The first step is about getting to know you and your project ideas.

We meet with you to help us gain a preliminary understanding of you and your project goals – are you looking to build new, or renovate? What is your ideal home character? What are the functional requirements needed in your home? We look at how sustainability strategies can become part of your project and the broader parameters of your project. This pre-design consultation meeting (typically 1 – 2 hours) will also help us gain an understanding of your site and the potential of the space to meet your project goals. We will meet you on site for this consultation (although we are happy to arrange an in-office or zoom meeting if you prefer). 

Based on our discussions and our site observations, we will determine with you which of our services will be most suited to you and your project. After the pre-design consultation, we will send you our fee proposal. This fee proposal is tailored to your project and will include a confirmation of the design brief as well as our fees and terms and conditions.

(Please note, there is no fee charged for the pre-design consultation. No design sketches or plans are provided in the pre-design consultation.)

After the pre-design consultation meeting, one of the next steps in the process can be the creation of a site masterplan.

Whilst the creation of a masterplan is not always necessary, it can be important when you are seeking bespoke recommendations for the future development of your project. This is particularly useful when you are unsure of exactly what your vision is for your site.

In creating a masterplan, we consider your site and how it can be developed to meet your needs for your project now and moving into the future. We evaluate your site, assessing the topography, soil conditions, vegetation, access to utilities, and any potential constraints or opportunities presented by the site.

Understanding the local zoning regulations and building codes is crucial. This involves determining the allowable land use, density restrictions, setback requirements, and other guidelines that govern the development.

Sustainable design practices and environmental considerations are important in creating the masterplan. This may involve preserving natural features, incorporating green spaces, implementing energy-efficient measures, and considering stormwater management and waste disposal systems.

The masterplan for your site should also consider the long-term growth and adaptability of the local community as well as possible changes to your circumstances. Flexibility in design allows for future expansion, evolving needs, and changes in demographics – the home that suits a young family will need to be adaptable if it is also intended to be the home for teenagers at a later stage.

In creating a masterplan, we are seeking to make connections between you, the site and the surrounding environment – aiming to maximise quality of life with smart design.

Schematic design is a crucial phase in the architectural and design process, where the initial concepts and ideas for a project are translated into visual representations and preliminary plans. It is the first step in turning a project from a mere concept into a tangible and functional design.

During the schematic design phase, we collaborate with you to help define the goals, scope, and overall vision of your project. We connect with you frequently to walk you through the schematic designs, exploring ideas, design strategies and architectural styles.

It is in this stage that we look at site orientation, views, breezes. We consider the site as it is located on indigenous land. We then start to formulate ideas for your project. It is during this process that areas within your home are nominated for different functions, considering factors such as orientation, ventilation, shading and daylighting.

We prepare sketches, diagrams and mood boards to illustrate and communicate the design concept effectively. This stage involves creating preliminary floor plans and organising spaces to ensure efficiency and functionality.

Throughout this stage, there is continuous communication with you. The aim, always, is to ensure the design aligns with your vision and requirements.

By the end of the schematic design phase, your project will have a clear design direction that everyone involved agrees upon. The next phase, known as the design development phase, involves refining and expanding upon the concepts established during schematic design to create more detailed and comprehensive plans.

The design development stage is a crucial step that bridges the initial concept and schematic design with the final construction documents. It is where the design begins to take on more detail and specificity. We refine and expand on the concepts developed in the schematic design stage – translating those preliminary sketches and diagrams into more detailed and comprehensive plans, elevations and sections. 

It is at this point that we develop in detail what each of the spaces will contain. For example, developing detailed space plans for each room and area in the house. We consider the placement of walls, doors, windows and other elements; ensuring optimal flow and connectivity between spaces as well as optimising natural lighting and ventilation throughout the spaces.

Working in conjunction with you, it is at this stage that building materials and finishes are selected. It is important that the selections align with the design concept, project requirements, and budget. In making those choices, we consider the aesthetics, durability, sustainability, and maintenance of the materials and finishes choices. Sustainability choices can also include solar panels, rainwater harvesting options and efficient insulation.

It is at this stage in the process, that we will often collaborate with other consultants, such as structural engineers to integrate the building systems into the design. This may include considerations for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical systems, and any other relevant systems specific to the project.  are also considered in this stage.

This stage is a dynamic process where collaboration with you and advice provided from other consultants comes together to strike a balance between creative design solutions and practical considerations to create a design that is both visually appealing and functional as well as working within your budget for the project.

During the construction documentation stage, we create detailed construction drawings including plans, elevation, sections and details. Details such as lighting layouts and power outlets as well as determinations of elements such as doors, windows and balustrades are finalised. These drawings provide precise instructions for the builder to follow. It is there construction drawings that provide the needed detail for the builder to price the construction.

We also liaise with private certifiers to obtain Building Approval requirements and liaise with other relevant consultants.

Once the construction documentation is complete, construction can begin. Contract administration refers to the management and oversight of a construction project to ensure that it adheres to the terms and conditions outlined in the contract between the client and the contractor. We are experienced contract administrators and can work with you across all the phases of construction – coordinating all the consultants, suppliers and trades needed to make your project come to life. There are a number of benefits of having us involved in the contract administration stage of your project.

Because we have been involved in the design process from the start, we are able to respond to contractor enquiries, helping to ensure that the original vision for your project is maintained during construction. If there are any changes to the scope of work or design modifications, we are able assess the impact of these changes on the overall project and advise on adjustments to the contract or project timeline.

During the contract administration stage, we are a crucial link between you and the builder, effectively communicating the expectations and requirements of your project to the builder. At the end of construction, we conduct a final inspection to ensure your project has been completed in compliance with the contract and design.

By actively participating in the contract administration stage, we help ensure that the final building aligns with your expectations ensuring the successful realization of the intended design.