One of the most common questions that we encounter during our initial client meetings is...
​
what's the process?
​
In an attempt to clarify the mystique we've provided the below guide. Although 'general' in nature, this guide aims to outline the various stages and professionals who'll be involved in your project. Like belly-buttons, every project is different but the following guide represents the typical process for a residential home build.
Getting to know you...
Every project begins with a set of ideas, goals and aspirations that need to be articulated into built form. It is the specialised role of the architect to interpret your brief and produce a coherent, tangible, and habitable building.
​
The initial meeting sets out to establish if you, your project, and the potential architect are a good fit, and to discuss your project parameters and goals. Bring scribbles, sketches, photos, plans, text - anything and everything! The more detail that you can provide will help to tighten the brief and paint a more accurate picture for your goals.
And so it begins...
Once we've established your project parameters - the work begins...
At the start of the design process the architect will analyze the site's existing conditions and town planning requirements and produce an initial concept that integrates your brief with an aesthetic direction. It's important to think broadly at this point and not get too bogged down in specifics like paint colours and door handles, these will be addressed as the design develops.
The time that this phase takes can vary - sometimes we get it on the first time, other times it can take a long period with a lot of back and forth. This phase continues until you're happy with the concept and ready to go to the next phase - Approval + Construction Documentation.
​
Getting the nod...
Once the concept is approved by you we move on to Approval Documentation. The concept drawings are developed into Approval drawings that aim to satisfy town planning and code requirements. This set is issued to your certifier so that they can obtain Building Approval for your project. The certifier's role is to assess and approve plans (and inspect a project before, during and at completion to ensure it complies with the approved building plans and appropriate building standards). The issuing of Building Approval may take as little as 2 weeks or up to a month in our experience.
​
At this stage, and dependent upon the project, the certifier will also require a few things from you; a survey, soil test, structural engineering and builders insurance details. You can choose to appoint these guys yourself - or we can help.
​
Also...It's important to know how we're tracking with the budget, builder's may be willing to give an indicative price at this stage of drawings, however, the more information you can provide your builder - the better!
​
Almost there...
Whilst your project is with your certifier awaiting approval, we continue on to the next phase of documentation - Construction Documentation. A final layer of information is added to the Approval set that will enable the builder to build your project. If requested, this will also include a written architectural specification that outlines fixtures, fittings and finishes so it's good to know how you want your interiors to look!
​
So now you'll have the completed architectural documentation and structural engineering - it's time to get formal pricing and a contract from your builder.
​
Time to get dirty...
With formal Approval granted and all of your ducks in a row - it's time to build!
Your builder will take the reins from here as you work through the build, but of course, we'll be there to support you and answer any questions or help make decisions. We'll be with you until the build is complete.
​
​
