pre-design & planning

We meet on-site to discuss your project, reviewing your brief and budget, as well as council controls and necessary consultants. We then prepare a set of schematic floor plan options for discussion, which will serve as the foundation for developing the concept design plans as we move on to the next stage.

We develop and refine the design based on the pre-design stage, working closely with you throughout the process. We provide floor plans, elevations, and 3D views, along with BIMX walkthrough software, allowing you to explore your home virtually. Once you are satisfied with the design, you can proceed to the design development stage, where you can contact builders for their estimates.

We develop the concept design plans with additional information to help the builder better understand your project. This includes providing a BASIX report, glazing schedule, electrical layout, and a preliminary schedule of finishes based on your selections. Once we receive the costing, we can make any necessary minor changes to the plans based on the builder’s feedback.

If you’re happy with the design and estimates for the build cost the next step is the preparation of the DA plans or CDC preliminary review to obtain the approval from either council or a Private certifier. We prepare the DA/ CDC drawing package and associates documents which we then upload to the portal. Once on the portal and they have been accepted we then keep onto follow up with council or the PCA to ensure your plans are approved. Once you have your approval we can then assist with the construction certificate or Part B of the CDC application.

Once your plans are DA approved, we assist with preparing the CC package and coordinating with the necessary consultants. Once the package is complete, we upload it to the portal and follow up with the council or PCA to ensure your CC is approved.

This is when we fully document and detail your project. By providing your builder with additional details, sections, and internal views, we ensure that the design is executed as intended, eliminating guesswork. These comprehensive plans clearly convey how your home is meant to be designed and finished. 

Additionally, we include a schedule of finishes, so the builder knows exactly what to order. This prevents you from having to make last-minute decisions and helps avoid potential delays in your project.

At this stage, we send out the construction plans, all consultant documentation, schedules of finishes, and all approval documentation to a selection of builders to obtain their tender prices. This tender is not just a cost estimate; it is a detailed and comprehensive cost report. Once all the tenders are received, you can compare them and decide which builder you wish to proceed with. We also allow for minor changes to finishes and selections to help reduce costs or accommodate alternative solutions provided by the builder.

At this stage, an architect administers the contract during the construction phase. We review all invoice claims, wet weather extensions, and variations, as well as respond to RFIs during the build. At the end of the project, we perform the practical completion stage, allowing our client to move in. If you have any further questions regarding these stages, please do not hesitate to contact us.