Pre-Design

Every site is unique and presents different opportunities and challenges. We begin each project by preparing a detailed Site Analysis to discover the parameters which will influence your design. Site conditions such as orientation, topography, views, landscape, breezes, approach, movement, easements, existing buildings and streetscape will all shape the project. We research all local Authority Regulations which apply and prepare a Pre-Design Report with a detailed Brief for the project.

Concept Design

Once the Pre-Design work is complete, we commence your Concept Design. This will be presented as a combination of hand sketches and basic CAD drawings which include perspective views, organisational diagrams simple concept floor plans and concept elevations sufficient to explain the general design intent, construction methods, and overall architectural language.

Design Development

With the overall Concept agreed, we progress to the Design Development stage together. Many people are not experienced with reading technical drawings, so we prepare a real-time 3D model; in addition to detailed CAD drawings; which allows you to fully visualise your design. The model allows us to precisely map summer shade and winter passive solar gain. We can also provide our clients with an opportunity to take a “Virtual Tour” using our Oculus Quest VR headset allowing you to “walk” through the building. Our aim is to make the design process as exciting and comprehensible as possible for you!

Consultant Co-ordination

As head of your design team, we co-ordinate all other consultants required for this stage such as Land Surveyors, Geotech Consultants, Bushfire Consultants, and Landscape Designers. We ensure all other consultant documentation is correlated with Architectural drawings to avoid problems down the road.

Development Approval Application

When you are happy with your Detailed Design, we prepare and submit an Application for Development Approval to your Local Authority accompanied by a Design Report with justifications for any variations to Policy. We liaise with Planning Officers during this process and respond as necessary. Our aim is to make the approvals process as stress free as possible for you.

We have decades of experience in obtaining Development Approvals for complex projects!

Construction Documentation

The interior and exterior architecture of a building need to be considered together. We prepare a complete set of Architectural Documents for your project, including detailed plans, sections, elevations, construction details, door and window schedules, lighting/ electrical/ plumbing layouts, and a building specification.

We also prepare detailed Interior Design documents including cabinetwork design, mood boards, and a Schedule of Finishes listing all key selections including materials, colours, plumbing fixtures, tapware, door hardware, appliances, and lighting. We make recommendations for all selections to save you endless hours of showroom visits. These are presented as flat-lays with materials, fittings samples, and colour brushouts.

Consultant Co-ordination

As head of your design team, we co-ordinate all other consultants required for this stage such as Structural Engineers, Energy / Fire / Mechanical / Electrical / Hydraulic / Acoustic / Lighting Consultants, Landscape Designers, and Building Surveyors. We ensure all other consultant documentation is correlated with the Architectural for Pricing and Construction, so that your project runs smoothly and efficiently.

Pricing Co-ordination  

We can assist you in finding suitably experienced builders to price your project, providing independent advice and acting as your agent to ensure you get a fair price either by competitive tender or negotiated contract. The final cost of any project cannot be ascertained until all documentation has been completed.

Building Contract Negotiations

We offer advice on the various Building Contracts available to ensure you fully understand the Terms of your Agreement with your chosen builder.

There are countless decisions to be made at this stage and we are here to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Administration

We administer the Building Contract on your behalf during construction which saves you a significant amount of time and uncertainty. We liaise closely with you and keep you informed of everything you need to know, while managing the day to day administration and responding to RFI’s (Requests for Information) from site.

Inspections and Assessments

We attend regular site meetings, advise on progress, inspect works for compliance with documentation, and keep accurate records.

We assess all progress claims before payment is made to confirm work has been completed and materials have been delivered.

We assess any claims for variations to cost, or adjustments of time, and advise whether or not these are warranted under contract.

At Practical Completion we inspect the works, advise of any defects and instruct your builder regarding rectification.

At Final Completion after the Defects Liability Period (typically 12 months after Practical Completion), we make a Final Inspection, advise of any defects and instruct your builder regarding rectification.

It is the Architect’s responsibility to ensure the works comply with the Architectural documentation. It is the builder’s responsibility to ensure all works comply with the National Construction Codes of Australia.

Depending on the complexity of your project, you may or may not require this service.