Beautiful, Functional + Sustainable

If your project is straightforward, a draftsperson or building designer may be sufficient for your needs. Their charge-out rates are usually cheaper and if the additional expertise is not required, then you do not need to pay for it.

To be an architect, you must have at least a university degree and pass a licensing exam. This usually means a higher degree of skill. The architects governing body expects a high standard from their members and that they continually improve their knowledge and skills.

If your project requires a high level of design or a unique solution, an architect may be a better fit. If you require more than drawings and permits, an architect may also better suit. This could be in the form of developing a project direction, budget management, or guidance over the whole project.

1. Pre-purchase. If you do not own the property yet, have an architect provide some advice before your purchase. They may be able to see opportunities or obstacles that you may not.
2. Be realistic about your budget. There is a lot of confusing advice on what construction costs; one reason is that there are many variables in the construction process, many building types, and many different outcomes. The best place to start is to have a professional advise you based on recent experience on a project similar in nature to your project.
3. Time. There are hundreds of decisions throughout a project. The higher the expectation of quality, the more decisions, and the more time required to sort it out and decide. Busy clients with little time, or clients that are by nature indecisive, can often get into trouble when trying to manage a project. In this case, we would highly recommend budgeting for an architect to manage your project.
4. Choose your consultants well. Using a draftsperson is a viable option for many people and for many projects. For instance, a draftsperson is suitable for development work where the builder is the client and only wants minimal design and documentation because they are used to working out the majority of the project themselves. However, if you value design, the additional training of an architect can provide opportunities that you may not have considered, solutions that could save you time and costs, and an outcome much better than you expected.
   We have had many clients come to us and say “I know what I want, just draw it up”. We will follow these instructions but often offer an alternative based on our expertise, consideration of the client budget, and the site. Our option is usually the option that is chosen.
   In terms of subconsultants, choosing the right engineer, building surveyor, and other professionals for your specific project is essential. We can obtain competitive quotes from professionals with track records that we have a working relationship with. The wrong consultant can cause delays and add costs.
5. Find the right builder. We have relationships with reputable builders that we can suggest, or we will be happy to the check the suitability of a builder that you are considering. Whichever the case, we ensure that the builder is appropriately qualified by:
   – reviewing a recently completed project to check quality and the owner’s thoughts.
   – visiting a project under construction and gauge the order of the site and relationship with their subcontractors.
   – seek references from another owners of architects that have recently worked with them.
   The most reliable way to have a builder that will perform is by selecting one who recognises there could be an opportunity to be involved in another project when this one is completed. This opportunity will be based on the professionalism of their construction process and the quality of the finished product. They are running a business, so if they have a relationship with an architect or someone you know well that may build, all the better.
6. Manage the costs. We have found great value in having a builder involved in a project from the outset. A builder, at each stage, can review the budget and offer suggestions on how to reduce costs of the build better. By the time you are at the tender stage, there is very little chance to be surprised by tender submissions 50% over budget. The other option is appointing a quantity surveyor. They can create a cost plan that takes into account each element of the build. But you do miss the different construction options that a builder can offer.

Each project is different and each client is different. Fees are generally based on the size, complexity, and cost of the project. Then a discussion is had with the client on what level and extent of services are required. Based on these areas, a fixed fee is calculated. Additional fees may be charged if the brief changes or other work additional to the agreement is requested. We ensure that there is a clear understanding on what the expected costs could be right from the start.

We will often use past experience and industry benchmarks to inform the budget. We frequently recommend the use of a quantity surveyor or reputable builder to provide input along the process, especially if a project is unique or complex.

No. We have successfully designed a variety of projects ranging from efficient townhouse developments, classic luxury homes, clean and modern designs, heritage work, passive house environmental homes, restaurant fit-outs, shop fit-outs, office fit-outs, industrial developments, and period homes.

Yes, we can provide references from home owners, builders, and building managers.