Beautiful, Functional + Sustainable

For straightforward projects, a draftsperson or building designer may suffice, as they offer cost-effective solutions. Vos Architecture + Design recognises the value of tailored expertise, which ensures you pay only for the services essential to your project.

Architects, with university degrees and licensing credentials, bring a heightened level of skill and adhere to rigorous standards set by governing bodies. Architects are expected to continually elevate their knowledge and skills to meet and exceed these standards.

Opt for an architect if your project demands elevated design or a distinctive solution. Our team excels in delivering more than just drawings and permits; our comprehensive approach extends to project direction, budget management, and overarching project guidance.

1. Pre-purchase. Before purchasing a property, consider seeking advice from an architect. They can identify opportunities or obstacles that may elude your notice.
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 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 most of the project themselves. However, if you value high-quality design solutions, the additional training of an architect can provide opportunities that you may not have considered, solutions that could save you time and costs, and a superior outcome much better than you expected.
   Clients often come to VAD with a clear vision, yet our expertise allows us to offer alternatives that align with budget constraints and site considerations, ultimately leading to preferred outcomes. 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. VAD can secure competitive quotes from reputable professionals with whom we have established relationships, mitigating delays and unnecessary costs.
5. Find the right builder. Builder selection is key, and our team can recommend reputable builders or assess the suitability of your choice of builder. 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.
   – seeking references from other owners or 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 the 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.

Vos Architecture + Design recognises that each project and client is unique. Our fees are carefully tailored to the size, complexity, and cost of the undertaking. Following a detailed discussion with the client, we determine the necessary level and extent of services, leading to the calculation of a fixed fee. Additional fees may be charged if the brief changes or other work additional to the agreement is requested. We guarantee a clear understanding on what the expected costs could be right from the start.

At Vos Architecture + Design, we frequently draw on our rich past experience and industry benchmarks to guide budget considerations. For unique or complex projects, we often recommend involving a quantity surveyor or a reputable builder to contribute valuable insights throughout the process. Trust VAD to bring a depth of expertise to your project, ensuring thorough budgeting and informed decision-making at every stage.

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 gladly provide references from home owners, builders, and building managers.