Pre-Design
If you’ve never worked with an architect before, it might seem a daunting process. Our pre-design service is essentially a “meet & greet” where we get to know each other. It’s helps us better understand your expectations, aspirations, preferred design styles, budget, etc., so we can brainstorm ideas for your project. so that we are better equipped when we move onto the next stage. At the end of this stage, we should all be comfortable with the direction the project will take and ready to move on to the next phase of the design process.
We offer two Pre-Design services a free in office service, or we can meet on site to discuss the project for a small fee.
Preliminary Design
This is where we take initial ideas from the Pre-Design meeting and flesh them out into a more cohesive concept. We carry out research with local authorities such as Councils or Heritage Advisors to check any restrictions or conditions that may affect construction. An on-site visit is also arranged to evaluate the micro-climate and any existing buildings or site features, so we can correctly ‘site’ the building. Armed with this information, our architectural design team will develop conceptual design drawings to fully explain their ideas for your project.
Design Development
The design development stage expands on the conceptual drawings transforming them into more detailed designs. Before submitting your plans to Council for planning approval, we consult closely with you to ensure the project is progressing according to your vision. At this stage we’ll also confirm the selection materials and colours to be used in the design, along with any materials required to meet Bushfire ratings in your area, or other statutory regulations.
Construction Documentation
Your construction documents provide all written specifications with details of fixtures, fittings, colours and appropriately scaled drawings detailing the construction requirements of the building. It is at this time we seek full development approval for your build to go ahead before selecting a contractor for the project.
Contractor Selection
We can use our years of experience to help you select appropriately skilled contractors for your project. Our team will prepare the tender documents (drawings, specifications, approvals, etc.) and send these out to 3-4 contractors to get a competitive price, then negotiate with the preferred tenderer on your behalf. Once you’re happy with the final choice of contractor, we’ll organize to have the Construction Contract (Typically ABIC contracts) signed.
Contract Administration
To ensure your project flows smoothly, we’ll administer the contract between you and your contractor and regularly report back to you about costs, time and progress. This means we’ll be on site to assess the quality of the work being carried out and ensure your project is being built as documented. We’ll also take care of responding to any contractor queries, as well as assessing and approving any variations, progress claims or time extensions they request.
Once the work is complete we’ll issue a Certificate of Practical Completion then assess your build for any defects and, should any issues be found, ensure they are rectified by the contractor.
Interior Design
To complete your new build, we bring in our in-house interior designer to help you select colours, materials, and other soft furnishings. You’ll have the opportunity to view personally styled material boards so you can touch and feel the selected finishes first-hand and see how the colour palettes and textures work together. You’ll also be supplied with documentation detailing all joinery design being installed.
Coordination of Consultants
We’re always on hand to guide you through the design and documentation process, as well as helping you select and coordinate all secondary consultants such as structural engineers, acoustic engineers, wastewater engineers, energy assessors, landscape designers, surveyors, etc. You need never worry about when or how you might need to employ additional consultants – we will be here to advise you and help obtain quotes for their work.