Building
Design
Process

The initial consultation allows us to understand what you are hoping to achieve and identify the primary opportunities, constraints and approval considerations associated with the property.

We will discuss your priorities, how the existing home or site currently functions, the level of investment being considered and the services likely to be required.

Following the consultation, we can prepare a tailored fee proposal outlining the recommended scope, project stages and professional fees.

Before design work begins, we gather the information needed to accurately understand and document the property.

For renovation and extension projects, this generally includes measuring and documenting the existing dwelling. Depending on the project, a licensed land surveyor may also be engaged to record boundaries, levels, neighbouring conditions, existing structures and relevant site features.

This information is then developed into an accurate digital model that forms the foundation for the design stages that follow.

The preliminary design stage explores how the project can respond to the site, your brief and the way you want to live or work within the space.

We develop the preliminary floor plan and test key considerations such as orientation, spatial relationships, circulation, natural light, views, privacy and connections to the surrounding landscape.

The concept is then presented for review, allowing the preferred direction to be discussed and refined before progressing into more detailed design development.

This stage establishes the project’s overall planning and functionality before greater detail is added.

During design development, the approved concept is expanded to resolve the external form, elevations, roof design, material direction and key architectural details.

The project begins to move from an initial planning concept into a more complete and coordinated design that can be reviewed against planning requirements, budget expectations and the intended construction pathway.

Where interior design services are included, the overall interior direction can also begin to develop during this stage so the building and interior are considered as one cohesive design.

Once the design has been sufficiently resolved, we recommend reviewing the project against the anticipated construction budget before progressing into approvals and detailed documentation.

Before progressing too far into approvals and detailed documentation, we strongly recommend obtaining preliminary cost feedback.

Depending on the project, this may be completed by an independent cost estimator or an appropriately selected builder.

The purpose is to identify potential budget pressure while the design remains flexible enough to be adjusted efficiently. This provides a more informed basis for deciding how the project should progress.

Preliminary costing is an estimate only and does not replace formal builder pricing or tendering once the construction documentation has been completed.

Not every project requires a planning permit. Whether one is needed depends on the property, planning controls and proposed design.

Where a planning permit is required, we prepare the relevant design documentation, coordinate supporting consultants and manage the application process with council.

We monitor the application, respond to requests for further information and keep you informed as the submission progresses.

Where no planning permit is required, the project can move directly from design development into construction documentation and the relevant building permit process.

Construction documentation develops the approved design into the detailed drawings and information required for building permit assessment, accurate builder pricing and construction.

This stage may include plans, elevations, sections, construction details, schedules and coordination with the relevant structural, civil, energy, building surveying and other specialist consultants.

Our role is to clearly communicate the design intent, resolve technical requirements and reduce ambiguity before work begins onsite.

Where interior design is included, detailed cabinetry, internal elevations, material selections, fixtures and finishes can also be coordinated as part of the broader documentation package.

The final scope of documentation will depend on the services selected and will be clearly defined within the fee proposal.

Once construction documentation has been completed, the project can move into builder pricing, selection and, where required, ongoing construction-stage involvement.

Depending on the project and procurement strategy, this may involve approaching a preferred builder or conducting a structured competitive tender process.

Where engaged, we can prepare the tender package, respond to builder queries, review submitted pricing, and assist you in comparing scope, exclusions and qualifications across each offer. This helps ensure pricing is based on consistent and complete information, rather than varied interpretations of the documentation.

Following builder selection, further professional support can continue into the construction phase where included within the engagement.

Our construction-stage involvement is flexible and may include responding to design queries, reviewing proposed changes, attending site meetings, assessing variations and progress claims, and assisting with practical completion and defect reviews.

For projects requiring a greater level of oversight, contract administration can be provided, allowing us to administer the building contract on the client’s behalf in accordance with the agreed contract conditions.

The precise level of service, responsibilities and frequency of involvement will always be clearly defined prior to construction commencing.