0419 988 653
My Process and Services
The design process for any design project is always a collaboration. This ensures the best outcome for the project. The process seems complicated, but I can help and advise you with your project from start to finish, or any part/s therein.
Initial Consultation
I will meet with you to discuss your requirements. The best venue for this is the site for your project, so I can get a better feel for the scope of the project. Based on the details from the initial consultation I will provide you with a no obligation fee proposal, that clearly lists all the project deliverables and prices.
Site Measure and Detailed Briefing
If your project is alteration and additions, it will likely require a site measure. This will be detailed in your quote if needed. On average, a site measure will take at least two hours. If required, I will arrange a convenient time for this. Also, we can discuss any further project briefing details.
Design
Personally, this is my favourite part; defining the project parameters and discovering the solution. As I mentioned earlier this is a collaboration; I will work with you to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with the final design. Things that need to be thought about during the design include (just to name a few):
My first step will be a site analysis. This considers relevant state and council controls and other site-specific criteria like existing structures, solar orientation and prevailing weather patterns (again, just to name a few).
Sketch Design
The next step will be to start sketching up ideas, based off your brief and the site analysis. For more complex projects I’ll start this using pencil and paper, then move on to my software. Once the sketch design is drawn up, you will get a set of drawings to review and comment on. Hopefully I nail it in one hit, but as I’ve already said; it’s a collaboration. So, there is normally a round or two of changes.
My sketch design set will include a site analysis, plans, elevations and at least one perspective.
Plans
Once you’re happy with the sketch design, it’s time to move on to the plans. These are drawn up at a bigger scale and have more detail depending on your approval process.
Approvals
In NSW, you have two options for getting your project approved; which are:
Documentation
Besides a set of plans your project will require other documentation. It depends on your project but for most projects you will need the following:
Besides plans and documentation, I also provide visualisation services. These include:
Of course, you know you’re going to need a builder. Even if you’re going to be an owner builder, you’re going to need a host of trades.
There are other services you are going to require, you may only require one or two of these, but they can include:
Initial Consultation
I will meet with you to discuss your requirements. The best venue for this is the site for your project, so I can get a better feel for the scope of the project. Based on the details from the initial consultation I will provide you with a no obligation fee proposal, that clearly lists all the project deliverables and prices.
Site Measure and Detailed Briefing
If your project is alteration and additions, it will likely require a site measure. This will be detailed in your quote if needed. On average, a site measure will take at least two hours. If required, I will arrange a convenient time for this. Also, we can discuss any further project briefing details.
Design
Personally, this is my favourite part; defining the project parameters and discovering the solution. As I mentioned earlier this is a collaboration; I will work with you to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with the final design. Things that need to be thought about during the design include (just to name a few):
- Environment & sustainability
- Flow through & liveability
- Construction & materials
- Style & budget
My first step will be a site analysis. This considers relevant state and council controls and other site-specific criteria like existing structures, solar orientation and prevailing weather patterns (again, just to name a few).
Sketch Design
The next step will be to start sketching up ideas, based off your brief and the site analysis. For more complex projects I’ll start this using pencil and paper, then move on to my software. Once the sketch design is drawn up, you will get a set of drawings to review and comment on. Hopefully I nail it in one hit, but as I’ve already said; it’s a collaboration. So, there is normally a round or two of changes.
My sketch design set will include a site analysis, plans, elevations and at least one perspective.
Plans
Once you’re happy with the sketch design, it’s time to move on to the plans. These are drawn up at a bigger scale and have more detail depending on your approval process.
Approvals
In NSW, you have two options for getting your project approved; which are:
- Local Council code, this means you will be submitting a development application (DA), or a combined DA & Construction Certificate (DA/CC) to your local council. The DA will go to your council, but you have the option of using a Private Certifier for your CC. A DA can take some time to be approved. But you get more options to work with and it’s more flexible, like a negotiation.
- State Based code, this means you are lodging an application for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). An application for CDC is lodged with a Private Certifier. Most councils now have a section that act separately from council as Private Certifiers, or you can find your own, there are many to choose from. A CDC should be approved in two weeks. But you must adhere to all controls without deviation, there is no negotiation.
Documentation
Besides a set of plans your project will require other documentation. It depends on your project but for most projects you will need the following:
- BASIX – Building Sustainability Index
- SEE – Statement of Environmental Effects
- WMP – Waste Management Plan or Statement
Besides plans and documentation, I also provide visualisation services. These include:
- Perspective drawings – as an example, you may have your own set of 2D plans that you want to see in 3D.
- Photographic visualisations – as an example, you may want to get a feel for what your house will look like with new weatherboard cladding. I don’t normally include this service in my plan sets, as it’s not required for approvals. The service is available on request.
- 3D Walkthrough – as an example, you may want to visualise how your design flows as you walk between rooms. Again, I don’t normally include this service in my plan sets, as it’s not required for approvals. The service is available on request.
Of course, you know you’re going to need a builder. Even if you’re going to be an owner builder, you’re going to need a host of trades.
There are other services you are going to require, you may only require one or two of these, but they can include:
- Engineers – Structural, stormwater, geotechnical
- Consultants – Private certifier, heritage, bushfire, landscape, interior designer