Initial Consultation
We begin with a complimentary phone or in-person consultation to talk through your project, your site, and what you’re hoping to achieve. This is a chance to ask questions, test ideas, and get a sense of what’s possible before committing to the process. We’ll also outline the likely path forward and what would be involved in moving ahead.
Project Discovery
Understanding the site properly is critical. We visit the site to assess orientation, slope, access, and surrounding context, along with any obvious constraints or opportunities. This is considered alongside your brief, priorities, and budget to build a clear foundation for the design. Early planning considerations are also flagged at this stage so there are no surprises later.
Concept Design
This is where the project starts to take shape. We explore layout, spatial relationships, and how the home sits within the landscape. Light, ventilation, and orientation are considered early, alongside overall flow and usability. Initial concepts are deliberately simple and are refined through discussion and iteration until the overall direction feels resolved and worth developing further.
Design Development
Once the concept is established, the design is developed into a more detailed and coordinated set of drawings. Plans, elevations, sections and electrical/drainage layouts are refined, and decisions around structure, materials, and proportions are worked through. At this stage, input from consultants may begin, and preliminary builder feedback or costing is often introduced to ensure the design remains aligned with budget expectations.
Planning Approval
Some projects require town planning approval depending on zoning, overlays, or the scope of works. Where this applies, we prepare the necessary drawings and documentation and coordinate with a town planner where needed. The process involves responding to council requirements and working through any constraints to move the project toward approval. Not all projects will require this step.
Interior Details
With the overall layout resolved, attention can shift to the internal details that shape how the home feels and functions. This may include joinery design, material and finish direction, and selection of fixtures and fittings. The level of involvement here is flexible and can be tailored depending on the project and your needs.
Construction Documentation
At this stage, the project is documented in detail so it can be accurately priced, approved, and built. The drawing set includes fully dimensioned plans, elevations, sections, and construction details, along with notes that clarify how the building is to be constructed. Coordination with engineers and other consultants is finalised during this stage. The goal is to reduce ambiguity so the builder can work with confidence and fewer surprises.
Building Approval
Building approval is often lodged and managed by the builder, depending on the project team. We can assist by preparing and coordinating the required design documentation, working alongside engineers, certifiers, and other consultants where needed. This may include responding to documentation queries or requests for further information to help move the project toward approval and construction.
Builder Alignment & Support
We can assist in aligning the design with a builder to ensure it translates clearly from drawings into construction. This may involve early builder involvement, reviewing pricing, or helping clarify details before work begins on site. Where needed, we also remain available during construction to answer questions, review key details, and help maintain the intent of the design throughout the build.
Project Completion
We always enjoy seeing the finished home come to life. Where possible, we like to visit once construction is complete, capture a few photos, and hear how the space is working for you now that you’re living in it.