We love creative strategic thinking.

We know that every site is different and each project unique . We totally get that there is no 'one size fits all' solution, and we want to develop possibilities that are most valuable and effective for your project.

We start with an initial free 1 hour consultation to discuss your project. From here, we can help understand what is required to make it great. 

We work in stages to get your project from conception to completion and we like to regularly meet to make sure everything is on track.

Core Services are Concept Design, Design Development, Contract Documentation, and Contract Administration. These make up the full services to take a project from start to finish.

Additional Services include things such as Town Planning and Tendering/ Costing. Not all projects require these and they are variable in nature.

HOW WE WORK

THE PROCESS

These are the things that most projects will need:

The diagram below shows the process of taking a project from start to finish, and a how the work is typically proportioned. For example, Contract documentation is our most labour intensive stage, while additional services such as Town Planning and Tendering take the least time. Projects usually follow this pattern.

Here is an outline of our architectural services:

CORE

  • This initial CONCEPT DESIGN stage is about testing ideas. What are your needs? What is your budget? And how can we interpret your brief into something tangible? As well as imagining the possibilities and putting pen to paper, this is also the time where we assess your site to understand its full potential. We investigate regulations and site controls to ensure that the design is well considered.

  • Once we have a concept we are happy with, we flesh out the initial design. In DESIGN DEVELOPMENT we examine materials, refine the planning, and massage the design into something real. We also get the other experts involved - these are the engineers, and specialist consultants you might require for your project. To help visualise the space, we use sketches, plans, and perspectives to tell the story.

  • CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION, as it is referred to, is about turning the developed design into a package of technical drawings, schedules, and specifications for a builder to price and build. These documents allow for more accurate costing and also help ensure that you get the quality of finish that you want. We also co-ordinate the consultants and make sure everything fits together.

  • This is an exciting stage for all as we see ideas get built. In CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, we manage the contract between you and your builder. We look after the project on your behalf - this means quality checks, authorising payments, regular site visits, responding to questions, and checking shop drawings from contractors. This helps minimise risk and ensure that your project is delivered to the specifications and to the highest quality.

ADDITIONAL

  • Not all projects require Town Planning Approval, but if it does, this is an additional step to obtain the permits you need. Scenarios where you will need a Town Planning permit are if your site has any overlays such a Heritage Overlay or Flood/ Special Building Overlay, if you are subdividing, or if your block is under 300m2. We can prepare drawings to submit to council as well as a written assessment against the relevant planning policies.

  • This stage will get your project costed by a selected builder if you have chosen one, or if you decide to go to a competitive tender, we will obtain quotes from 2 or 3. We establish the method of tendering most suitable for you, meet with builders and review and assess their tenders.

OTHER SERVICES

We can also assist with other things on your project. You might need a feasibility study to test the possibilities of your site before you bite the bullet and buy a property. You might like illustrations to visualise your project, or existing conditions documentation before you start. We are creative problem solvers and we more than happy to have a chat about how we can help out!

Their expertise was so valued and they walked the line between listening to our sometimes odd ideas, and guiding us towards solutions which would work better but still remain true to the vibe of what we wanted. Their attention to detail and knowledge of materials and techniques is brilliant, and they were able to recommend a fantastic builder.

Anika, Apartment on Ballarat