Studio Services

There are many ways to work with us.

We work on a broad range of project types from large commercial projects to home renovations and interior styling commissions.

We have many repeat clients who engage us to provide a full service solution where we manage the project from day one until the end of construction. For other clients who may not require the full service offering, we provide tailored services to suit their needs.

Simply put, all our projects are as unique as their clients, so we offer a range of fee structures that can be modified to suit the project.

Consultation options

20 minute complimentary phone call

Many of our clients have not worked with an architect or designer before and don’t know when or how is the best time to start talking to us. The answer is, as soon as possible!

During this phone call we can discuss your project, your ideas, introduce ourselves and plan out the next steps.

Click here to book in a time.

90 minute Discovery Session

We have a wealth of knowledge and the best way to access it is to book in a Discovery Session and pick our brains.

In this 90-minute session we will sit down together and answer all your burning questions and set you on the right track. Either online or face-to-face in our Prahran studio you will leave this session inspired and with tailored advice that demystifies the complex design and construction process.

The $545+GST Discovery Session suits all project types and budgets and is the perfect starting point to get the momentum building.

To book in your Discovery Session, simply fill in your details here and we will be in touch.

Feasibility Service

This service is the perfect ‘Project Starter’ where we undertake a deep dive into your site and and prepare a report for a fixed fee of $1,995+GST. This package includes:

• A site visit to conduct a site analysis, discuss your likes and dislikes, aspirations and concerns, etc and help define your brief (travel fee included).

• Make enquiries with the local council, and our network of building surveyors, engineers, arborists and any other potential consultants who could provide valuable preliminary advice.

• Put together a massing diagram to show where you can build on your site and how big it could be.

• Compile a report with the findings of the above investigation included, plus massing diagram, project brief and construction budget range.

• Second meeting in our studio to discuss the report and fee proposal options.

This service is a great way to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is possible on your site. If you are interested, fill in your details here and we will make contact.

Process

A range of options to suit different budgets

At Merrylees, we offer end-to-end architectural services summarised in the key stages below. But if you’d prefer a more flexible service designed around only the stages you need, take a look at our Sunday by Merrylees model.

Pre-Design

Getting to know you and your brief, measuring it all up, making some important calls. This is the first stage but also when your dream project may start to feel like it could be a reality.

• Getting to know you

• Initial client meeting to establish brief

• Existing Conditions, Site Survey and site analysis

• Prepare existing conditions drawings

• Review regulatory requirements

Concept Design

Hand drawings, 3D models, textures, materials and bucket-loads of inspiration. At the heart of this stage is a highly resolved floor plan and set of drawings that bring your vision to life.

• Commence and present concept design

• Meet with client to review design following feedback and collaboration

• Prepare adjustments to each round of design

• Undertake preliminary selection of materials and finishes

Design Development

Here is when your architects shine, refining and extending your concept into every nook and cranny of the site, inside and out. This is when projects become inspirational and unique.

• Develop external and internal design details and materials

• Internal material selections, including fittings, fixtures and appliances

• Meet with client to review and finalise detailed design

• Engage specialist consultants on the clients’ behalf, as required (ie. Structural Engineer, ESD Consultant, Building Surveyor, Heritage Consultant, Arborist etc)

• Arrange for pricing by Builder/ Cost Planner if required

Town Planning/Report & Consent

Aka “Have you heard anything yet from council?”. This can be a frustrating stage and can take months as we use our expertise to engage with local council, using our experience to negotiate and resolve complex issues.

• Confirm statutory authority requirements

• Arrange and attend pre-application meetings with relevant authorities

• Prepare application, including plans, diagrams, site analysis, reports and other information as required for the submission

• Engage any required specialist consultants on behalf of the client

• Lodge and manage the application through council

Construction Documentation

The budget is in the detail. This is when we get down to the exact millimetre to create a full set of construction-ready drawings. We highly recommend these are costed independently before discussion with builders.

• Prepare and complete full documentation of the design, including interiors (plans, elevations, sections, lighting and electrical plans, joinery design and details, plan and section details, wall types, window and door schedules, etc) to obtain a building permit and prepare for tender

• Select and incorporate finishes, fittings and fixtures, schedules and specifications

• Liaise and fully coordinate architectural design with specialist consultants (Structural Engineer, ESD Consultant, Building Surveyor, etc) as required

• Provide recommendations to the client on the preferred method of building and contractor selection

• Obtain Building Permit for construction

Contractor Selection/Tender Negotiation

One of the most important stages, as the builder you choose will need to have the skills and expertise to bring your dream project to life and deliver on budget. We aim to balance the competing priorities of Quality, Speed and Price during tender and construction while ensuring good relationships between all parties are maintained.

• Assist client in determining the preferred tender process, recommending reputable and suitable builders, negotiate with successful tenderers

• Review and advise on tenders and preferred construction contract

• Prepare the contract documents for signing

Construction Administration

Site inspections, hard conversations, workarounds, progress claim queries. A lot goes into making sure construction measures up to documentation. This stage can be included in the full service fee, charged hourly, or managed independently by the client. 

• Visit site and respond to builder queries, variations and defects

• Ensure design integrity is upheld to completion of the project

• Coordinate consultants as required

• Manage disputes between parties

Interior Design

Think joinery, bathrooms, finishes, lighting, flooring, handles, colours and appliances! Although listed as a final stage, interior design commences in parallel with design development to integrate ideas into construction and budget.

Interior Styling & Furniture Selection

We can help with sourcing and selecting beautiful furniture, objects and art for your home.