Consulting

Building Designer discussing details of proposed home or renovation with two clients. Rolls of plans, pens, and set squares are visible on the table The building designer takes notes and sketches various concepts on the initial visit with the client. The measuring tape is used to check existing features in addition or renovation projects Taking time from a busy workday to consult with her client, the Building Designer exchanges notes and ideas about what shape the home or addition/renovation will take
Sitting down with stakeholders in the development, the client expresses her views on a design consideration During the first meeting with a client, the Building Designer sketches ideas about the kitchen cabinetry to illustrate an idea for the client Deciding on the colour palette with the client on the initial site visit. Planning for renovations includes the challenge of merging existing moods with proposed concepts Artistic illustration demonstrating the seemingly endless number of design choices, including materials, that will eventually be made.
  • Consulting
  • Design
  • Draft
    • Architectural designer discussing details of proposed home or renovation with two clients. Rolls of plans, pens, and set squares are visible on the table

    The initial consultation involves visiting your building site, or your house, along with you and your family. This is the time to discuss your vision, how you would like to make this place your treasured home, whether it is a new home, renovations, additions, an extension, or alterations! You talk, we listen, and initial options are sifted through.

    This gives a solid basis for sketching ideas, which is the next step. You set the budget.

    What decisions need to be made?

    • Size of home or extension

    • Budget

    • Thermal performance

    • Interiors

    Two clients are happily discussing design decisions that must be made. The Building Designer is outlining the choices, depending on whether you need to build, expand, renovate, or extend.
    Artistic illustration with two arrows, right and left, indicating the client and building designer must decide early on what approval path must be taken, either CDC or DA/CC.

    At this stage, we talk about the two approval paths, in simple terms:

    • CDC. This is the simplest, and although a Private Certifier can be used, the project must comply with State Government planning rules without any exceptions.
      If that is not possible due to site or other factors, the other option is:

    • DA/CC. This requires going through the local Council, where more information is required with different rules applied, but the Council can use their discretion to allow some variation.