design process

Our process begins with a highly structured initial consultation where we conduct a thorough background check of the property. This step allows us to provide more meaningful and tailored advice. Leveraging our unique parent company service, Test Before You Invest, we offer a comprehensive overview of the design potential, costs, approval strategy, and timeline before committing to the full process. All consultation fees are credited towards the full service, making it an excellent opportunity to explore ideas with an expert. Book a consultation with Test Before You Invest here.  Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Listen: Understand client’s vision, budget, and needs
• Discuss: Outline project scope and goals

Every project begins with a floorplan. A great floorplan lays the foundation for success, while a poor one can unravel even the best intentions. It's what immediately sets your project apart. We invest time and thought, collaborating closely with you to establish these first principles. From there, all other elements seamlessly fall into place, ensuring a cohesive and outstanding result. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Create: Develop initial concepts and ideas
• Collaborate: Present sketches and gather client feedback
• Revise: Refine ideas based on input

In the design development stage, we work concurrently on the plan and the 3D design, utilising realistic CGI imagery to clearly communicate our strategy. This approach serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows you to truly understand the design outcome from the outset, reducing surprises and increasing your confidence moving forward. Secondly, it facilitates communication with specialist consultants, builders, and council, ensuring we obtain meaningful feedback before finalising the proposal. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Detail: Create detailed plans, sections, elevations, axonometric views and 3D imagery
• Select: Nominate materials and finishes
• Coordinate: Work with consultants for integrated solutions

In the approval process, we ensure all documents are meticulously prepared for submission, coordinating with consultants to meet our set program. We assist with the actual lodgement process on behalf of the client, providing clear drawings, compliance diagrams, and realistic 3D views to facilitate council understanding of our scheme. Our documentation is exemplary setting the stage for a smooth approval process, to the best of our ability. Additionally, we remain available to council during the assessment process, ready to address any questions and provide additional documentation as needed. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Prepare: Compile necessary documentation for approvals
• Liaise: Communicate with councils and regulatory bodies
• Achieve: Secure required permits and approvals

We deliver highly detailed construction documentation, ensuring that builders can price the project accurately and minimise unknowns from a coordination perspective. Our documentation includes realistic CGI imagery of key areas, such as bathroom layouts or façade details, accompanied by technical drawings. This thorough approach is critical, as it locks in all planning details, reducing the risk of missed items in the builder’s quote and avoiding costly variations down the track. Additionally, we assist with the construction certification required before building can commence, alleviating this complex and often onerous task for our clients. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Detail: Produce comprehensive construction drawings
• Specify: Outline specifications for builders
• Integrate: Coordinate input from engineers and consultants

We facilitate the tendering process by inviting and briefing each tenderer, addressing their questions, and evaluating their breakdowns. Our structured briefing form and assessment spreadsheet standardise the tender submissions, providing you with the clear comparisons needed to make an informed decision on builder selection. Furthermore, we assist with contract selection, ensuring all aspects of the project are covered comprehensively and accurately. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Issue: Distribute tender documents to potential builders
• Evaluate: Assess builder quotes and capabilities
• Select: Recommend and appoint the best-fit builder

Construction advice and contract administration is a critical stage to ensure the design intent is fully realised. Without this oversight, key details can be missed, potentially devaluing your investment. During this phase, we arrange regular meetings, document records, assess progress claims, variations, and extensions of time, review shop drawings, identify and manage defects, and resolve design issues as they arise on site. We also assist with obtaining final certification, ensuring a seamless transition from construction to project completion. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Monitor: Conduct site inspections and regular meetings
• Manage: Oversee construction progress and address issues
• Support: Provide ongoing solutions and guidance

As your project reaches completion, we ensure a smooth handover process. This final stage involves a thorough inspection to confirm all work meets the highest standards and aligns with the design intent. We address any remaining issues, ensuring everything is in place for you to enjoy your new home. Our commitment to excellence ensures that the final result is a true reflection of our shared vision, providing you with a beautiful, functional, and meticulously crafted home. Here's what you can expect from this stage:

• Inspect: Perform final inspections and manage defects rectification
• Handover: Ensure a smooth transition and final handover to the client
• Follow-Up: Offer post-completion support and satisfaction review