Our Process
Initial consultations with us are the first steps in your journey. During these consultations, we will discuss your brief and requirements in order to fully understand what you hope to achieve. Once the initial consultation is complete, we will provide you with a free no-obligation proposal for your consideration. We will also check the planning requirements for your site and advise if a planning permit will be required through your local council.
Concept
If you decide to proceed with our services, we will begin the concept stage. For new build projects, we can gather all the necessary information and start right away. However, for extensions or renovations, we will schedule a time to come and measure all the existing conditions that will serve as the foundation for the drawings.
Following the completion of our information collection, we initiate the design phase with an array of bubble diagrams. These serve as the foundation for optimizing spatial flow and synergy within the building. Subsequently, we refine these diagrams into detailed sketches, laying the groundwork for a practical layout that is ready for digital adaptation.
After meticulously crafting the design in our 3D software, we assemble a comprehensive concept package for your review. This package includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, and 3D rendered visuals, offering a holistic understanding of the proposed design.
As the foundation of the architectural design process, the concept stage is both instructive and transformative. It demands a blend of clarity, creativity, and collaboration, ultimately leading to a design that's uniquely yours. Remember, a well-conceived plan at this initial phase paves the way for a smoother journey ahead, culminating in the creation of a sanctuary or business place tailored to your narrative.
Design Development
The design development phase is where imagination confronts reality, it involves refining design concepts, selecting materials and finishes, resolving technical aspects, and preparing more detailed drawings to brief consultants and builders in the early stages.
Throughout this phase, we utilise the following key components to bring the design in line with your vision:
Client Engagement: Active participation ensures that the evolving design aligns with expectations.
Revisiting the Vision: We return to the drawing board, often literally, to refine the design.
This stage signifies growth; not just of the structure but of the shared understanding between our clients and us. Sustainable practices are also woven into designs without compromising beauty or budget.
Once the design has been finalised, we would then submit the required documentation to council for the planning permit if it’s required. If a planning permit is not required, we would proceed straight to the next phase.
Construction Documentation
The construction documentation (CD) phase is a critical juncture in our process as it serves as the bridge between the design concept and physical reality. It's where visions are meticulously translated into detailed plans and specifications that guide the entire construction process. We also work with consultants that are required on projects, some of these may include geotechnical, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire services, hydraulic, and civil engineers.
Construction documentation is the projects narrative, an intricate story told through technical drawings, notes, and details that ensure every nail, window, and outlet is precisely where it should be. Without this roadmap, contractors would be navigating blind, and the end result might not resemble the initial vision.
The meticulous nature of the CD phase can't be overstated, with documents often numbering in the hundreds of pages for larger projects. These are a few essentials:
Architectural Drawings: These include floor plans, elevations, and sections, providing a comprehensive visual layout.
Structural Plans: Vital for ensuring stability and safety, these plans dictate the bones of the building.
Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Schematics (MEP): Illustrating the complex systems that make the building functional and habitable.
Materials Specifications: A detailed list of all materials to be used, affecting aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Details and Schedules: Fine details such as key junctions, door schedules, window schedules, and room finishes that transform plans into personalized spaces.
It is during this phase that we fuse our creative prowess with analytical rigor, foreseeing potential challenges and embedding solutions within the documentation. This combination ensures that the final construction matches the promised design, function, and quality.
Construction
With approvals in hand, the project shifts from paper to site. Architects often remain involved, overseeing the construction process to ensure the integrity of the design is maintained. They act as quality guardians, interpreting their plans for builders and resolving any issues that arise during construction. We also serve as an administrator to the contract between the client and contractor to ensure the terms and conditions are complied with, timeframes are met, construction is up to standard, and quality is in line with the specifications.
This hands-on approach ensures that the final structure embodies the original vision, with every line and curve in its rightful place. It's a testament to the architect's commitment to excellence from conception to completion.
Handover
As the construction dust settles, the final stage of the project process is the handover. It's a moment of pride and satisfaction as we introduce you to a newly crafted space. For homeowners and commercial clients alike, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in a space crafted specifically for them.
Our role in the project may conclude here, but we take pride in knowing that our clients will enjoy their truly personal space for years to come, and serves as a reminder of a true collaboration between professional expertise and client aspiration.
The architectural process is a balance between creativity and compliance, vision and feasibility. Architects play a pivotal role in guiding projects from ideas to concrete realities, ensuring that each step is taken with care and precision. For those looking to build or renovate, understanding this process is crucial to achieving a successful outcome.
