We know architecture can be daunting. We have defined the Process in simple terms so that you feel confident to move ahead with one of the biggest adventures of your life.
CONCEPT
DESIGN
We start by exploring the big ideas. We investigate spatial layout and sizing of the existing home or land. We consider the local environment, and we check the design against the budget.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Is all about form, materials, textures, and our first delve into the detail. We also do another price check here, usually with the aid of a builder or cost consultant.
TOWN
PLANNING
Off to Council we go! It can be tricky, but we know the drill and you are in safe hands. We will lodge the Planning Permit application and engage consultants to help if we need to.
CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTATION
This is the detailed part. Drawings and documents, permits and pricing, contracts and construction... we take care of the lot. We can also design kitchens, bathrooms and tech nooks too!
CONTRACTOR SELECTION
Also known as Procurement. It is all about relationships. We find you a builder and we maximise your project value.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Let the fun begin! We liaise with you and the builder as your new home rises from the construction dust. We answer questions and handle the hard stuff, from the beginning until the end.
There is plenty to think about before beginning a home renovation. Here are some of the big questions that come up at the start of the Process.
How do we start?
With a chat on the phone or via email, followed by a catch-up in your home. The info we need to begin is the location of your home, a general idea of what you are hoping to achieve, and an approximate budget. Never fear if these details are not yet clear! We will work through these, one step at a time.
What are the advantages of using an architect?
An architect will design a bespoke home that is beautiful, functional, comfortable and sustainable. We will see the big ideas that bring these elements together through from concept to completion. Our offering is comprehensive and detailed. The service follows the design Process, outlined above, developed to take the stress away. It enables the myriad of decisions to be made in a logical sequence, with the ultimate aim to deliver a highly refined home.
How much does it cost?
Every project is unique, and costs depend on the size and complexity of the project. We do offer fixed fees and will be able to provide an estimate for the full service, including each step of the Process, during our initial chat.
How long does it take?
Like all good things – awhile!
A bespoke design and build will take upwards of two years, from project conception to completion. We can take you through the variables that influence this timeline, chat about how to speed things up, or pace things to work with your schedule.
How do we manage the budget of the project?
A couple of ways. We provide a general cost estimate at the different design stages which is based on the size, and scope, of the design. We may also work with a builder, or a cost consultant, to estimate the costs and refine the details as we move through the Process.
Do we need consultants?
Yes! We work with a great team of consultants.
We typically need a Structural Engineer, Building Surveyor, Land Surveyor, Soil Tester and an Energy Rater to design a home. We sometimes use a Cost Consultant, Town Planning Consultant, Heritage Advisor, or an Aborist. We also love working with Landscape Designers for the magical green touch! We can easily anticipate who is needed, and when, plus an estimate of their fees, during our initial chat.
Do we need permits?
Yes! Each project is unique, though most likely a Building Permit will be needed, and possibly a Town Planning Permit. We can quickly work out what is required based on the location of your home and a general idea of what the project will involve.
Side note: In Australia, the permit processes are similar, yet they go by different names. Here in Victoria we have Town Planning Permits, elsewhere known as Development Applications. In Victoria we also have Building Permits which are issued by Building Surveyors. In other states they are called a Construction Certificate, or Building Certification, and are issued by Building Certifiers.
Do you know any builders? & How do we find one that is a good fit?
Yes! We work with great builders.
Sometimes it makes sense to engage a builder early in the design Process, and work with them to estimate and refine the cost of construction. In this case we would work towards signing a Building Contract with them using this developed quote as the basis of the agreement. In other situations, we will work with a cost consultant early on, and then when the design is resolved to a high level of detail, we would run a competitive tender with a selection of builders, to choose the best fit for you and the project. We work out the best approach early on in the design Process.
What about management during construction?
We love being on site!
The final stage of our service is called Contract Administration. For an architectural residential design and build we administrate the construction contract between yourself and the builder, a service that is not-quite-rightly referred to as project management. Contract Administration is essentially a service where the Architect is the in-between for you and the builder. Answering questions, reviewing details relating to time, money and quality, and ultimately ensuring the design is built as intended.