Engaging an architect is an exciting first step in the process to design and build your new pad. In the name of transparency, we have honestly answered many of the questions you may have around what an architect does (well, what we do anyway).
We aren't familiar with the design and building process, can you explain?
Sure thing, we have laid it all out here.Is there a minimum value on the projects you work on?
Yes, we work on projects with a minimum construction cost of $1,000,000 for new build homes, and $700,000 for additions to existing homes. Most of our projects fall within the $1.2 - 4 million price range.How involved are you during the process?
Past clients have reported being pleasantly surprised by the amount we manage on their behalf! Our service is comprehensive and begins early; we can help you collect reference images and create your design brief. We will navigate council approvals on your behalf, and run the pricing negotiations with builders. Finally, we attend the site regularly during construction until the day you move in.Our clients tend to be busy people who like us to take care of the details. Based on your input, we can select everything from tapware and door handles through to lighting, cabinetry materials, flooring and paint colours. As part of the feedback process, you’ll be presented with physical samples you can touch, plus images and 3D perspectives that give a good picture of what the design scheme will look and feel like.
We generally find most clients are happy to sign-off on the selections that we present to them, as we have already spent plenty of time getting to know their likes and dislikes. It’s about tailoring the design solution to your personality and lifestyle.
Why should I choose to work with an architect?
An architect is the right choice for people who want a home that is completely customised to how they live, not for resale purposes or what's the norm. Think of it like a tailor-made suit! This is why architect-designed homes always look different to what you see in the weekend paper and can attract higher values. No standard ‘3 x 2’ homes here; we design dedicated spaces for the client’s lifestyle and interests (bring on piano rooms, art studios, libraries and cosy winter rooms!)We spend five long years at university, go through a rigorous architectural registration process, and are trained to critically analyse design and what it is that makes amazing spaces. Architects can design for a wide variety of different sites and environmental conditions, and create buildings that are sustainable and efficient in terms of materials and energy.
On that note, I've heard architects never stick to budgets. Is that true?
This simply isn’t true, and our client testimonials attest to that. It’s essential to find an architect who respects your budget and has a proven track record of maintaining them, regardless of the project size. Projects come to us mainly through referrals, so it's not in our interest, nor our clients, for us not to take budgets seriously!Can you recommend a builder?
That's all a part of the service. We work with a select group of builders and can suggest one who is a good fit for your project construction type and budget.We are picky when it comes to builders; honesty, transparency and build quality are the three key factors that determine who we work with. We are not interested in putting tenders out to a heap of builders and hoping for a bargain – lower price means lower quality, and that is not what we are about. We believe in paying a fair price, and consequently, variations are not common in our projects to date. The builders we work with are generally one-man-bands or small businesses, so they don't have huge overheads such as marketing departments or steep advertising bills. They’re people we genuinely like and get along with – and we’re sure you will too (which is important, as they’ll be hanging around awhile!)
How do you charge?
We can offer either a fixed lump sum fee for our services, or a percentage-based fee, depending on your preference. If you know your budget and the approximate size of home you are after, we can often provide a ballpark fee over the phone.Aren't architects expensive?
Relative to draftspersons and building designers? Generally, yes. We design long-term homes for our clients, who understand the value good design can bring to their lifestyles.In addition, a quick search for architect-designed property sales often proves the old adage 'you get what you pay for'. Several of our clients are repeat customers who, due to a change in their circumstances or a desire to do it all again, have successfully sold the homes we designed for them and then commissioned us to build their next.
There's more; by incorporating sustainable and smart passive design principles and thereby increasing building efficiency (standard in all our designs), the final building is an efficient one that costs less to heat and cool - this is a big one.
Can we engage you for some services but not others?
We offer two service packages: Partial Services and Full Service. Full Service sees us involved at every stage, including the construction period, to ensure the project is built in accordance with the design intent. Building is often a process of iteration. Our continued involvement allows us to refine the project as needed and minimise the number of issues that may arise in future stages. For these reasons, the Full Service package is what we recommend.There is nothing more frustrating than seeing an incredible design not completely build in accordance with the drawings. And it’s an untruth that you will save money by not engaging the architect for construction; in reality, the opposite usually occurs. We are able to assess builders claims and negotiate quotes on your behalf. We often save our clients money by simply checking that what’s been quoted is correct – it’s one of the benefits of knowing a project intimately!
In comparison, Partial Services excludes the Contract Administration Stage (construction). Whilst we occasionally do it, this type of package is suited to projects that are known in the industry as 'D&C' (design and construct), whereby the project has come to us through one of our regular builders. In these cases, the client takes responsibility for the design through the construction stage.