Practice

Studio

Brave New Eco was founded in 2014 on a conviction to create spaces that support human life through ecological intelligence, lived experience and relational thinking.

We create unique, holistic design solutions that combine high-performance buildings with detailed, highly crafted interiors. Our team brings together expertise in architecture, interior design, permaculture and sustainable practice, supported by a collaborative network of like-minded builders, trades and craftspeople. As a certified B Corp, we remain committed to being a business for good, designing exceptionally high-performance buildings that respond to how people live while meeting rigourous social and environmental performance standards.

Good design happens when expertise meets intuition.

“The outcome of the project exceeded our expectations, both in terms of function for our family and how much pleasure we derive from living in such a beautiful space. We feel incredibly lucky that this is our home!”
“The kitchen and the new living space are so functional and tranquil. The joinery is exceptional. There is much more space for everyone in our family to escape, and good spaces for us to come together as well.”

- Claire and Hayden
"Beautiful, homey and timeless. We wanted a renovation in keeping with our home and it’s just perfect."

Corina & Lorcan
When we came across BNE it was such a breath of fresh air. Their designs really stood out, they weren’t just modern for the sake of it, but felt thoughtful and in tune with the character of the homes they were working on. There was this warm, inviting feeling that really resonated with us.

-Andrea
I love all the aspects to the project so its hard to choose something that stands out. I like that that the design feels very cohesive but still very idiosyncratic.

-James
It was very easy to trust at each step of the way; that the design would be efficient, that each material would have been thoroughly considered and that it was look amazing. Our thoughts, opinions and preferences were integrated but I honestly think if we hadn't provided any input, we still would have been happy with the eventual outcome. We could trust the BNE would make amazing decisions and they proved it again and again.

-Clare and Damien
We wanted a sustainable design team that aligned to our environmental ethics matched with aesthetics that were simple, beautiful and unique. BNE were intuitive in getting a feel for what we liked by observing our belongings and objects to inform the design process. This meant the design reflected our preferences in imaginative ways, rather than an off-the-shelf colour scheme or design.We also very much appreciated that the team guided us toward better decisions. It's a complete reimagining of the house and it's engagement with the garden

-Andrew and Rose
When our friends comment that it is the most considered, or "warmest" new home they've been in, that makes my heart sing! Also, I genuinely think the passive solar benefits improve our mental health - winter is not as dreary or depressing for us anymore because we are still capturing beautiful sunlight.

-Gab and Drew

Philosophy

Before we design anything, we ask: What does this life actually need? What does this building owe the land it sits on? How will this building evolve over time? These are not soft questions. They require the same rigour as a structural calculation or a thermal performance model.

Our work sits at the intersection of technical expertise and intuitive depth. We bring honesty about complexity to every project, naming what is difficult, working through it with our clients and collaborators to arrive at solutions that are coherent, enduring and genuinely fit for the life they hold.

Business for Good

We became a certified B Corp in 2024, joining a global community of businesses independently verified for their social and environmental performance.

We maintain carbon-neutral operations through emissions tracking and offsetting, prioritise working with local Australian businesses and fellow B Corps, and contribute to our community through initiatives like Paying the Rent. Learn more about our B Corp journey here.

Megan Norgate
Founder & Design Director

Megan is an Interior Designer, Permaculture Designer and Sustainable Design Strategist with over 25 years of experience. She has a holistic philosophy that integrates the built, interior, and ecological environments. Megan advocates for a sustainable, regenerative design future across the broader industry through writing, teaching, and speaking engagements.

Bachelor of Creative Arts. The University of Melbourne/ Victorian College of the Arts
Associate Degree of Interior Design. RMIT University
Permaculture Teaching and Design Certificates. Milkwood
Mastery of Business and Empathy, Small Giants Academy
Member of the Design Institute of Australia

Joanne Nataprawira
Director & Lead Architect

Jo has 18 years of experience in sustainable Architectural Design and a life practice in Permaculture design. She brings a considered, empathy-rooted approach to detail-oriented design resolutions on every project. Jo walks the walk and talks the talk, embedding sustainable principles throughout her approach to design and life.

Masters of Architecture. The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Planning and Design. (Arch) The University of Melbourne
Permaculture Design Certificate, Ceres.
Registered Architect & member of Architeam

Johanna Le
Graduate of Architecture

Johanna Le brings with her a Masters of Architecture from Monash University and 7 years of valuable experience in residential projects throughout Melbourne. Her meticulous approach to design reflects her commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

Masters of Architecture. Monash University
Bachelor of Architectural Design. Monash University

Caitlin Ripper
Operations Manager

Caitlin Ripper serves as our Operations Manager, bringing valuable expertise in project management, operations, and strategy to Brave New Eco. Her skilful approach to streamlining processes ensures that our team operates at peak performance, focused on delivering exceptional design work.

Practice

Studio

Good design happens when expertise meets intuition.

“The outcome of the project exceeded our expectations, both in terms of function for our family and how much pleasure we derive from living in such a beautiful space. We feel incredibly lucky that this is our home!”

“The kitchen and the new living space are so functional and tranquil. The joinery is exceptional. There is much more space for everyone in our family to escape, and good spaces for us to come together as well.”

"Beautiful, homey and timeless. We wanted a renovation in keeping with our home and it’s just perfect."

When we came across BNE it was such a breath of fresh air. Their designs really stood out, they weren’t just modern for the sake of it, but felt thoughtful and in tune with the character of the homes they were working on. There was this warm, inviting feeling that really resonated with us.

I love all the aspects to the project so its hard to choose something that stands out. I like that that the design feels very cohesive but still very idiosyncratic.

Philosophy

Business for Good

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