The idea of working from remote locations used to raise eyebrows – especially in an industry grounded in site visits, in-person consults, and tangible plans rolled out on desks. But times have changed.

These days, I could be parked up on a regional road trip, tucked in a café in a coastal town, or at home in WA – and still be collaborating on a project unfolding in Queensland or Victoria. The tools are there. The mindset has shifted. And frankly, the work hasn’t missed a beat.

The Evolution of Remote Practice

In the early days of digital workflows, working across state lines felt like stretching a rubber band. There was always a bit of lag – too many emails, too few real-time solutions. But since COVID reshaped how everyone engages with work, the barriers have shrunk dramatically. What felt like an outlier practice pre-2020 has become second nature.

We’re now in a sweet spot where the technology has matured and the cultural shift has caught up. Zoom rooms, digital markups, real-time collaboration boards, cloud-based file sharing – it’s all part of the standard toolkit. Clients expect flexibility, and that opens up opportunities for projects that aren’t limited by postcodes.

Pros of Working Remotely Across States

• Freedom of Movement: I can travel and still stay plugged into complex projects.
• Client Reach: I’m no longer geographically bound. That’s opened doors to work in every corner of Australia.
• Efficiency: Fewer physical meetings often means tighter focus, quicker turnarounds, and clearer documentation.
• Technology Integration: Platforms like Revit, Zoom, and cloud-based project management tools have become central to collaboration.

Cons to Navigate

• Time Zones: There’s the occasional mental math needed when scheduling meetings across the country.
• On-Site Limitations: Nothing beats physically walking through a space, so sometimes I’ll partner with local consultants or fly in when needed.
• Digital Fatigue: When everything is online, managing screen time and burnout becomes critical.

A Connected Future

It’s worth noting how far we’ve come. Six or seven years ago, doing what we do now would’ve required multiple workarounds. Today, it’s streamlined. The right technology paired with strong work processes means design doesn’t have to be local to be impactful.

For designers, builders, and clients alike, this is a liberating shift. We’re no longer limited to our immediate surrounds – we’re designing spaces, building relationships, and managing projects across Australia from wherever we are… And honestly, that’s a win.