Timeless, functional & buildable

This is home design
grounded in real-world experience,
not just design and technical theory.

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the Story+Lab difference

We don’t just design homes.

We design stories you can live in.

At Story+Lab, we blend practical design, real-world build experience, and a deep understanding of your lifestyle to deliver homes that are timeless, functional, and buildable.

We work differently, starting with your story, guided by your investment goal, and designed with builder collaboration from day one.

This isn’t off-the-shelf design. It’s builder-informed, cost-conscious, and built around you.

Start Your Narrative

Our Projects

Show All Award Winning Character (Pre 1946) Concept Extension Finished Projects Heritage (Pre 1911) Lift & Build Under Modern New Home Post War Renovation Second Storey Extension Under Construction
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Under Construction & Concepts

Discover how your story could look

discover how your story could look

Story+Lab™ Core Design Principles

At Story+Lab™, every home we design is built on three guiding principles: Space, Function, and Narrative.
These principles ensure that every project is not only beautiful, but also practical, enduring, and deeply personal.

Space
We believe great design is about making the most of every square metre. That means reducing dead space and creating rooms that adapt as your life changes. A child’s bedroom should be more than a temporary space – it should be sized to fit a queen bed and study desk, so it works now and well into the future. We design to enhance the feeling of openness, using concepts of proportion, light, and cabinetry to make spaces feel larger and flow better. Every element – from window placement to built-in storage – is considered with longevity and usability in mind.
how we work
Function
Function is about more than liveability – it’s about practicality. Your home must work for you, your family, and the builder who brings it to life. We design homes with storage in the right places, kitchens that flow intuitively, bathrooms that are both beautiful and practical, and living areas that work for multi-generational families. We also design with construction in mind – ensuring our plans are efficient, buildable, and aligned to your budget. Our goal is simple: a home that supports your everyday life, evolves with your family, and can be built without compromise.
the design
Narrative
This is where design becomes about you. Narrative is about weaving your story into the home, creating a place that reflects who you are and how you want to live. From the finishes you love, to the spaces you gather in, to the little details that make the home distinctly yours – narrative is what makes the design personal, timeless, and valuable. Story+Lab will work with you to craft a home that carries your signature and tells your story.
discover your narrative

At Story+Lab™, Space, Function, and Narrative aren’t abstract ideas,
they’re the framework that turns concepts into homes that feel right, live well, and add lasting value.

Discover how your story could look

Let’s Design a Home That Works for Your Life, Your Style.

WHO WE ARE

Built From the Ground Up.

Literally.

Story+Lab was founded by Ray Hattin - a designer with a builder’s background. With years on the tools and a passion for functional, liveable design, Ray saw the need for a better process - one that connects the client, designer, and builder from the beginning.

We challenge the disconnect between design and construction. Instead of drawing first and quoting later, we design with cost in mind from the start. We build homes that are emotionally resonant, financially grounded, and ready to be lived in.

RAY HATTIN

Design Director

KIERAN LEWIS

Construction Consultant

JO CLEAVER

Design Manager

CASS SCOTT

Lead Building Designer

KATE RIBA

Graduate Architect

STORY+LAB

Sky window(Light & Ventilation)​
Natural light + Privacy​
Full Height Tiles​
Recessed Storage​
Intg. Task Lighting​
Natural Stone Splashback​
Natural Stone Benchtop – Clear Island Bench​
Breakfast bar​
Butlers Pantry – Feature Heritage Door​
Storage​
Overflow Storage​
Australian Timber Floors​
Indoor-Outdoor Connection​
Ducted AC Designed in. ​
Glass Handrails​
Premium Australian Spotted Gum Flooring​
Smoked Mirror Splashback​
Intg. Lighting​
Feature Cabinetry Balances Storage and Appearance​

YOUR NARRATIVE

Let’s Design a Home That Works for Your Life, Your Style, Your Story

We believe good design starts with understanding you – how you live, what you love, and what matters most.

This section helps you get clear on what you want. Whether you’re still figuring out your design style, wondering how far your budget will go, or trying to avoid common build pitfalls, we’ve got the resources and guides to help.

see where your story could take you

Passive design, natural light, and ventilation are built into every plan.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

Space. Function. Narrative. These are the three principles behind every home we design.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

Every home tells a story. Let’s design yours.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

Story+Lab™ fills a much-needed gap in the market with builder-led design.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

We love working with clients who want to see the full potential of their home.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

At Story+Lab™, good design is about balancing function and form.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

My background as a carpenter and builder changes everything about how we design.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

Bridging the gap between creativity and constructability is at the core of what we do.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

Big is not always better—our focus is efficient space and functional flow.

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

We don’t just draw homes. We make sure they can be built - and built well!

Ray Hattin Director & Lead Designer

The Story+Lab Journey

From Concept to Completion,
With You at Every Step

We offer a full-service, builder-informed design pathway – from the first sketch to interior design and selections through to final engineered drawings:
1. Discovery & Scope

Book a time to discuss your project, review your property and get some advice on the next steps.

2. Concept Design

Discovery phase & 3D walkthroughs

3. Interior Design

Personalised selections to make the house yours

4. Construction Drawings

Certification & approval ready

Book A discovery call
discover the design process

Your Story Starts Here

Book a call to discuss your project, review your property and get some advice on the next steps.

Book A Discovery Call