project is delivered efficiently, while maintaining the design integrity from conceptual design through to construction stage.

During her leisure time, Joanne enjoys exploring hidden gems in cities, taking film photography, and creating baking recipes. She contributes to community service occasionally by participating in temple volunteering jobs.

Yankuo believes meaningful architecture begins with careful listening and a genuine curiosity about how people live and experience space. She approaches design with a strong interest in understanding clients’ needs and translating them into thoughtful spatial responses that balance function, clarity, and context.

She enjoys observing and analysing the design language of diverse architectural works, and is particularly interested in how materials, light, and proportion contribute to the atmosphere and character of a place. Through ongoing exploration, she continues to develop an appreciation for the relationship between architecture, culture, and everyday life.

Her approach values simplicity, sensitivity to context, and clarity in design, aiming to create spaces that feel both purposeful and comfortable for the people who use them.

As a designer, Ziqin Fu specializes in contemporary architecture, prioritizing seamless circulation and highly functional spatial layouts. By embracing clean aesthetics, Ziqin ensures every design feels open, purposeful, and naturally connected to its environment. With a strong focus on spatial experience, Ziqin carefully balances everyday practicality with modern elegance, crafting intuitive spaces that maximize natural light and promote an effortless flow.

Outside of the studio, Ziqin is passionate about continuous creative growth. Ziqin frequently explores local art galleries across Sydney to draw fresh inspiration and refine a keen eye for proportion.

Furthermore, traveling the world to experience diverse architectural styles firsthand deeply enriches this understanding of spatial dynamics. This ongoing exploration allows Ziqin to bring a nuanced and global perspective to every architectural project.

Andy is interested in domestic design, with a particular focus on how compact housing influences everyday routines and shared living patterns. He approaches housing as a lived setting shaped by use, adjustment, and atmosphere rather than as a purely formal object and is comfortable contributing across project stages from early design development through detailed documentation.

Outside of architecture, Andy has a strong interest in visual media, including photography, cinematic rendering, and digital visualisation. These pursuits support the way he tests ideas and communicates with intent, with close attention to light, material character, and spatial sequence.

Austin Wen is an architectural designer with close to ten years of professional experience across a range of projects, including large and complex developments. His work focuses on clear documentation, careful detailing, and practical design outcomes that support well-built architecture.

He has experience coordinating with multidisciplinary consultant teams and contributes to projects from early design through to construction. Austin is particularly interested in the relationship between design intent, buildability, and the overall quality of the built outcome.

Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar and has a strong interest in music, appreciating the creativity and discipline that both music and architecture share.

Abi approaches design with imagination and bold ideas, allowing her thinking to wander freely before shaping it into thoughtful and buildable outcomes. She values exploring possibilities in the early stages of design and is comfortable challenging conventions in search of stronger spatial ideas. While she values clear communication and collaboration within project teams, she also enjoys testing unexpected approaches that can enrich the design process.

Outside the studio, Abi enjoys hiking and spending time in nature. Experiencing landscapes, changing weather, and varied terrains allows her to slow down and reconnect with the environment. These moments outdoors often inspire new ways of observing space, light, and material.

Kun has over ten years of professional experience in architectural design and construction coordination, working on projects from early concept design through to construction. He has experience collaborating with multidisciplinary consultant teams and contributing to project delivery across different stages. During his career in China, he obtained qualification as a Class 1 Registered Architect, developing a strong understanding of both design development and construction processes.

Kun has a particular interest in expressive and carefully crafted façade design, exploring how form, proportion and detail contribute to the character of a building. Now based in Australia, he focuses on residential house design and continues to deepen his understanding of local planning and construction practices.

Outside of work, Kun enjoys humanistic photography, observing light, space and urban life which often inspires his architectural thinking.

Violet completed both her Bachelor of Architecture and Environments and Master of Architecture at the University of Sydney.

During her studies, she developed a strong interest in the relationship between planning frameworks, site context, and architectural outcomes. She values thoughtful organisation and clear communication as essential to the success of projects, supporting the team behind the scenes to help maintain clarity across different project stages. Violet also undertakes preliminary site investigations, reviewing planning controls and development constraints to assess development potential and better understand how regulatory conditions influence design decisions.

Outside the studio, she enjoys exploring Sydney’s diverse neighbourhoods, discovering good food across the city, and observing the small details that give places their character and identity.

Awards

At BJ Architects, our work is recognised across architectural design, international competitions, industry associations and community engagement. Each recognition reflects our commitment to thoughtful design, build quality and long-term contribution to society.

18 August 2025
Presented in recognition of sustained community support and engagement, this award reflects our belief that architecture extends beyond buildings to meaningful social contribution.

Recognising architectural distinction and integrated design solutions, this award affirms our commitment to precision, creativity and build excellence in contemporary residential design.

Awarded in recognition of architectural excellence in newly constructed residential design, this distinction highlights BJ Architects’ strength in delivering innovative, high-quality housing projects. The award reflects our commitment to refined detailing, integrated design thinking and successful built outcomes.

In response to an international design initiative addressing the reconstruction of residential housing and public spaces in Kharkiv, Ukraine, BJ Architects developed a modular system proposal focused on adaptive transformation of existing housing, integration of community functions and resilient architectural strategies in a post-conflict context.

Kharkiv Housing Challenge

The Only Nominated Firm From Australia

Shortlisted in an international architecture competition centred on compact and sustainable living, this recognition reflects BJ Architects’ innovative approach to small-scale housing design and forward-thinking residential solutions.

Presented in recognition of BJ Architects’ valuable contribution to the architectural and construction industry community in New South Wales, demonstrating professional engagement and industry leadership.

Our Vision

To shape modern living and urban development in Sydney through refined design, intelligent planning, and a reputation for excellence, becoming a trusted architectural partner for homeowners, developers, and investors.

Our Mission

To create high-quality, thoughtfully designed architecture that enhances everyday living, adds long-term value, and delivers clear, buildable outcomes for our clients.

Our Value

01 Design Excellence

We pursue timeless, well-resolved architecture with strong spatial quality and attention to detail.

02 Integrity

We act with honesty, transparency, and professionalism in every client and consultant relationship.

03 Innovation

We embrace contemporary design thinking, new technologies, and efficient design methods to improve outcomes.

04 Detail-Driven

From concept to construction, we believe quality is achieved through precision and care at every scale.

05 Sustainability

We design with environmental responsibility in mind, creating efficient, comfortable, and future-ready buildings.

06 Human-Centred Design

We place people at the heart of our architecture, creating spaces that support lifestyle, wellbeing, and long-term usability.

Let’s Build Somthing Together

Tell us about your project.
We’d love to understand your ideas.

Let’s discuss your project →

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Client Experiences That Reflect Our Process
Built On Communication, Clarity & Results

The team at BJ architect have excellent customer service skills of listening to your goals and turning your ideas into a reality with practical, beautiful as well as on-time design. Thank you, BJ team. Cannot recommend enough.
Michelle Barham 2023
BJ Architects surpassed all expectations when completing the design of my dream house. They are truly the all-round architect. They designed an amazing house with beautiful finishes, dealt with town planning and heritage challenges, have amazing construction documentation with the best personal service. Their overall high level of detail in all facets of their business and passion for architecture is truly exceptional. I‘d like to thank Bo and the team for the service and relationship.
LY CHAO 2022
Excellent team with outstanding customer service, the team is always answering my questions on time with positive and patient manner even I sometimes ask the same questions again and again. Got my approval today. Really appreciate it.
Shirley Song 2023
Professional company with dedicated crew. You can expect fresh ideas with true budget-wise proposals for you project. Ps. They’ve got a proper barista; D
Max 2021
Very efficient communication, professional service, and perfectly designed， especially Bo is fully experience with design
Zoey C 2024
A professional team and high-quality service provided us with an excellent design.
Mike Li 2024
The design is very beautiful, I like it very much
Yang Yang Cai 2025
Projects
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Years Experience
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Award 2024
0 Gold
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FAQs

Our services encompass all stages of the project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, concept design, design development, Development Application (DA) and Complying Development Certificate (CDC) documentation, construction documentation, consultant coordination, and construction phase services.

We work across new dwellings, medium-density residential developments, high-density apartment projects, commercial buildings, and interior design commissions. Each project is approached with a strong emphasis on contextual response, regulatory compliance, technical accuracy, and buildability.

BJ Architects adopts a considered and context-driven design approach, grounded in a clear understanding of site conditions, planning frameworks, and client objectives.

We believe that architecture should respond thoughtfully to its environment while achieving functional clarity and long-term value. Our design process balances creativity with technical discipline, ensuring that each project is both conceptually strong and practically deliverable.

Through close collaboration with clients and consultants, we aim to produce architecture that is well-resolved, compliant, and enduring.

Yes. BJ Architects provides comprehensive support for both Development Applications (DA) and Complying Development Certificates (CDC).

We prepare and coordinate all required architectural documentation and work closely with planning consultants, certifiers, and relevant authorities to facilitate the approval process. Our experience with local planning controls and regulatory frameworks within New South Wales enables us to guide projects efficiently through statutory requirements.

We aim to ensure that applications are carefully considered, compliant, and well-documented to support a smooth assessment process.

Our process typically begins with an initial consultation to understand the project brief, site conditions, and planning constraints.

Following this, we undertake feasibility studies and concept design to establish a clear architectural direction. Once the design is developed and agreed upon, we prepare the necessary documentation for either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on the project requirements.

Upon approval, we proceed with detailed construction documentation and coordinate with consultants to ensure technical accuracy and compliance. During the construction phase, we provide ongoing support to assist with design clarification and coordination as required.

Each stage is carefully structured to ensure clarity, compliance, and a smooth progression from concept to completion.

BJ Architects is based in Sydney, Australia, and primarily operates across New South Wales.
Our experience with local planning controls and regulatory frameworks allows us to deliver projects efficiently within the Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Depending on project scope and requirements, we may also undertake selected commissions in other locations.

At BJ Architects, our services are structured across defined project stages, which may include concept design, statutory approval documentation (DA or CDC), detailed construction documentation, consultant coordination, and construction phase services. Fees are typically allocated in alignment with these stages to ensure clarity and transparency.

Depending on the nature of the commission, fees may be structured as a fixed sum for defined services or as a percentage of the anticipated construction cost. A formal fee proposal is issued following an initial consultation and assessment of the project brief.

BJ Architects is defined by a measured and disciplined approach to design and delivery.

As a Sydney-based practice, we operate with a strong understanding of local planning frameworks, construction standards, and market conditions. Our work is guided by clarity of process, technical rigour, and careful coordination across all project stages.

We maintain a focused and collaborative studio environment, enabling close engagement with each project and client. This approach allows us to balance design intent with practical delivery, ensuring outcomes that are both well-considered and constructible.

Yes. BJ Architects operates in accordance with the professional and statutory requirements applicable within New South Wales.

The practice is NSW Registered Architect (Registration No. 10984) and complies with the standards and obligations set by the NSW Architects Registration Board. We are committed to maintaining professional integrity, ethical practice, and regulatory compliance across all stages of project delivery.

Yes. BJ Architects provides construction phase services to support the delivery of projects in accordance with the approved design and documentation.

During construction, we may undertake site inspections, respond to requests for information, review shop drawings where applicable, and provide clarification to ensure that the architectural intent is properly interpreted. Our involvement at this stage assists in maintaining design integrity and facilitating coordination between the client, builder, and consultants.

The extent of construction phase services is defined within the agreed scope of appointment.

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact BJ Architects to arrange an initial consultation.

During this meeting, we review the project brief, site information, and planning considerations to establish an understanding of the scope and objectives. Following this discussion, we may provide preliminary advice and outline the proposed services and next steps.

Formal engagement proceeds upon agreement of the scope of services and fee proposal.