The duo, Derek and James Collins, have earned five top honours at the 2018 Building Designs Association of Australia National Design Awards.

A stunning Hamptons-style home on Port Macquarie’s canals and their own unique and sustainably-built office on Lord Street attracted the keen eye of the judges.

The pair were acknowledged by winning the commercial building and best commercial interior design award for The Box Design.

The judges said the company’s office space maximises its footprint on the Lord Street block by challenging traditional building methods.

The six metre cantilevered Coreten facade appears to defy gravity, the judges explained, and with its constant and ever-changing colours promotes interest for passers-by.

“With polished concrete floors having white stone highlights and recessed rusted steel inserts complementing the Neolith and Dekton custom-made stone reception desk and cabinetry, there is a feeling that outside and inside have blended together,” The judges said.

The Hamptons home has left nothing to the imagine and exudes elegance.

This design, with its intricate roof line, shingle roof tiles, decorative fret work and full wrap feature weatherboard cladding, took out the best new dwelling, best use of James Hardie products  and best use for facade finishes using ITI products.

The awards are a tremendous honour for the duo who have been designing homes ‘outside the box’ for almost two decades.

“It gives us a real sense of gratitude for what we do,” James explained. “To know we are doing something right and being recognised up against some big names in the industry and bigger budgets – it’s humbling.”