How do we get our project started?

Our 4-step Project Definition process

One of the hardest parts of planning a renovation or new home is knowing where to start.

Before committing to detailed design, there are some fundamental questions to answer: What can realistically be achieved? What planning or site constraints need to be considered? Is the proposed budget realistic? And what architectural and consultant services will actually be required?

Our Project Definition process is designed to answer these questions progressively, before significant investment is made in detailed design and documentation.

It consists of four steps.

Step 1

Initial Research & Telephone Consultation

We start by undertaking preliminary research into your property using available information such as council planning maps, aerial photography and publicly available property records.

This helps identify important planning considerations such as zoning, overlays, flood hazards and other potential site constraints before we speak.

We then arrange a short telephone consultation to discuss what you're considering, your objectives and any initial questions.

At this stage you'll have a better understanding of:

• the key planning considerations affecting your property

• the likely complexity of your project

• whether it makes sense to investigate the project further.

Fee: No charge

Step 2

Needs & Options Review

If you'd like to explore the project further, the next step is a meeting at your property.

This is an opportunity to look at the existing home and site together, discuss what you're hoping to achieve and explore different ways the project might be approached.

Rather than starting with a predetermined design solution, we'll consider the opportunities and constraints presented by the property and discuss what's likely to be practical within the relevant planning and building requirements.

You're encouraged to ask questions, test ideas and explore alternatives.

Following the meeting, you'll have:

• a clearer understanding of what may be achievable

• advice on relevant planning and building requirements

• guidance on possible approaches to the project

• a better basis for deciding whether to proceed to concept design.

Fee: $300 + GST

Step 3

Reality Check Concept Design & Budget Review

Once there's a clear direction, we can start testing it through concept design.

We prepare a basic 3D model of the existing dwelling and site and use this as the basis for a collaborative design workshop. We then develop concept drawings for one or two options where appropriate, generally including a site plan and floor plans.

But good ideas also need to work financially.

Each option is therefore considered against your available budget by preparing an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPC).

An OPC is our professional assessment of the likely construction cost based on the concept design, current market conditions and experience with similar projects. It isn't a builder's quotation or quantity surveyor's estimate; its purpose is to help make informed decisions while the design is still flexible.

If the design and budget aren't aligned, we can refine the design or project scope while changes are still relatively quick and inexpensive to make.

At the end of this stage you'll have:

• concept design drawings

• alternative options where appropriate

• an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

• a preferred direction for the project.

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Fee: $2,200 + GST

If existing drawings are not available, a site measure may be required at an additional fee of $250 + GST.

Step 4

Project Delivery Plan

Once the preferred direction has been established, we can determine what will actually be required to take the project forward.

For larger or more complex projects, we prepare a Project Delivery Plan establishing the framework for progressing from concept design through approvals, documentation and construction.

Depending on the project, this may identify:

• outstanding site information and investigations

• planning and building approval requirements

• project stages and sequence

• consultant requirements

• design and construction documentation required

• procurement and construction considerations

• the proposed scope of architectural services

• a tailored fee proposal for the remaining stages.

Not every project requires a Project Delivery Plan. For smaller projects, the Concept Design package may provide enough information to move toward preliminary builder pricing, with further documentation prepared as required.

Fee: $750 + GST

Why define the project before detailed design?

The greatest risks in a renovation or new home project often arise when significant design decisions are made before the scope, budget and approval requirements are properly understood.

Project Definition allows those issues to be investigated progressively.

The objective isn't to eliminate every unknown before design begins. It's to establish enough certainty to make an informed decision about what you're building, what it is likely to cost and how the project should proceed.

That means detailed design and documentation can begin with a much clearer foundation.

What happens after Project Definition?

Every project is different.

Once the project has been sufficiently defined, we can establish the architectural and consultant services required for the remaining phases:

Design → Documentation → Tendering & Construction

We then prepare a tailored architectural fee proposal reflecting the work actually required to deliver your project.

The fees paid for Project Definition form part of the overall architectural fee for the project.

Want to prepare before you start?

Our Pre-Design Checklist helps you gather your property information, priorities, budget and questions before beginning the Project Definition process.

DOWNLOAD THE PRE-DESIGN CHECKLIST →

READY TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT? →