There is a misconception that architects are expensive when the truth is that our charge out rates are lower than most other consultants in the construction industry. The value of an architect comes from our highly credentialled training and unique ability to work through the entire process from design to completion. The depth of our knowledge allows us to bring fast problem solving skills to resolve complex issues that are an inevitable part of any construction project. Ultimately this saves clients time, money and delivers a higher quality outcome that endures.

Architects live and breathe design and take great pride in producing considered, highly bespoke, and inspiring spaces. With a minimum of 5 years’ University education and an average of 4 years’ practical experience before we can become registered, architects are extremely well qualified to deliver highly resolved design with professional conduct.

We are also trained interior designers and project managers who lead the entire design and building process, coordinating consultants, stakeholders, government authorities and builders. Architects are your one-stop-shop for all things design and construction. Other design consultants generally offer a limited skillset relying on clients to manage any disconnect in the process themselves.

We are bound by the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct. Click here to learn more.

Every project is unique, but the core services are relatively consistent for most architectural projects. We love going above and beyond for our clients so we offer a wide range of services: including Project Discovery Sessions, Full-Service Solutions, and Interior Styling services. See the Services Page for the very detailed list of our process and services.

Short answer, yes of course! We are happy to tailor our services and process to each individual project and provide partial services.

The longer answer is that some of the stages outlined on Services page can be omitted, and some stages like Town Planning or Tendering may not be needed at all. Our studio prides itself on delivering holistic, harmonious spaces which usually involves designing the architecture and the interiors, however we can easily and comfortably be engaged for one and not the other.

Each stage has a fee attributed to the work involved, and you only pay for the services you select. If you don’t require certain stages the overall fee will reduce.

Some clients have a builder that they want to use and come to us for a range of Concept Designs which they then take away and consider to execute directly with the builder.

Our full-service package will usually include Construction Liaison services where we run regular Site Meetings while the project is under construction and we are on-call to answer any builder queries. This service can be omitted or tailored to suit each project, or we can be available on an ‘as needed’ basis at hourly rates.

Sometimes clients may be looking for the perfect house or piece of land to buy and come to us to provide some advice and support while they are searching.

Basically, each project is unique and we can be engaged to help you for as much or as little as you would like.

Yes, we love them! We have worked on a number of holiday homes around Victoria. We understand that some clients prefer a relaxed, coastal aesthetic for their beach house, and we have plenty of experience delivering this look.

We also understand that budgets are naturally a bit tighter for holiday homes, and we have designed many homes to suit these budget requirements. We can deliver big ideas with small budgets!

We have a range of Fee Structures that can be tailored to each specific project. Generally, our fees follow the conventional industry standard practice of setting fees that are based on a percentage of the construction work. Some projects may be better suited to a fixed fee or hourly rates, and some clients may choose to add or remove components to best suit their needs and budget.

We are very open and transparent about our fees. Booking in a 90 minute Discovery Session is the best way to get the ball rolling and start these conversations.

A very good question, and it is often top of mind for clients along with the budget. To put some very, very, very rough estimates, we usually program around 6+ months to design and document a residential project. From there, construction can take anywhere from 9-18 months depending on the scale and complexity of the build.

Some projects that don’t require Town Planning or authority approvals can be a lot quicker, while commercial works like apartments and office buildings are on a different timeframe all together.

We know how important timeframes are for our clients, so we encourage people to start the design process as soon as they are ready. There are many stages of the process that we cannot control from a timing perspective, such as authority approvals, that can add months to a project so it’s always good to get started as soon as possible.

If you’re in a hurry, we can accommodate that too! Just let us know and we can tailor our program to suit.

Most clients come to us with a budget and a wish list. We will provide an early design response that addresses both and will give you the option to proceed in which ever direction you choose.

We will give you an idea of how much it will cost, but when it comes to specifics, we highly recommend engaging an expert such as a Cost Planner or Quantity Surveyor at the end of Concept Design. This is a great way to check to see if the budget is on track and, if not, we will happily redesign to budget at no cost to you. Spoiler alert: you may need to readjust your expectations if your budget, and wish list don’t align. You aren’t the only people in this position we can assure you!

Progressing on from here, as we get into the nitty gritty design details we try to “build-in” cost saving options into the design so that, if needed, we can bring the build cost down without redesigning the whole project.

Ascertaining the project cost in the early design stages has become increasingly important to alleviate client concerns about the rising costs of construction. We will guide you through a customised process to minimise cost surprises via. a combination of:

Providing our own opinion of probable cost based on square meter rates of similar projects we have recently completed.

Engaging an independent cost expert, such as a Quantity Surveyor.

Engaging a preferred builder early on to give up to the minute cost and buildability advice.

Documenting cost saving options to bring the build cost down should the price come in higher than expected at tender. This avoids unnecessary redesign fees.

Advising clients to maintain a realistic design and cost escalation contingency amount, often around 5-15% of the construction costs.