Your project - in 10 steps

So your thinking about starting a new project? That’s great. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the next best time is today! The reason that this saying applies well with Architecture is that it will take time to complete this project. But not to worry, we are here to help, and once you read through our quick introduction guide, you will be equipped to start your journey today!

Below we look at the typical stages that your project will go through and get a working knowledge of each. If your interested in reading up further, check out the further reading buttons at each stage. And if you have any questions, please give us a call and we will be happy to talk about the process.

1. Create a Design Brief

Before you start looking for an Architect, have a think about what you want to achieve and note everything down. It can be a long process and remembering what you wanted at the start can be very helpful. Take some time to think over these topics:

• Goals - What do you want to achieve? Dream home? Investment? What rooms do you want? How many storeys? List out those goals.

• Size - Think about your spatial requirements? Do you like the size of your current rooms? How about the panty? Garage size? Do you want a large yard? Take a tape measure to your current residence and make some notes against your room list.

• Budget - What is your budget? Be realistic and get an understanding of how much you can, and want to spend. Your Architect will help you understand if your goals and budget are conflicting. Keep in mind your budget will also include fees and services etc.

• Your likes and dislikes - Take some ideas down of the styles you like. Perhaps a scrapbook or even just an address of a house you like. If you have something you like or dislike, record it in the best way you can. Houzz or Pintrest are great for this.

It may take some time, but it’s best to spend the time now rather than during any other phase of the process. Have a look at some display homes, look at Houzz for inspiration and narrow down your Design Brief to something that resembles what you want to achieve. It can be simple, or very complex, or something in between.

Outcomes:

• You should have a rough idea of what you want to achieve

• You should have a rough idea on budget

2. Meet some Architects (or Building Designers)

Now that you have an idea of what you want/need, you are now in a position to convey that to others.

It’s time to do some research and find a few Architects or Designers that you like the look of. Review their portfolios and get to know them by their previous work and online information. An Architect’s portfolio is not a limitation on what they can do, however it’s a good place to see if any of their works triggers your imagination.

Once your list includes at least 2 Architects, arrange an initial meeting with them to discuss your project. They wont bite.

The purpose of your first meeting is to meet with, and get comfortable with the person and company that you may be working with for your project (if you decide to choose them). You will need to give the Architect enough information about your project to quote on, (using the information you have gathered in Stage 1), which they may provide some initial feedback on, and maybe provide some ideas of their own for you to think about. And the Architect should tell you about themselves and their company.

Good questions to ask:

• Do you think this will fit in my budget?

• Will my project be a problem with Council?

• Do you see any concerns or red flags?

• Tell me about your company. Why did you get into Architecture?

• What are your fees / Can you provide me a quote?

Outcomes:

• You should feel you know enough about the Architect/Company to work with them

• The Architect will provide a quote for your project

3. Decide on your project

Hopefully you have received some feedback from the Architects you met and your now thinking more about your project. Maybe you need to do some research in your area? Maybe you need to review your goals. Do you really need a 6 car garage? These are types of questions that narrow down your scope and Design Brief. However the most important question - Does your budget align with your project? These are questions you may need to resolve.

Take your Design Brief from Phase 1 and adjust it, mould it, shape it until it resembles what you want to achieve with your new knowledge. It does not need to be perfect, you can work on this with your Architect, however you should be clear with your end goals. E.g. I want to renovate my current house for no more than $X.

Outcomes:

• You will have a refined Design Brief and your happy to start.

4. Choose an Architect

You have now met a few Architects and refined your project. You should now be in a comfortable position to officially start on your project. It is okay to take your time at this point because things will move quickly from here on.

Engaging an Architect is a long term relationship and can sometimes take several years from engagement through to getting the keys. You should choose an Architect who you get along well with. Your Architect will design your masterpiece, the home you and your family will live in, the style in which you will dwell, so the closer you connect the better you will find the whole process.

5. Concept Design

This stage is where the magic happens.

Your chosen Architect will work with you to fit your Design Brief, your budget and your site into the one package. It may take some hard work, sweat and tears, but you have chosen well with your Architect … they can spare those.

This process will be different for everyone. Some will fall in love with the first concept that the Architect provides, and others will work through multiple options. Either way you will know when your happy to progress and the Architect should not rush you. It is possibly one of the biggest decisions in your life, don’t rush it.

Just a side note, while I say “please take your time”, I defiantly do mean it. Please keep in mind that the Architect will have allowed for time to work with you through this phase, however that time is not indefinite. It is worth spending more time here if you need to. Just remember: A change made in Concept that costs $1, will cost $10 if made during Construction, and will cost $100 if made after Construction.

So take your time and get it right here and now. Work with your Architect to get the outcome you want using their expertise. While you don’t need to fully resolve every detail, the general layout will need to be resolved before moving on. E.g. The kitchen cabinets don’t need to be designed yet, but the general arrangement of the kitchen should be locked down.

Outcomes:

• The Architect will provide concepts for your project. Sketch plans, 3D images, depending on their scope.

• To move forward, you will approve a final concept design

6. Town Planning (if required)

If your project requires a Town Planning Permit (or other local authority), it will typically happen now.

The concept design drawings will be turned into a Town Planning application with additional information added that the local Council requires in order to approve your project. Sometimes this is a small task, other-times this is very complex.

Once we have completed the application, the Town Planning drawings (with any other documents we need) are submitted, on your behalf, to Council. Councils do run on their own time-frames however we advise to expect …..hmm….feeling the winds …. hmm….. about 6 months to obtain approval. This is a pure guess but serves as a starting point.

Outcomes:

• The Architect with provide a Town Planning application set

• You should be able to review the drawings before lodgement

• If a permit it granted, you will receive a stamped Town Planning Permit (or equivalent) and can move onto the next phase

7. Building Permit and Construction Documentation

This is typically the largest area of works for the Architect. Once the concept is bedded down, and town planning sorted, the Architectural team will develop your concept into a fully fleshed out package ready to be built. This involves virtually building your project on paper, so that when the Builder is completing the project in real life, most of the problems have already been resolved.

During this phase, the team will work with you on detailed design such as kitchen cabinet layouts, robe configurations, door handles, power points etc.

Once complete, the package of Architectural drawings, Structural and Civil Engineering and any other additional information will be submitted to the Building Surveyor for review and approval. Building Surveyors work on their own schedule so time-frames for this vary.

Outcomes:

• The Architect will (with your input) finalise the Construction package including Architectural and other consultants.

• You should be able to review the package before lodgement

• You should receive a stamped Building Permit (or equivalent)

8. Select a Builder

Congratulations, you no have all your permits and ready to build! Exciting times!

If you haven’t already, now is the time to get a Builder on-board to construct your project in accordance with the Building Permit. There are numerous ways to find and select your Builder which your Architect can help you with this.

Outcomes:

• You will review builders with the Architect’s help

• You will have chosen and appointed a Builder

9. Build your dream

From here the process is mostly autonomous from your point of view. The Builder will build your project as per the plans.

Depending on the level of completeness in the plans will depend on if you are required to input anything during construction. For example, have you selected your floor tiles yet? If so great, if not, you may need to very shortly. Your Architect will be the main point of contact during this phase and will update you on progress and advise you if there is anything you need to be doing.

Sit back and watch your new home take shape.

10. Celebrate

Congratulations! Your project is now built and everything went smooth. Well in this test run it has anyway. Sometimes things will come up, the builder may find a rock under the ground, or rain makes access to the site impossible and delays the build. Things happen. But you got here. Now is the time to enjoy. Your builder will hand over your keys and your ready to go.

Sit back an enjoy your new (insert best new feature of your home). You deserve it.