FROM RENO SCHOOL TO INDUSTRY AWARDS: 5 WOMEN WHO WON BIG 🏆✨
There’s nothing that makes us prouder than seeing our Reno School students back themselves, bring their vision to life and then have the industry stand up and award them for their efforts too.
These five fab women didn’t just create dream homes for their families or future buyers… they created homes so beautiful, so thoughtfully designed and so expertly executed that they were recognised with major industry awards.
Reno Schooler Carina Neale’s Award Winning Noosa Home
From coastal new builds to character-filled cottages and full-scale architectural renovations, these Birdies prove what’s possible when vision meets confidence (and a little Reno School magic).
Let’s meet some of our award-winning legends…
🏆 WINNING GOLD ON THE GOLD COAST
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Longtime Reno Schooler Toni Bache and her hubby Michael were self-proclaimed rookies with “a passion for building, renovating and design” when Toni first joined Reno School. She went on to complete both Reno School and Styling School - and the couple completed four projects in just 12 months. (Four. In. Twelve. Months. 🤯)
The biggest of them all was their stunning new-build home in Burleigh Head, which went on to win gold at the Queensland Master Builders Awards in the ‘Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings’ category.
“We built this home after returning to the Gold Coast after 10 years living interstate and overseas. We couldn’t find a house that we liked in a location we liked, but already had a property that was ripe for redevelopment in our favourite spot. So we took the plunge.”
BEFORE
AFTER
Due to a serious back injury Toni sustained overseas, a three-storey home wasn’t ideal - but the block demanded it. Their plan was to live in this beauty while tackling a few side projects to keep the reno bug satisfied.
Then the house they’d dreamed about buying for 17 years came on the market… and everything changed.
They purchased a single-storey 1960s beach bungalow (their next project 👀), and their award-winning home sold at auction just weeks after hitting the market. Surprised? Neither were we.
Builder: PJH Constructions Australia Pty Ltd
🏆 A CHARACTER COTTAGE THAT STOLE THE SHOW
Thirroul, NSW
Kate Potter’s character-filled cottage didn’t just win its category at the Building Designers Association of Australia Awards; it beat out large commercial-scale projects to take overall first prize in the BDAA Greater Sydney Chapter Awards!
Small in size but huge in heart, this charming cottage renovation honoured its history while completely transforming its functionality.
Originally a two-bedroom home steeped in local history, Kate and her husband committed to renovating, not rebuilding, after meeting the daughter of the previous owner, Maisie, who raised five children there.
They transform the tired old cottage into a stunning four-bedroom home that maintains its old-world charm, complete with a plaque proudly bearing the name “Maisie”, after its original owner.
Kate credits Three Birds Reno School with helping her articulate and stay true to her vision ☺️
“The thing that made the Three Birds Reno School stand out from the rest was the focus on articulating a vision for my project. I learnt why having a vision is so important, how to create my own vision board, specific to my renovation, and the constant reminders to keep checking back to it.”
BEFORE
AFTER
She also leaned into the power of the Reno School Facebook community:
“Next thing, I had more than 200 likes from fellow students and so many positive comments. The validation from other students made me feel really proud about what I’ve achieved… and inspired me to want to do it all again!”
And she did. Kate’s a serial renovator with several other gorgeous projects under her tool belt.
🏆 A LITTLE BUSHLAND RETREAT WITH BIG AWARDS
Brisbane, QLD
Reno School student Carolynn McLean’s stunning “little inner-city bushland retreat” took home Gold in the ‘Sustainable Building Design – Residential’ category at the Building Design Queensland, Brisbane Regional Design Awards.
Built into the beautiful bushland of Seven Hills in Brisbane, this home was designed as a sustainable and environmentally responsible retreat. The dwelling’s compact footprint encourages a strong connection with the surrounding landscape while minimising its environmental impact.
And the accolades didn’t stop there.
The ‘Tranters Avenue Residence’ was also awarded HIA Queensland House of the Year in 2023, and went on to be named Runner Up in the National House of the Year awards. Casual overachiever. 🏆
We love seeing our students create homes that are not only beautiful but thoughtfully designed to work with their environment.
Photography: Lucas Muro
Building design: Koda Design
Builder: Lindon Homes
🏆 FROM PIPE DREAM TO AWARD-WINNER
Noosa, QLD
Reno School student Carina Neale’s stunning Noosa home was awarded Gold in the ‘New Home’ category at the Building Design Queensland, Sunshine Coast Regional Design Awards.
But the recognition didn’t come without the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with building a home from scratch.
“Building a home was certainly a pipe dream for me. I love design, interior styling and I’m known to love a project! We threw everything at it, testing every emotion - and our marriage at times! For the most part I’m proud of what we’ve created and forever grateful we had the opportunity to build a house.”
Carina credits the Reno School community for helping her stay confident throughout the journey.
“Thanks to all the Birdies out there who encouraged and supported my wavering nerves and backed my decisions. This group is powerful!”
After completing their award-winning Noosa home, Carina and her husband made the difficult decision to sell the property due to work commitments and relocate back to Sydney.
But true renovators never sit still for long…
They’re now taking on their next project, in Sydney this time - a completely different style and an exciting new chapter.
Building Designer: AK Building Design
🏆 FROM 80s HOUSE TO AWARD-WINNER
Port Macquarie, NSW
Julianne Weatherley’s renovation was not for the faint-hearted.
Originally built in the early 1980s and designed by local Port Macquarie architect John Walsh, the home underwent a complete internal rebuild under the guidance of architect Robert Snow.
The transformation was extensive. The house was stripped back to its core, with all electrical and plumbing systems replaced, along with new walls, ceilings, bathrooms and kitchen. The renovation also included roof insulation and external cladding upgrades, structural steel posts and beams, and crane work to complete the structural changes.
We’re talking MAJOR transformation.
Julianne’s home went on to win the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Northern NSW Awards 2023 in its category. 🏆
Julianne says completing the Three Birds Reno School gave her the confidence and clarity to communicate effectively with trades, manage her budget and stay disciplined with her vision board throughout the project.
Builder: HLW Projects
Joinery: Old Lake Joinery
Architect: Rob Snow Architect
Five Reno Schoolers. Five visions. Five award-winning homes.
And we could not be prouder.
