There are usually five main stages in designing and delivering a building:
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First stage is Sketch Design in which we analyse the site, brief and budget and create the overall concept layout out the spaces and form in response to the opportunities and constraints on the site and to work with the elements. The focus at this stage is on the big picture – the overall space and light and form knowing that we will get into the details later. This is usually completed over 2 stages: the first sketch design and presentation to our client, receiving their feedback, and then a second sketch design to refine the concept.

Second stage is the Detailed Design stage in which we develop the design and produce more detailed drawings and 3D renders of the building with more of a focus on materials and detailing.
We also identify if any council approval is required. If needed, there is the council approval stage in which we produce the application to the council for a Planning Permit or Siting Dispensations, depending on what is required in that council.

Third stage is the Construction Documentation and Interiors Design. This involves producing drawings and specifications and co-ordinating the other consultants (Geotechnical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Energy Raters, Building Surveyors etc) to produce all of the documentation required to obtain quotes from builders, identify the selected builder, obtain a building permit and start construction.

Fourth stage is Contract Administration – We commence by obtaining quotes from builders. this can be through running a tender process or via a negotiated pricing with a preferred builder, whichever is more appropriate in the circumstance. Then we co-ordinate the contract signing between the Builder and Owner. Then when construction starts we administer the contract between the builder and the client and oversee the construction. We independently assess, value and certify their work under the construction contract. We handle all of the liaisons with the Builder on site and help them work through construction details as they arise.

Every client has a brief and a budget. Problems can occur when designs proceed pursuing the wish-list without a realistic assessment of the budget. We help our clients control the budget by creating realistic cost plans and re-visiting those throughout the design process as the design evolves empowering them to make informed decisions on their brief and the design.

We have extensive experience with many local councils and have a high rate of success in obtaining planning permission for ambitious projects. We are knowledgeable in what can be achieved within the planning controls and identify the constraints of each site in the early design stage. We have found that Councils are often supportive of our designs when they appreciate the environmentally responsive design philosophy underlying our proposals.

We have a pool of excellent builders of various sizes and specialties who we have worked with and trust to execute our designs. There are a couple of ways of selecting the builder for any given project:
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Tender process - we can run a competitive tender with three builders pricing a comprehensive set of construction documents. We conduct a post-tender analysis to help our client identify which is the best fit for the project. The benefit of this approach is that you receive three quotes from a competitive process.
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Negotiated pricing - an alternative method is to identify a preferred builder early in the construction documentation stage and have them price the build at multiple stages throughout our process. The benefit of this approach is that our client can develop the relationship with the builder, and receive meaningful pricing from them earlier in the process. We can all work as a team during the construction documentation process and the builder can inform the decisions made throughout to help keep the build method cost-effective. This approach can be particularly useful when the build requires specialised builders and trades like passive house projects.

When construction begins we administer the contract between the Client and the Builder. The ABIC contract (a fixed sum contract produced by the Australian Institute of Architects and Master Builders Association) nominates the Architect to be the arbiter on any issues that arise. We act as the liaison between Client and Builder allowing all parties to enjoy a productive and amicable process. We conduct regular site meetings to resolve construction issues as they arise and provide expertise in assessing the Builder’s monthly progress claims.

If the Builder requests a variation to the cost or extension of time it must be assessed and approved by us. We have extensive experience managing contracts and scrutinize variation and time extension requests. This gives our clients comfort that they won’t incur any extra cost or time delays that aren’t legitimate.