Pettit + Sevitt The Modernist Project
Architecture, design and the story of an Australian mid-century housing icon
New release / 1 November 2026
Author Kathryn Franco
Foreword Marc Newson
ISBN 9780980834796 Publisher: Piper Press
RRP $120 Release: 1 November 2
Pre order from 15 September: piperpress.com.au
For talks, articles, interviews, collaborations and events relating to the book and themes of Australian
architecture, modernism, design and housing, get in touch: hello@piperpress.com.au
DESCRIPTION
The illustrated history of influential Australian project home builder Pettit + Sevitt.
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.
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
About
About Kathryn Franco
Kathryn Franco is a Sydney based publisher, writer and former journalist. She worked as a researcher and
producer on the Nine Network’s The Sunday Program, contributing to investigative stories and weekly arts, film
and culture segments, before moving into internet news media and business and leading large content teams.
She holds a First Class Honours degree in Fine Art from the University of Sydney, where she majored in film
theory, semiotics and art history. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian
Graduate School of Management at University of NSW, Sydney.
Founder and editor of Sydney House Journal, her interests include architecture, art and design, with a particular
focus on modernism, housing, social history and visual culture. sydney-house.com
About Marc Newson
Marc Newson is an internationally respected Australian industrial designer whose four decade career spans
furniture, transport, aviation, architecture, timepieces and luxury goods. His work is held in major museum
collections worldwide, and he has received numerous international honours, including a CBE. Newson’s early
exposure to modern design came through his mother, who worked at Pettit & Sevitt.
Australia and NZ
Hardcover
480 pages
522 illustrations or images
220 x 303mm
1.9kg
Category: Architecture: residential and domestic buildings, history of architecture, modernism, Australia