Our Process

Stage 1.1 Pre Design - Our process begins with you and your site.

Our first step is to meet you on site. At this initial meeting we gain a deeper understanding of your brief, site, timeline and budget. After this meeting we tailor a fee proposal and scope of work to suit your project.

We understand each project is unique and this may be your first time working with an architect. Our detailed scope of work serves as a roadmap, outlining our step-by-step process, program, and deliverables tailored specifically to your project. This ensures that you're well-informed from the get-go, offering transparency at every stage, and allows us to work together from the outset

Once you have decided to proceed with our services we begin the process by investigating local planning regulations and visiting your site to assess site conditions and constraints. If the project is a renovation we will also measure your existing house.

Stage 1.2 Initial Concept Design - Your vision is transformed into ideas.

Our clients love having options when it comes to the design of their project. We offer you two or three different design concepts as the first step. This helps us not only refine and enhance your initial vision but also encourages the exploration of fresh and innovative ideas during the design phase. In considering your brief, budget, context, and planning requirements, opportunities are uncovered and ideas tested. With an understanding of your vision we will explore various alternatives, some of which you may not have considered, as we discuss and interrogate your needs and wants to find the best possible solution.

For each design concept we provide a sketch layout, 3D video and a written report with an analysis of the approval process, program estimate and how the design responds to your brief.

The sketch design process is our way to explore the possibilities for your site and home, allowing you to make informed decisions before moving forward on to the next stages.

After presenting you the initial designs, we move on to the next stage - Design Development.

Stage 2.1 Preferred Sketch Design - Your vision is refined.

In the Design Development stage, we take the ideas from the Concept Design stage and develop them based on your feedback to arrive at one preferred solution. By the end of Design Development stage, we will have a final design that is ready to be documented for the planning application.

We end this stage understanding the approval process that is relevant to your project. We coordinate a team of consultants that will be required specific to your project and site overlays such as heritage, conservation areas, bushfire or flood zones. Some projects may require local council approval, others may be approved via complying development. You may decide one option over another because of the relevant approval process. The approval process will impact the timeline and statutory costs of your project.

Stage 2.2 Opinion of Probable Cost - Your vision is costed.

We also provide the option of receiving an opinion of probable cost from a quantity surveyor or builder. This will require the drawings to be developed with some more detail to provide a more reliable initial costing.

Good news if your project can be approved by Complying Development Certificate you can skip the Approvals stage and proceed straight to Construction Documentation and Interiors stage.

Stage 3 Approvals - Your vision gets the stamp of approval to proceed

We have experience across several councils across Sydney including Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Ku ring gai, Willoughby, City of Ryde, Wollongong City, Hawkesbury City and Hills Shire

We understand that the approvals stage can bring a mix of emotions for our clients. On one hand, they are excited to see their project progress, but on the other hand, they worry about the Council's approval and any obstacles that may come up. We take a strategic approach to the planning application process. Our goal is to ease our clients' worries and provide them with a sense of confidence and reassurance. We create high-quality and informative drawings and documentation. We ensure that these are carefully coordinated with the work of any specialist consultants that may be needed.

The complexity of the approvals process will be affected by the zoning and sensitivity of your site e.g. conservation area, bush fire area, flood zone, waterfront property etc

Stage 4 Documentation - We provide the details to ensure everyone is aligned with your vision

During the Documentation stage, we seamlessly integrate the architecture and interiors, allowing us to address both the structural elements of the project and interior design in unison.

At the Construction Documentation & Interiors stage, we delve into details like colour, joinery, windows and doors, lighting, and finishes. This stage typically takes 2-4 months because it's crucial for the success of the project. The documentation serves as a guide for the builder and sub-contractors to bring the design to life as intended, minimise changes and avoid misunderstandings. Quality projects can only be achieved with high-quality documentation.

Construction Documentation is essential for obtaining the Construction Certificate, tendering, and finalizing the building contract. At this stage we incorporate the engineering and input from other consultants, as well as compliance with council consent and building code regulations. Throughout this stage, our design continues to evolve through 3D modeling, fostering collaboration with you and all involved consultants.

By now, we have been collaborating with you and working on your design for several months. We take this months of development and understanding to translate this into the interiors. The interiors are an extension of months of work with you and getting to know your vision for your home. The interiors are meticulously developed with a strong understanding of the way you want to live, connect and relax in your space. Colors and materials are thoughtfully interwoven into your interiors, creating spaces that not only bring joy but also seamlessly harmonize with the architectural design, crafting a truly cohesive living experience.

Stage 5 - Your vision is realised.

During construction we serve two primary purposes. As contract administrators, we oversee the building contract and collaborate closely with the builder to bring the project to life, ensuring that your investment in the design and documentation process pays off. Our responsibilities include attending site meetings, documenting meeting minutes, monitoring project progress by handling action items, managing payments, addressing changes, and verifying the project's compliance.

At the same time we manage the design and continue to work with you to finalise selections. We also handle any design revisions or changes in scope while assisting you in maintaining your budget.

As the architects responsible for designing and documenting the project, our continued participation guarantees that your project reaches its maximum potential.