FAQ's
The very reason that we as Architects exist is not only to design you a result that will be truly stunning, but it’s also to fully detail and design every aspect of a home so it can be properly priced before a build even begins. Doing a little bit of extra work in the planning stage can save huge unexpected additional costs during the build. If we have to pull back on the design, then it’s much easier to find this out while it’s still on paper than half build.
In additional to this, Architects also manage all of the various building approvals and other design consultants on your behalf, making the process for you stress free and enjoyable!
Choosing an Architect can be a difficult decision. We like to think of it a little bit like entering into a relationship. Not only do you have to like their work, but you have to make sure that they are the type of people who you’d gladly spend the next couple of years with (yes, this is the reality of it)! We are 100% relationship focused, and our goal is to be there to help and support you every step of the way – even when the going gets tough! We have a long list of past and present clients who’ll gladly testify to this on our behalf.
There are many factors that will influence the time program of a home design. Most notably this can come down to the size of the project and its level of complexity. Certain designs or blocks of land can also trigger more onerous approval processes with your local council, and this can add to the project timeframe.
Probably the most important factor in timing though is the level of involvement from yourself. Although we take on the bulk of the work, we also keep you actively involved in reviewing the designs and making decisions along the way. An active level of involvement from yourself can easily halve the design time if you are looking to speed up the process.
As a typical rule of thumb though, we like to suggest a design timeline of approximately one year for any reasonably-sized renovation or new build home design. This can be extended on larger projects or those with limited client involvement, or can be reduced for smaller homes and those with speedy response times.
Once the design work is complete, you should allow approximately one additional year to finalise the building contract and complete construction. Our role is to be there with you this whole time to guide you through the process and make it as stress-free as possible.
If you don’t know any builders then no need to worry - you can leave this to us! We have a number of highly reputable and honest builders who we have worked with successfully on multiple projects and would highly recommend. Our preference is to get a builder involved early in the design process and introduce them as part of the design team. That way we can receive their early input regarding costs and buildability and can draw on their knowledge to assist the design.
As part of our design process, we arrange to meet you on site and introduce you to three separate builders. We allow you to chat to them directly, prior to working with you to select a preferred party who best aligns with yourself and the project vision.
Qualified with five years of university, compulsory practical experience as well as a registration exam and ongoing continued professional development (CPD) requirements, Architects provide a service that goes far beyond producing drawings. Working with an architect ensures a unique design that warrants the time and effort that it demands, resulting in creative spaces that are well-planned, functional, spatially efficient and that meet your style and needs. When using an Architect:
- Your money is invested in well-designed homes with greater live-ability and increased resale value.
- Your project is unique, interesting and customised to you & your site.
- Architects offer knowledge, expertise and peace-of-mind throughout the building process.
Before committing to any project it is important to understand your local city council planning scheme. These are readily available to the public, usually on your local councils webpage. City plans are complicated documents that are not always straightforward.
It is strongly advised to engage a town planner to understand the specific details of the town plan that are relevant to your site and project. Much like hiring a lawyer for legal interpretation, a town planner helps clarify the regulatory requirements of the city plan. They are able to assist in ensuring that, should you need to lodge a council application, this process goes as smoothly as possible. Applications to council can also cause lengthy time delays to projects. It is important to consider this when planning your build timeline.
This is a phrase used throughout the design process to denote a verbal agreement/ acceptance of a design at a particular stage of the design process. It is not necessarily a physical signing of a document.
When you "sign off" on a stage, you express satisfaction with the design and agree to proceed to the next phase. Any deviations from the agreed design after signing off result in a fee variation, although minor design adjustments are typically accommodated without extra charges. Sign-off serves to safeguard the Architect against substantial, unanticipated design changes not covered in the original quote.
There are several factors that will influence the construction cost of your home.
As a general rule it is safe to allow a budget of anywhere between $4000 - $6000/sqm. for the new parts of architecturally designed homes with quality mid range finishes. When estimating a project budget it is important to make sufficient allowances for other parts of the build outside of the house. Items such as pools, landscaping, driveways, fencing, covered decks, modifications to existing parts of the home and house raising also need to be considered. Sloped sites, difficult soils and access can also create additional costs to the project. Project home builders are able to deliver homes for lesser value as they work in economies of scale, with reduced levels of finishes and customisation. These homes are also usually constructed on flat ‘pads’ suitable for select new home sites only. When engaging the services of an Architect you are acknowledging your project is unique and customised for your site and lifestyle, making it inevitably more complex, yet far more interesting and unique.
The construction budget reflects the total cost of the construction works as per the contract with the builder. This does not include the cost of Architectural services, consultants fees or relevant approval fees. Overall project budgets should make additional allowance for these fees. As a general rule it is safe to allow an additional 9-12% of the construction cost to cover the costs of consultancy and approval fees. Fees are relative to construction costs as the two are directly proportional. Larger projects have significantly more design work and detail drawings than smaller ones. Architectectural fees need to be adaptable to cover any additional design costs if a client decides to increase the project size.
- Structural Engineer
- Building Certifier (including drawing lodgement fees)
- Surveyor
- Geotechnical Engineer (Soil Tests)
- Town Planner (if a development application is required with council)
Other consultants may be called on at the discretion of the building certifier or the council.