THE TOOLS LIBRARY
Our Tools library brings together the exact resources we use every day in our own design studio — tried, tested, and refined across hundreds of real projects.
EACH TOOL IS DESIGNED TO SAVE YOU TIME, REMOVE GUESSWORK AND BRING CLARITY TO YOUR PROJECT.
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT + BUDGETING TOOLS:
Take control of your renovation or build with the very same tool we use to manage multi-million-dollar projects at The Designory. This all-in-one spreadsheet has been designed to give you complete visibility and confidence — whether you’re tackling a full home build or a simple room refresh.
Every detail of your project lives here:
Budget + Actuals: Track spending as you go, with automatic updates that keep your numbers honest.
Timeline Management: Every task and trade feeds into your master schedule so you can stay on top of what’s next.
Trades & Contacts: Keep everyone’s details in one place — builders, suppliers, designers and more.
Room-by-Room + Trade-by-Trade Breakdown: Plan, cost and manage your project from every angle, with clarity at every stage.
Smart Connectivity: Each sheet talks to the others — change one thing and your totals, timelines and progress update instantly.
This is the exact system we rely on for professional projects — streamlined, stress-free, and built for real-world results. Now, it’s yours.
A real-world assessment tool used by The Designory for in-house and client developments
This Property Development Feasibility Calculator is the exact spreadsheet The Designory uses to assess the viability of residential development projects — from dual occupancies and renovations to new builds and small-scale developments.
Built from practical experience (not theory), this tool is designed to help you understand whether a project stacks up before you commit time, capital, or emotion. It brings clarity to complex decisions by breaking a development down into its real components: revenue, acquisition costs, construction, consultants, holding costs, finance, and profit — both before and after finance.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is this site worth pursuing?” or “Where does the money actually go?” — this calculator is for you.
Who this is for
Property developers (new or experienced)
Homeowners considering a dual occupancy or subdivision
Renovators weighing up renovation vs rebuild
Designers, builders, and consultants assessing project viability
Anyone wanting to make informed property decisions
What’s included
One downloadable Excel (.xls) feasibility calculator
Built-in formulas and guidance notes
Flexible structure you can adapt to your project
Designed for Australian residential developments (GST, stamp duty, council costs included)
A clear, professional system for running a transparent, comparable builder tender
The Designory Building Tender Pack is a practical, real-world tool designed to help you run a structured, transparent tender process for your build — without confusion, vague pricing, or missed inclusions.
This is the exact framework we use to communicate clearly with builders, reduce assumptions, and receive tenders that are genuinely comparable. Because when builders are given better information, you get better pricing, fewer surprises, and far clearer decision-making.
INCLUDES:
✔️ Cost Breakdown
✔️ Building Tender Email Template
✔️ Unsuccessful Building Tender Email Template
Why this matters
Most tender processes fail because they rely on assumptions, incomplete information, and inconsistent pricing formats.
This Tender Pack:
removes ambiguity
supports better builder responses
reduces the risk of budget blowouts
empowers you to ask better questions
gives you confidence in your final decision
It’s not about squeezing builders — it’s about clarity and fairness for everyone involved.
Who this is for
Homeowners planning a new build, renovation, or extension
Anyone issuing a tender to multiple builders
Designers or project managers supporting client builds
People who want control, transparency, and confidence in their build costs
From breaking ground to handover – your step-by-step roadmap to building in Australia.
Building or renovating a home shouldn’t feel like guesswork. The Building Process – The Homeowner’s Guide is a practical, plain-English checklist and toolkit created for Australian homeowners who want to feel informed, organised and in control throughout their build.
Whether you’re working with a builder or stepping into the role of Owner Builder, this guide walks you through every stage – from pre-construction approvals and excavation, right through to final inspections, defects and handover. At each step, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what’s happening on site, which trades are involved, and “Your Role” checklists so you know exactly what to look for, ask and document.
More than just a timeline, this is a working tool you can use on site:
Stage-by-stage breakdowns of the build process – foundations, frame, lock-up, rough-in, fit-out, bathrooms, external works and more.
Homeowner checklists for every stage so you can literally tick tasks off as you go.
Practical templates to log decisions, variations, inspections, issues and defects.
30 pages of insightful step by step guidance for every stage and checklists to help you along the journey.
Use it to understand what’s coming next, as a checklist to stay across the details, and as a record to protect your budget, timeline and peace of mind.
If you’re planning to build or renovate and want to go from “I hope it’s all on track” to “I know exactly where we’re up to and what happens next” – this guide is for you.
Building or renovating a home is one of the biggest projects most people will ever undertake — yet homeowners are rarely taught how the building process really works. That lack of visibility leads to stress, delays, budget blowouts and frustration that could have been avoided with the right systems and knowledge.
Project Management Essentials for Homeowners is your end-to-end roadmap for staying organised, informed and in control throughout your renovation or new build. Created by building designer and industry expert Melissa Bonney, this guide breaks down the complexities of construction into clear, practical steps you can follow with confidence.Who This Guide Is For
This downloadable resource is perfect for:
✔ Homeowners starting a new build or renovation
✔ Owner Builders wanting a clear framework
✔ Anyone feeling overwhelmed by decisions, timelines or communication
✔ People who want to stay involved without micromanaging
✔ Those who want fewer surprises and more control
Why You’ll Love It
Clear, actionable guidance from an industry professional
Step-by-step structure that works for any size project
Real tools and templates you can use immediately
Builds your confidence, not your workload
Helps prevent the costliest project mistakes
Leaves you feeling empowered, not overwhelmed
This isn’t another generic renovation guide — it’s the missing piece that bridges the gap between homeowners and the industry, giving you the clarity and foresight normally reserved for professional project managers.
Feel Calm, Clued-In, and In Control of Your Build
A successful project isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, partnership, and clear decision-making. With the right systems, communication and mindset, you can navigate your build with confidence and create a home that truly reflects your vision.
Project Management Essentials for Homeowners gives you everything you need to lead your project with clarity, consistency and control — no experience required.
DESIGN TOOLS:
The ultimate renovation management tool — created by designers, made for homeowners.
Take control of your renovation or building project with the exact Project Master Schedule used by The Designory for years across full homes, major renovations and client builds. Designed for homeowners, project managers and emerging designers, this spreadsheet gives you the structure, clarity and confidence to plan, schedule and communicate every detail of your project — big or small.
Built from real-world experience, this downloadable tool walks you step-by-step through all the information your builder and trades will need, while helping you stay on top of timelines, sourcing, ordering and site coordination. Whether you’re renovating a single bathroom or managing a full home build, this schedule is your project’s central hub.
What’s Inside
A fully editable master spreadsheet used by our team on real projects
Sections for timelines, trade coordination, ordering schedules, material selections, delivery tracking and more
Clear prompts to help you input the right information at the right stage
A logical, user-friendly layout designed to work seamlessly with builders, architects and trades
Space to manage suppliers, quotes, lead times and budget-critical dates
Ideal for homeowners managing their own project, project managers, or emerging designers needing industry-standard structure
Why You’ll Love It
Saves hours of planning and back-and-forth with trades
Keeps all project information organised, centralised and easy to share
Includes cells with all the info you need to provide for each sourcing selection
Helps prevent delays, missed orders, information and costly mistakes
Professional-grade — but simple enough for first-time renovators
Ensures you’re always two steps ahead on sourcing, scheduling and communication
This is the system we trust — and now you can use it too.
Bring clarity, confidence and designer-level polish to your interior vision with The Designory’s Concept Presentation Template Tool — your ready-made framework for creating beautiful, cohesive design concepts with ease.
Whether you’re crafting a professional client presentation or refining the look and feel of your own home, this tool gives you everything you need to turn ideas into a visually stunning, well-structured concept.
What’s Included
Editable PowerPoint Template (PPT):
A fully designed, plug-and-play presentation file. Simply drop in your selections and watch your vision take shape.Canva Template Access:
Prefer Canva? You’ll also receive a matching Canva version of the template so you can work online, drag and drop with ease, and customise your concept from any device.
Why You’ll Love It
Beautifully Pre-Designed Layouts:
Built by The Designory’s design team, each page is carefully considered to help you express style direction, materiality, palettes, mood and product ideas clearly and cohesively.Perfect for Home Renovators & Interior Lovers:
This tool supports you through the early, often overwhelming concept phase. Use the structured pages to hone your ideas, refine your colour palette and visually map out the style you want to achieve.Flexible Across Platforms:
Work in PowerPoint or Canva—whatever suits your workflow. Both versions maintain The Designory’s clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Create Your Concept With Confidence
The Concept Presentation Template Tool empowers you to think like a designer, pull your ideas together with clarity and create a stunning visual roadmap for your project. Simple, intuitive and beautifully crafted—so you can focus on the fun part: designing a space you love.
The ultimate decorating management tool — created by designers, made for homeowners.
Take control of your decorating project with the exact Decorating Master Schedule our team has refined over years of furnishing full homes, refreshing interiors and managing client styling projects. Designed for homeowners, stylists and emerging designers, this spreadsheet gives you the structure, clarity and confidence to plan, source and coordinate every detail — from furniture and artwork to lighting, textiles and accessories.
Built from real-world experience, this downloadable tool guides you step-by-step through all the information you’ll need to bring a cohesive, beautifully resolved space to life. Stay on top of sourcing, lead times, deliveries, budgets and room-by-room selections — all in one organised, easy-to-share hub.
Whether you’re decorating a single room or curating an entire home, this schedule keeps your project running smoothly and your vision crystal clear.
What’s Inside
A fully editable master spreadsheet used by our team on real decorating projects
Dedicated sections for room concepts, selections, sourcing lists, lead times, budgets, and delivery tracking
Clear prompts to help you capture the right details for every item — from dimensions to finishes to placement
A logical, user-friendly layout designed to work seamlessly with homeowners, stylists and suppliers
Space to manage quotes, orders, payments and budget-critical deadlines
Ideal for homeowners decorating independently, project managers overseeing styling, or emerging designers needing industry-standard structure
Why You’ll Love It
Saves hours of planning, searching and back-and-forth with suppliers
Keeps every selection and detail organised, centralised and simple to update
Includes pre-filled cells prompting what to record for each furniture or décor item
Helps prevent delays, missed deliveries and costly ordering mistakes
Professional-grade — but intuitive enough for first-time decorators
Ensures you’re always two steps ahead on sourcing, scheduling and styling decisions
DESIGN BUNDLES:
Everything you’ll need for your journey
Everything you need to tackle your building or renovation project. Take control of your renovation or build with the very same tool we use to manage multi-million-dollar projects at The Designory.
Bundle Includes:
Build + Renovate Roadmap eBook valued at $25
Design Roadmap eBook valued at $25
Building Process Guide eBook for Homeowners valued at $15
Project Management Guide eBook for Homeowners valued at $15
Ultimate Budget and Project Management Spreadsheet valued at $135
Valued at $215
Perfect for:
Homeowners managing their own renovation or build
Anyone who wants total clarity, control, and confidence from start to finish
Bring your project to life with the same structure the professionals use — and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re across every detail.
The ultimate bundle of everything you need to tackle your building or renovation project. Take control of your renovation or build with the very same tool we use to manage multi-million-dollar projects at The Designory.
Bundle Includes:
Build + Renovate Roadmap eBook valued at $25
Design Roadmap eBook valued at $25
Decorating Roadmap eBook valued at $25
100 Design Questions Answered eBook valued at $4.95
Building Process Guide eBook for Homeowners valued at $15
Project Management Guide eBook for Homeowners valued at $15
Design Concept Presentation Template valued at $15
Project Master Scheduling Spreadsheet valued at $135
Ultimate Budget and Project Management Spreadsheet valued at $135
Valued at $395
Perfect for:
Homeowners managing their own renovation or build
Anyone who wants total clarity, control, and confidence from start to finish
Bring your project to life with the same structure the professionals use — and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re across every detail.
DESIGN ESSENTIALS
TECHNOLOGY TOOLS:
THE INTELLIGENT DESIGNER
AI For Interior Designers Online Course
At The Designory, we’re committed to giving our community access to the smartest tools shaping the future of design. That’s why we recommend AI for Interior Designers by The Intelligent Designer—a course that shows you how to leverage AI to work faster, spark new ideas, and refine your vision.
ENVIZ
Design Technology & Visualisation
Discover the future of property visualization with Enviz. Transform your SketchUp, Revit or 3ds Max native files into immersive XR spaces.
At The Designory, we see visualisation as one of the smartest investments you can make in your project. That’s why we recommend Enviz—so you can see, explore, and refine your home before a single hammer is lifted.