All Australian Architecture

Our Process: Stages 0 - 11
A step by step approach to design, approval, documentation, through to completion.

Overview
We consider each project in terms of 12 self-contained stages from 0 to 11. Stages are the same for new homes, renovations and extensions, and each stage does not tie you into further stages.

Stage 0: Pre-purchase Advice
Buying the right property is an ideal starting point. We give advice on what to look at before you make an offer.

Stage 1: Initial Service
We start every project with an initial meeting to provide advice and 'workshop' your design to get you started and moving in the right direction from day one. It's a specific process that we follow to help our clients get the best results.

Stage 2: Site Measure
The starting point to get a systematic measure, site photos and notes to create measured plans and a 3D model of the existing property and surrounding area. These act as the foundations to define the opportunities and constraints of your property and project and can save you money during the build.

We can provide you with a cost guide for this part of your project, following an Initial Service.

Stage 3: Feasibility Planning
Most projects require some initial design and costing to determine viability and to help define the proposed scope of work or explore options. The feasibility process can save you money by getting your brief and budget sorted earlier in the process.

Stage 4: Concept Design
The concept design stage is the initial response to the clients brief and the information gathered from the site measure. The initial sketches layout a plan to meet expectations and providing building cost estimates with our web-based building cost calculator.

Stage 5: Design Development
In this stage, we further fine-tune and improve our initial concept sketches with a higher level of detail and prepare preliminary plans, elevations and drawings for review, costing and approval submission.

Stage 6: Approval Submission
This incorporates the changes from the Design Development stage and devising the best strategies for getting the approval you need. This may be via a council development application (DA) or through the Exempt and Complying Development Codes (CDC).

Stage 7: Post Submission
This may not be required; this stage is for our projects that are pushing the boundaries of what is allowed. Additional information or negotiations may be needed for approval.

Stage 8: Interior Design
Ensure you get the look and feel you want for your home, we offer a full interior design service. We want to make sure the aspects inside your home such as lighting, finishes and layout complements your needs as well as the exterior.

Stage 9: Tender Document
This stage provides detailed construction documents for tendering to builders and construction. We provide the specifications and details that minimise the chance of variations or errors in the work. A simple and well managed tender process should result in lower tenders and less chance of disputes on-site.

Stage 10: Construction Certificate
A Construction Certificate approval (CC) issued by a Private Certifier is the final step before building can start. A CC is an approval that ensures compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) which may require some amendments to our drawings to incorporate any changes or approval conditions.

Stage 11: Contract Admin
The peace of mind ensures the project is built in accordance with the drawings and builders contract sum. We strive to be on time and budget with site inspections during construction working with the builder to problem solve or identify any improvements that could occur.