Full Architectural Service

Every step from first ideas to final handover

Building or renovating a home can be complex, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Our Full Architectural Service is designed to guide you through every step, from early ideas to completed construction. We take care of the big picture and the small details.

Our Full Architectural Service includes everything you need to design and deliver your project with confidence. We manage the process, coordinate expert consultants, and stay with you through construction so you always have a clear path forward.

Our process consists of four structured phases, from defining the brief and developing the design to delivering the building and handing you the keys. 

 

01. Define

Every project begins by defining the brief and establishing the scope and budget. With your collaboration and trust, we undertake an exploration process to obtain an in-depth understanding of you and your future home. We visit your site to analyse the context, opportunities and constraints, and run our Home Workshop to find out more about you, your lifestyle, needs and aspirations for your house.

    • Visit and assess the site

    • Undertake our Home Workshop 

    • Measure the existing building (renovations only)

    • Make preliminary inquiries with local planning authorities and arrange a site survey, to provide us with an initial set of constraints around what is possible with your site

    • Develop the project Return Brief

    • Home Workshop Record

    • Return Brief

    • A set of base drawings of the site and existing buildings (where relevant)

 

02. Design

Once we’ve defined your project brief, we begin working on the design phase in collaboration with you and specialist consultants. Our design phase has three stages: Concept Design, Design Development and Construction Documentation.

 
 

Design stage 1:
Concept Design

First, we develop and present our Concept Design for how the building looks and feels, establishing the overall direction and giving you a clear picture of the proposed design.

    • Further investigate the site and its constraints

    • Develop and present the initial concept – the ‘big picture’ ideas

    • Incorporate your feedback and present the final concept design

    • Obtain an initial cost estimate from a quantity surveyor or builder (fees apply)

    • Confirm your approval to move to stage two: Design Development

    • Concept Design package, including diagrams, floorplans, elevations and 3D views

Design stage 2:
Design Development

Next, we develop the design by selecting materials and finishes and adding further detail to key areas like kitchens and bathrooms, discussing your preferences and the relative costs and benefits.

    • Coordinate with specialist consultants, such as structural engineers and town planners, as required

    • Select materials, finishes, joinery, doors, windows, plus more

    • Develop and present initial Design Development drawings

    • Incorporate your feedback and present the final design

    • Obtain a revised cost estimate from a quantity surveyor or builder (fees apply)

    • Confirm your approval to move to stage three: Construction Documentation

    • Design Development package, including floorplans, elevations, sections and 3D rendered images

    • Base drawings for wet areas and joinery (bathroom, laundry and kitchen)

    • Base electrical and lighting plans

    • Door and window schedule

    • Preliminary structural design drawings in collaboration with the structural engineer

Design stage 3:
Construction Documentation

Once the final design is approved, we prepare the Construction Documentation (detailed drawings) for the building team, and for obtaining a building permit (BA) and building contract.

    • Coordinate and integrate the advice of consultants, such as structural engineer, geotechnical/soil testing, building certifier and town planner

    • Prepare construction drawings, including plans, elevations and sections

    • Complete specification schedules describing the materials, finishes and details

    • Set of construction drawings, including site plan, floor plans, roof plans, electrical and lighting plans, external elevations, cross sections, internal elevations and joinery drawings

    • Finishes and fixtures schedule

03. Deliver

With the design and documentation finalised, it’s time to make your dream a reality. Our deliver phase has two stages: Builder Selection and Contract Administration.

 
 

Deliver stage 1:
Builder Selection

We have longstanding relationships with many builders, subcontractors and consultants, and are open to working with new people. We assist you to select the right builder, manage the quoting process, and help you understand and compare the tenders before a final decision is made.



    • Discuss and select building contract types

    • Issue Construction Documentation to builders for pricing and undertake site visits

    • Manage the pricing process and evaluate received quotes

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Deliver stage 2:
Contract Administration

Once the preferred builder is selected, we manage the build with clarity and care. Formally called Contract Administration, this is very similar to traditional project management — focused on maintaining momentum, monitoring quality, and solving issues quickly as they arise.

We coordinate with the builder and consultants, track progress, and keep a close eye on time, cost and workmanship. You won’t be left guessing — we guide the process, so you can focus on the exciting part: seeing your home come to life.

    • Negotiate with preferred builder to finalise construction price and prepare the building contract

    • Manage the Contract Administration from pre-construction to the 12 months following handover

    • Assist with managing any incomplete work or defects

    • Prepare the building contract

    • Provide additional construction detail and colour schemes

    • Undertake site inspections and meetings with builder and consultants

    • Respond to questions from the builder and provide working details

    • Provide updates to you regarding time, progress and cost

    • Closely manage price and time adjustments (variations)

 

04. Dwell

It’s a momentous occasion when you take possession of your new home and we love to celebrate it with you. We also like to sit down and listen to your feedback on the process and outcome as it is important to us that you’re jointly proud of what we created together.

 

What makes our approach different

It’s a great privilege to help our clients shape the environments in which they live, work, gather and play. What makes our architectural service different?

  • We undertake a deeply collaborative, human-centred process.

  • We focus on sustainability and long-term value.

  • We pride ourselves on transparent communication and project guidance.

  • We work with a network of trusted builders, consultants and craftspeople.

  • We deliver thoughtful design shaped by who you are and where you live.

 

Explore our other services

  • Site Visit

    A first meeting to understand your project’s opportunities and potential.

  • Home Workshop

    The most important conversation you'll have about your home.

  • Design Feasibility

    Explore ideas and costs before diving in.

  • Interior Design

    Reimagine your interiors for how you want to live and feel.

Take the first step

Want to make your home build or renovation simple? Enquire about our Full Architectural Service.

Contact us