We guarantee satisfaction, we will keep working on your project until you are completely satisfied that we have achieved a good result.
We are able to provide a range of different services from initial concept sketch plans all the way through to helping to select the curtains and furniture. Dependent on the level of service you require, Architectural Services typically comprise some or all of the following functions in sequential stages:
Schematic Design Phase
In this phase the Architect begins by reviewing the clients brief (a “brief” is a written form of the clients instructions as to what it is they wish to achieve with this project), the site conditions and constraints, aspect, views, orientation, site access, space allowances, energy efficiency, local, state and national planning codes. Once the initial concept sketches have been created the Architect would meet with the Client on a regular basis to obtain their feedback on the designs, and then refine the designs.
Generally in this phase the Architect shall prepare single line plans and variations of buildable schemes, indicating the relationships of the different components. The Architect shall further refine the concept selected by the Client, presenting all floor plans, exterior elevations, schematic building sections and exterior colour perspectives.
Development Application / Planning Application
The schematic drawings are compiled into a formate, which then forms part of the development application submission to the local council. Additional drawings and documents, beyond the schematic design documents, may be required to be produced by the Architect to assist in the submission, and will be determined at the initial programming.
The Architect would be available to attend local authority meetings to assist with progressing the project through this process.
Design Development Phase
Based on the approved schematic design documents, the architect shall prepare further detailed drawings and outline specifications describing all aspects of the projects size and character.
If secondary consultants have been engaged then their information and data will start to be incorporated into the design.
Building Application
Prepare documents for an application to the local council for a building permit.
Contract Documentation / Working Drawings
Based on approved design development documents, the architect shall prepare final detailed drawings and specifications of all construction requirements for the project, coordinating all data provided by the Client, and other consultants. Schedules would be produced detailing the material and colour selections and data on any additional systems or equipment to be incorporated into the final documents.
If an interior design service has been agreed to then, the Architect shall provide the interior design of fixed interior elements of the project, but not movable furnishings, window treatments or equipment.
Tender
Once all architectural drawings, schedules and specifications are complete then we are in a position to call tenders from builders. We would work with the Client to establish a tender process and then open the process to builders. The Architect on receipt of the tenders would open and evaluate all submissions. This completed the Architect would report to the Client on all tender submissions, and finally our recommendation on which builder should be selected.
Contract Administration
Some building contracts allow for an Architect to be the administrator of the contract. In this role the Architect is an independent body who is reviewing the construction based solely on its merits, they are not a party to the contract. The Architect cannot be biased towards the Client or the builder.
The Architect shall visit the site as appropriate to follow the progress of the work. Evaluate the builder’s applications for payment, but will not guarantee performance by the builder or supervise construction means, methods, or safety precautions. At predetermined points the Architect would carry out defect inspections on the project and report these defects to the Client and Builder, to be rectified.
In addition during this phase the Architect would carry out additional tasks such as attending site meetings, provide supplementary details and information and review shop drawings for design intent, but not approve.
Other Services we can offer are as follows;
• Site Selection and evaluation
• Master Planning / Urban Planning
• Interior Designs
• Brief preparation
• Existing conditions / measured drawings
• Presentation perspectives
• Post occupancy evaluations
• Environmentally sustainable development reviews