Your Approval Process.
Every project is different - but as architects and builders under the same roof we are equipped to provide advice and services based on your specific needs. Perhaps you need help figuring out what’s possible on your property or one you’re looking to buy, or you already have a good idea of what you’d like to do and need our expertise to get it approved and built, or you already have an approval and want to get started, we’re here to help.
Typically, we suggest booking in a site inspection or design consultation so you can get the information you need to make an informed decision on how you’d like to proceed.
Your journey starts here!
Pre-Design
During this investigation phase, we gather information about the site and create a 3D CAD model of the existing building. We visit the site to review and engage a surveyor to measure existing buildings, analyse the opportunities and constraints, and develop planning options. We will also sit down with you to record a detailed brief during our Client Briefing and User Journey Workshop.
Concept Design
We will interpret your brief and present a schematic concept design via sketches and 3D form studies. This will be presented to you incrementally for your review and comments. We will have a preliminary cost estimate completed by an independent Quantity Surveyor.
Lodgement & Approval
The design will be refined in response to your comments, and prepared for the submission of Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on project’s scope. We will assemble a team of consultants to provide advice on the design, while also preparing essential documents such as the Statement of Heritage Impact, Statement of Environmental Effects, BASIX certificate, and Shadow diagrams and solar studies, which will accompany the architectural drawings for the application.
Following the submission, the Council may request additional information, site visits, or meetings. This stage is offered on an 'as-required' basis and is typically charged at hourly rates.
Review
After the DA or CDC approval, we will touch base with you to check if any of your key objectives or needs have changed since the project began. We will also review the budget to ensure we are still on target and create a detailed plan for the next phase of your project.
Documentation & Certification
We will provide detailed 3D designs and construction drawings, encompassing interior design, joinery, and selections of fittings, finishes, and fixtures. We will coordinate with external consultants to integrate all aspects of the project. The result is a fully detailed and coordinated set of drawings and specifications sufficient for construction.
Depending on your approval pathway, a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) may be required for the project and engineering and compliance documents will be submitted. Completion of this stage results in the Certifier issuing the Construction Certificate which means that construction can commence.
Pre-Contract Procurement
We will engage an independent Quantity Surveyor to provide a cost plan for construction. We will also get quotes from sub-contractors to market test the const plan with the trades. The construction contract will be developed and agreed upon ready for the construction works to commence.
Construction
During the construction phase, we will attend site periodically as the project progresses to maintain general conformance with the construction documents, as well as offering design support to the builders on site. There are normally samples and shop drawings that will need to be reviewed during construction. This part of the project is an ‘as-required’ service, and is typically charged at hourly rates.
Completion & Handover
Once your project is complete, we’ll hand over the keys along with a handover package of all your approvals, drawings, certificates, manuals and warranties. Our relationship doesn’t end there though, as we assist with ongoing maintenance and hopefully future projects!