Generally, we provide clarity to clients who are navigating the complex design and building process.
Our service provides independent advice which helps client understand the process and answers their many questions.
Having knowledge of the whole industry, we are able to answer queries all the way through a building project. When conflict or uncertainty occurs, our independent advice can quickly get a project back on track and extinguish the uncertainty surrounding the various issues. We are the step taken before legal advice as often it is only the experienced architect that really knows their way around the contract, the particular building issue and the obligations of the client, the architect and the builder.
Design Stage.
Architect selection
Many people do not know how to select an architect.
Our knowledge of the architectural profession allows us to fine tune the selection process with independent advice about the architects best suited to your project. We prepare a short list of architects with an explanation about their unique qualities to assist with your decision.
Building Procurement
Building procurement is the process of bringing a building into existence from start to finish. From selection of an architect to the completion of a building project, there are many options and the differing options vary according to the priorities of the client. If the beginning stages of a project are not carried out correctly, then the whole project is subject to problems. The commencement stage has a very powerful effect and can make a huge difference in the overall cost of the project. Cost cutting at the beginning of a project can have disastrous effects on the final costs and the life of the building. We advise on the most suitable procurement method for your project.
Brief Writing
The better the brief, the better the design. No one knows what is required better than the client, but how do you communicate that? Professional help with brief writing will enable you to provide clear information to your architect, clarify your thoughts about what is needed which results in a better design that suits your needs. A good brief will prevent costly changes to the design and bring important issues to the fore early in the project. We are able to develop a comprehensive brief on your behalf.
Design Review Panel
How do you ensure your design is the best it can be? Are there aspects about the design that have not been considered? A design review panel is a great way to test a design. It is a low-cost sounding board (of the highest level!) and a very worthwhile exercise, ensuring that the initial concept is well thought out and the best it can be. A panel of independent specialists can review your design and make recommendations that will improve the outcome in ways you never thought possible. This process is most suited to larger projects such as new school buildings, aged care and childcare buildings. It allows you to see past the glossy images with the benefit of the best architectural minds. It allows you to achieve the optimum design solution and inspires your architect to do their best work.
We are able to arrange design reviews and select architects with the appropriate expertise to value add to your project
Limited Design Competitions
Design competitions are used in the following circumstances:
1. To test the market and see who is might be interested in your project
2. For a fresh approach to your site
3. A change of architects
4. To achieve an outstanding design
5. To explore possibilities
Whatever the reason, a limited design competition allows you to see a variety of approaches and solutions.
Limited competitions, carried out ethically without exploitation, are a very beneficial process for your board or panel to undertake. It gives the benefit of seeing how your brief is interpreted by the competing architects. It allows you to understand the many different approaches that can be taken and evaluate which approach best suits.
A design competition is usually for a significant building and the Australian Institute of Architects guidelines should be followed. Open design competitions are more suited for public buildings and generally have a two-stage process. The Expression of Interest stage and the design concept stage which is offered to those who best fit the criteria outlined in the Expression of Interest.
We are well versed in the design competition process. We understand who is best suited to include in the competition and are able to coordinate on your behalf.
Documentation Stage.
PREPARATION OF DETAIL DRAWINGS FOR QUOTING
Assistance with fixtures and finishes selection
Selecting materials can be a daunting and complex task. Knowing which suppliers to use, which materials are best suited to your application and working within the budget are all challenging aspects of the detailed design and documentation phase. There is a structured methodology behind this part of the process. Kitchens and bathrooms especially have endless possibilities. Assistance at this stage can save hundreds of hours of research and many confusing visits to various suppliers. Our association with suppliers ensures great individual service.
Assistance with colour selection
Some clients love this part of building, others hate it. Some need a little guidance or confirmation that their ideas will work. Assistance here will reduce worry, time and ensure a successful selection.
Independent advice on every aspect of the documentation process
Windows, flooring, kitchen finishes and layouts, bathrooms, lighting, detailed joinery, doors, power reticulation, cooling, screens, etc. There are thousands of decisions clients make when building a home and we are able to help with these selections. We can introduce you to various suppliers so that you receive absolute top priority and guidance when deciding on these issues