Pettit + Sevitt The Modernist Project

Architecture, design and the story of an Australian mid-century housing icon

The illustrated history of influential Australian project home builder Pettit + Sevitt. Now available for pre-order. Official release is 1 November 2026.

Founded in Sydney in 1961, Pettit & Sevitt were pioneers of a burgeoning project home industry. Their mission was to make it possible for Australians to buy an architect-designed home at a price they could afford. This became an important modernist movement that shaped how Australians built their homes and thought about design.

Working with five of Australia's most renowned architects including Ken Woolley, Michael Dysart, Russell Jack, Neil Clerehan and Harry Seidler, they created homes that were modular, functional and beautiful in their simplicity.

Pettit & Sevitt display villages became weekend attractions and their houses won numerous architectural awards. They introduced people to the possibility of design as part of everyday life and reflected a growing confidence in Australian domestic architecture. Their houses, and those of their contemporaries, became associated with what would be known as the 'Sydney School', a loosely defined group of architects whose work embraced natural materials, economical spatial planning and responsiveness to Australia's unique landscape.

Alongside archival photography, house plans and sketches, this 480 page book presents selected contemporary Pettit & Sevitt homes that continue to be enjoyed, restored and adapted. It is both the history of an ambitious modernist enterprise, a valuable resource and a record of Pettit & Sevitt's enduring place in Australian architecture, design and suburban life.

Scroll down for a preview of selected pages from the book.

Reviews

‘It is timely to bring this to press as we struggle with a housing crisis and what comes next. Pettit & Sevitt The Modernist Project reminds us that the real architectural project, to bring good design to everyone without sacrificing quality, is still possible. These homes celebrated the belief in a ‘good life’ on distinctly Australian terms and showed that, as a country, we can commit to good ideas when we want to.’

Professor Anthony Burke, School of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney Host of ABC TV’s Grand Designs Australia, Restoration Australia and Radio National

‘Superb reportage. Detailed, broad and beautifully illustrated. A fascinating architectural and cultural history.’

Dr Davina Jackson, architectural writer, editor and curator

‘Who would have thought that Pettit & Sevitt inspired Marc Newson, one of the world’s top designers. Kathryn has unearthed profound threads in this Australian housing story. A monumental work of research and an enjoyable read.’

Sam Marshall, Wilkinson Award winning architect, educator and writer

‘Kathryn Franco’s deep understanding of Pettit & Sevitt houses shines through in this meticulously researched book about the designers and builders who changed Sydney’s suburbs forever.’

Julie Power, award winning journalist, Sydney Morning Herald

‘This book beautifully catalogues the ways Pettit & Sevitt designs matched the rising spirit of Australian identity and the increasing understanding of our unique landscape. More than just good houses, they mark a turning point in how we see living in Australia.’

Tone Wheeler, President of the Australian Architecture Association Adjunct Professor, University of NSW, author and commentator