The first step in our process is an initial meeting, ideally held on-site. This allows us to gain a clear understanding of your project vision. If you have existing plans, inspiration images, or even your own sketches, we encourage you to bring them along. This meeting is crucial as it provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the design process and for us to gather the information we need to ensure we can create the best possible design solution for your home.

Following this meeting, we'll have a solid understanding of your needs and preferences, allowing us to prepare a personalised fee proposal. This proposal outlines each stage of the design process and the associated costs.

Please note that there is no charge for this initial consultation.

Once we’ve had our initial meeting and gathered all the necessary information, we’ll begin the first stage of the design process. For renovation or extension projects, this involves conducting a detailed site measure. Homes, especially older ones, can shift over time, and existing plans may not always be accurate. To ensure we’re working from up-to-date information, we’ll measure and create a full set of plans for your existing home.

We’ll also carry out a comprehensive site analysis, whether your project is a renovation or a new build. This analysis is crucial as it informs us about factors such as setbacks, solar orientation, and other site-specific considerations that will influence the design. Once we’ve completed the base plans and analysis, we’ll present them to you in a ‘Base Plans Package.’

With this foundational work complete, we can move on to the next exciting phase - the concept design stage.

This stage may begin with a follow-up meeting to refine your design brief, or if we have sufficient information and understanding from our initial meeting, we can move directly into developing an initial concept design. While we’ll already have a good idea of your goals, we may need to dive deeper into the details to create a truly exciting and suitable concept.

Once we have all the necessary insights, we’ll explore various design solutions until we find the right direction for your project. We’ll then present the concept design package to you and discuss the best way forward.

After finalising the concept, we’ll transition into the design development stage. Here, we’ll refine the chosen concept, adding more detail and character to the design. We’ll also start discussing finishes and fixtures for the interior spaces, ensuring every element aligns with your vision.

After the design development is complete, we move on to the tendering and costing stage. During this phase, we’ll further refine and detail the drawings to ensure they are ready for accurate costing. At this point, we’ll discuss the best approach with you—whether to proceed with a tender process or to approach a builder you have in mind directly for pricing discussions.

If we choose to proceed with the tender process, we’ll send the drawings to a selection of trusted Canberra builders. Our aim is to secure a high-quality build at a competitive price. Once the project has been tendered or priced by your selected builder, we’ll collaborate closely with the chosen contractor, refining the design as necessary to align with their feedback and budget considerations.

The approvals process can vary significantly depending on the nature of the project. Some projects may require a full Development Application (DA) process, while others might qualify for a faster, DA-exempt approval. Regardless of the path your project takes, we will guide you through every step, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared and submitted correctly.

Once your project has received the required approvals, we will move on to the Building Approval (BA) stage. During this phase, we’ll work closely with a building certifier to ensure that all drawings and documents meet the necessary standards for construction approval.

At this point, we’ll also finalise all detailed items, such as fixtures and fittings, which were initially explored during the design development and tender phases. We will produce a comprehensive set of construction drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, joinery details, electrical and lighting layouts, and complete schedules for both interior and exterior finishes and fixtures. Additionally, any further detailed drawings required for your custom build will be provided. These documents will be shared with you, the builder, and any other consultants involved to ensure a smooth and efficient construction process.

Once all necessary approvals are in place and the construction drawings have been handed over to your chosen contractor, the construction phase begins. We will stay actively involved throughout this process, regularly visiting the site to ensure that every aspect of the build comes together according to the documented plans and discussions.

It's important for us to work closely with the builder throughout this stage. As the experts in construction, they bring invaluable experience and insights to the project. By collaborating closely, we can ensure that they construct your new home in the best way possible, while we accurately convey the design intent behind every detail. This partnership allows us to maintain the highest quality standards and achieve the best possible outcome for your new home.

Please note that our site visits and consultations during construction are included in our service at no additional cost. However, if any changes to the design or build are requested or necessary during this phase, we will produce the revised drawings for an additional fee.