About DeBu Studios
DeBu Studios is a building design practice based in Russell Vale, a suburb of Wollongong, headed by building designer Joel Etherington. It designs new homes, extensions and renovations, duplexes and dual occupancy homes for clients across the Illawarra, Southern Sydney and the Southern Highlands.
What the business says
- Describes itself as a registered building design practice accredited with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA). Source
- Says Joel Etherington was formerly a builder and became a building designer 15 years ago. Source
- Lists BDAA 2024 awards for the 'Art House' (Heritage Buildings & Adaptive Reuse) and 'Chenhalls' (Colorbond National Design Awards, Residential Alterations / Additions up to $500,000). Source
- Lists an Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design 2024 Public Choice Award for Best Renovation. Source
- Lists BDAA 2025 National Design Awards results: winner for Project Pendlebury (Open Projects up to $100K) and a commendation for Project Hutton (New Residential $2-$2.9mil). Source
These are the business's own claims. We haven't confirmed them independently.
Services
- Home building design
- Home design extensions and renovations
- Duplex building design
- Dual occupancy home designs
Areas served
- Illawarra
- Wollongong
- Southern Sydney
- Southern Highlands
- Greater NSW
Location
Based in Russell Vale, City of Wollongong.
Russell Vale, NSW 2517
People & connections
People
- Joel Etherington, Building designer and head of the practice Source
Sources
- Official websitetrading name, social profiles
- Official website: Contactphone, email, Russell Vale NSW 2517, service areas, 2024 awards
- Official website: AboutJoel Etherington, practice background, 2025 awards
- Official website: Building designservices
- Google Business Profilename, website, phone, category, rating, review count
- ABN Lookupactive ABN, main business location NSW 2517
Not yet verified
- Street address not published; the website gives Russell Vale NSW 2517 only
- No map shown: the Google Business Profile is a service-area profile with no address
- Google rating is based on a single review
- Opening hours not shown here (the website and Google list Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)
Checked 28 October 2026. A listing is a starting point, not an endorsement. How we verify listings.