Most projects go through a similar process whether its new home, renovation or extension. The steps generally are
1. Initial Client Meeting
2. Pre-Design
3. Concept Design
4. Design Development (Design Application)
5. Construction Documentation and Building Approval
6. Construction
Initial Client Meeting
An initial meeting to discuss your requirements and aspirations for the projects. It is a good idea to bring any plans, surveys or other relevant documents you may have
A fee proposal is presented to you based on the design brief and project budget
Pre-Design
Upon acceptance of the fee proposal, we review the planning requirements and controls for the site (e.g. site boundary setbacks, zoning, height limits etc.) to understand what can be built on it
We organise a visit to your site to understand its features. For a renovation or extension job, we might undertake measurements of the existing house as this will affect the final design. A surveyor can be engaged at this point who will pick up the necessary information about the site, such as boundary locations and site levels, that will impact on the design
Concept Design
We prepare a concept design based on the design brief and our assessment of the site conditions gained at the pre-design stage. Often there will be a bit of back-and-forth during this stage to get the design to a point that you are happy with. Once the concept has been approved by you, we move into the documentation phase, where the concept design is converted to working drawings suitable for submission to a Certifying Authority/Approvals Body (usually Council or Certifier) for development approval
We also recommend getting some ball-park estimates from builders at this stage to understand where the cost is sitting at for the design
Design Development (Development Application)
An approval body will require a certain level of detail in the Development Application drawings for their review and approval
This typically requires the input of specialist consultants. Most are required, while other consultants are ‘nice-to-haves’. Some examples of consultants are a land surveyor, a structural engineer, energy consultant and landscape architect. We can assist you with the engagement of consultants
Once the Development Application plans are finalised, we lodge the plans with a Certifying Authority/Approvals Body on your behalf. We act as your agent by clarifying or substantiating any information that assists the approval of the development application during its review
Construction Documentation and Building Approval
Once Development Approval has been received, additional detail is usually required so that the builder is able to build the design. At this stage we prepare a set of construction drawings to describe how the building is put together
The tender/construction drawings have two main purposes
1- The Certifying Authority will require them to establish the design meets Building Code and Council planning requirements for Building Approval/Construction Certificate (permission to commence construction works)
2- They also allow builders to provide a detailed quote so a builder can be selected
Once a Building Approval has been received, construction works can commence
Construction
Depending on your specific needs, and the experience of the builder, we would go to site to monitor construction progress on site, with the aim to ensure the builder is meeting the design intent of the project
Additional Services
We provide additional services if you require them, such as assisting with builder selection or extended interior design services. We also have working relationships with Interior Designers and Landscape Architects we work closely with to optimize all aspects of your project