What is the typical timeframe required to design?

Our experience is that anywhere between 9-12 months is a realistic timeframe for design, approvals, and pricing (dependent on planning permit assessment timeframes). Construction timeframes vary depending on the builder chosen and their capabilities.

This timeframe allows sufficient room for you to consider concepts fully and provide feedback to us.

What can we expect for architectural fees?

All projects are individually quoted upon your particular requirements.

We provide a detailed description of services and estimate external consultant and authority fees so you get a clear picture of costs outside of construction costs.

Do you work with particular builders?

We believe one of the benefits of having an Architect onboard is that we're independent. Therefore, the project is never tied to one builder.

We maintain an interest in many skilled builders, enabling us to suggest to clients builders we believe would be a good fit for their project. We have also had positive relationships with many builders who we could recommend again. The selection of the builder is always the client's decision.

What elements do you typically coordinate?

Design-wise, we coordinate in-house all materials, fittings, windows and door selections, roof design and solar, electrical fixtures including lighting design, joinery, decks, paving and tanks. The interior design on each of our projects is our own.

With exterior landscaping, we often design 'built' features and can also recommend and coordinate with landscape architects/designers that we feel would be a good fit.

Behind the scenes we coordinate cost estimates, permit requirements, construction documents and contract terms, builder engagement including tenders, site visits, defect resolution and any curveballs!

I've heard of Passivhaus. Why might I be interested in a Passivhaus?

A Passivhaus is a home that can look like any other. Where it's different is in its superior thermal comfort and very low energy use.

Passivhaus homes are highly insulated well above minimum standards, maintain much warmer winter temperatures internally, use a fraction of the heating and boast constant fresh air. If you're going to be investing significant in a forever home, it's worth considering if you can 'go Passiv,' and enjoy reduced ongoing energy bills and improved climate-resilience.

We're engaged members of the Australian Passivhaus community and Passivhaus certified.

We're concerned about the costs. How is this addressed?

We always have an open discussion about costs from the get-go.
Efficiency informs many of the design directions we propose and we always seek to provide a design option that makes minimal major changes whilst satisfying your brief.

Within the first Concept Design stage, we obtain an independent cost estimate based upon numerous allowances. This provides confidence on the potential cost to construction the design and enables us to modify the design as necessary at an early stage.

As the project develops, it's possible to also obtain updated cost estimates, based upon more detailed information.

How do we begin?

Simply book in a complimentary call at a time that suits at the bottom of this page.

From there, we can discuss your requirements, advise if we're well-suited and walk you through the process.

A specific idea of what you need isn't required, we can explore the options with you.