Our Services
Our experienced team is able to manage your project from conception to completion.
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Beyond our core design services, we also offer other specialised services that compliment and enhance our core offerings.​​​
We offer a tailored design workshop session where we will discuss your project in detail and begin design exploration. - In-person meeting, usually about 90 minutes - Fixed upfront fee - Discuss relevant information about your site - We’ll take notes, draw rough sketches and diagrams which will be foundational to future design development. - Guide you on general construction costs, where appropriate. Following this workshop we will prepare a project-specific proposal which is tailored to your project requirements which will include a design agreement for signing.
CONCEPT DESIGN &
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
STAGE 1
We develop the preliminary design that maximises the potential of the building within it's surrounding environment. - Site measurement and existing conditions drawings - Develop initial documentation and layouts, exploring various spatial arrangements - Collaborate with the client on design direction, allowing for a few major changes before proceeding advancing - Develop a 3D digital model that addresses project aspirations, site considerations, and planning requirements - Organise and Coordinate with relevant specialist consultants - Prepare 3D images and visualizations to communicate the design
STAGE 2A
TOWN PLANNING APPLICATION
Not all projects require a planning permit, and we strive to avoid this added complexity whenever possible.
We will guide you through the process, ensuring the application and lodgement is seamless. - Confirm statutory authority requirements - For complex or contentious projects, attend a preapplication meeting with the council and recommend a third-party planning consultant if needed - Finalise drawings, studies, and reports for town planning - Lodge town planning documents and forms
STAGE 2B
TOWN PLANNING RFI'S & NOD'S
Sometimes, the relevant planning authority will require additional information or
negotiation prior to endorsement
We will guide you through the process, ensuring all of council's queries and conditions are met. - Liaise with the council to respond to requests for information (RFIs) before advertisement - Coordinate with the council on Notices of Decision (NoDs) or amendments to secure endorsed drawings - Negotiate with planning objectors - Assist with town planning appeals
STAGE 3A
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
We meticulously document every aspect of the design in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure full coordination. Our documentation allows for accurate pricing and submission for building permit. - Develop detailed drawings for contractor pricing and permit application - Review the budget with cost estimates from a qualified Quantity Surveyor or builder, identifying potential cost savings - Review statutory and regulatory requirements - Coordinate construction details with relevant consultants, including the energy rater and structural engineer - Engage additional external consultants as needed - Discuss costs and potential savings
STAGE 3B
INTERIOR DESIGN
Our team collaborates with you to design the interiors, considering finishes, fixtures and lighting, balanced with price, functionality and style. - An interior design response will consider materials, colours, lighting, and budget. Alternatively, an interior designer can be arranged to collaborate on these aspects - Interior joinery and wet areas designed and detailed for review - We recommend a visit to the Blum showroom to tailor the joinery design. We can also arrange a Blum workshop which we attend to help finalise all details, which is particularly useful for kitchens - Materials, products, and fixtures specified, with an architectural specification to ensure the project meets quality standards.
STAGE 4A
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
During the construction documentation stage, we will submit preliminary drawings for permit assessment by the responsible surveyor. This will be followed by a final checklist on outstanding items that will be addressed to obtain the building permit. - Assist in engaging a building surveyor (RBS) - Manage the building permit process on the client’s behalf - Compile contract drawings for the RBS reviews - Respond to RFIs from the RBS and update our drawings as needed
STAGE 4B
CONTRACTOR SELECTION
We will recommend suitable contractors after a thorough review and negotiation process to secure the best outcome for you. - Assist the client in selecting the preferred tender process - Recommend multiple contractors and request pricing - Prepare and issue all tender documents - Review tenders and negotiate with the preferred tenderer - Adjust documentation if required
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
STAGE 5
This is the stage where construction begins. We want to see this journey through with you, and so we offer dedicated support to ensure the vision is brought to reality. - Facilitate the signing and execution of the building contract - Periodically visit the site to ensure general conformance with contract documents - Review shop drawings and submissions from the builder - Provide necessary details and information to keep the project on track - Assess workmanship quality and advise on variations or payments - Conduct a post-construction review of defects
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Following our initial in-person design workshop, you may choose to engage us to prepare a feasibility exploration before launching into full architectural services which will help determine whether a project is viable within your budget and site constraints.
Many of our clients, including property developers, investors, and owner-occupiers alike, seek expert guidance on the opportunities available for a specific piece of land, enabling them to make informed decision on the feasibility, and best response to their needs.
With our local knowledge, understanding of regulations, and a network of industry professionals who provide detailed cost estimates, we deliver comprehensive studies that outline the feasibility of potential opportunities which allows confidence in the optimal path forward.
MASTERPLANNING
Often, the long-term vision for a building or site isn’t fully considered, leading to costly decisions that can affect future generations and building users.
We have extensive experience in preparing master plans for commercial developments, including churches and residential subdivisions. Our approach encourages collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, ensuring a cohesive planning framework that prioritises long-term use that is tailored and sustainable.
MARKETING & 3D VISUALISATION
We have the capabilities to bring your design to life using photorealistic images and animations. These can be used for marketing purposes, or to help communicate design ideas throughout the project.
Sometimes we are engaged to prepare imagery for councils, or project committees to foster stakeholder engagement or for advertising and we can do this in-house, at any stage in the project.
While these services are generally additional to our core offering, we are finding more and more that they provide our clients with added confidence to make big decisions, and also to fall in love with their projects well before construction ever begins!
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