Architecture Design Process
Architecture Design Process
Architecture Design Process
People drive every design decision we make. Our role is to understand and
design for you; your lifestyle, priorities, stresses and desires. By putting our
clients at the centre of our approach, we create spaces that reflect how you want
to live.
So, why hire an Architect?
Building or renovating a home is a big investment. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or
you’ve done it a dozen times; the process can get long, complex and messy, and things can
go wrong.
By bringing on an expert who can lead the design and manage the process, you can feel
confident every step of the way, and worry less about the budget, timeline or building
process. This expert should take care of your interests during the project, while also having
the industry knowledge to solve problems and deliver the best possible outcome.
Hiring an architect means you’ll have an expert collaborator throughout your project,
designing spaces that meet your individual needs. An architect’s knowledge of functional
performance, attention to detail and ability to problem solve will help to translate your
needs into a tangible design solution.
Stage 3.
Town Planning.
Once a project is sufficiently developed, we need to arrange the
necessary approvals to continue with the process, potentially
including a Town Planning permit. There’s a few factors that
may require you to have a Town Planning permit; local planning
controls, the property size and site overlays such as heritage.
Sometimes it isn’t required, but we still need to make sure we
are designing and building to your local planning guidelines.
Stage 4.
Construction Documentation.
Before we can commence construction, there’s a dense,
in-depth documentation period in order to provide the
builder with all the information they need to turn our ideas
into reality. We document, coordinate and specific every
aspect of the design, from overall layouts and dimensions
to every finish, fixture and appliance. Then, these drawings
go to the builders and building surveyor for building
permit approval. These drawings don’t just communicate
every vital detail for the build, they’re also part of the legal
agreement with the contractor - so it’s crucial that we get
them right.
Stage 5.
Contractor Selection
Getting the right builder involved is one of the most
important decisions you’ll make during the project. But
don’t confuse the cheapest with the best - the stress,
heartache and financial cost that can come as a result of
skimping and shortcuts really isn’t worth it in the long run.
We have strong relationships with reputable, highly
competent builders that we can introduce you to, or you
can source your own. We recommend you get the project
priced by at least three potential builders, and give them
a cost period of at least four weeks (this is referred to as
a tender process), or you could also look at engaging a
builder at the beginning of the project.
Stage 6.
Construction Phase.
Now we’ve come to the Site Phase, also commonly
referred to as Construction, Contract Admin, or when
things start to feel very real. This is an exciting phase; it’s
where our design drawings come to life and the project
takes physical shape - but it’s important to remember that
construction can be a long phase. Our involvement in this
time varies as the builder is responsible for managing the
site, but we try to meet with you and the builder every two
weeks or so to observe progress.
Our role at this stage generally includes:
• Working with the builder to assess quality of work at the
key stages, ensuring contract and specifications are
complied with
• Keeping you informed on progress
• Approving any variations with you
• Identifying and rectifying defects
• Deciding when practical completion occurs for
occupancy
Once the builder finishes, the project reaches what
is called “Practical Completion” - and we pop the
champagne bottles.
Frequently Is it important to use a Does the architect retain copyright on
Asked Questions ‘registered architect’? drawings, plans and documentation?
The use of the title ‘architect’ is protected by law, so only Yes. Your architect retains copyright on this work. The
people or firms registered with the Architects Registration drawings and documents may only be used for the
Board can use it. If you choose a ‘registered architect’, purpose and on the site for which they are produced.
you know that person has the necessary qualifications,
completed the practical experience and passed the
Board’s examination to register. Architects are subject
to the Professional Conduct Regulations governing their When am I expected to pay for work done?
services to clients and must also maintain professional
indemnity insurance to ensure they are covered for claims It will depend on your client/architect agreement, but you
of negligence or other civil claims. So yes, our advice would will be expected to pay for work produced at the stages
be to engage a registered architect. defined in your agreement. Make sure you understand the
terms of your agreement upfront to avoid confusion later.
Nicolas
Any questions? Gutierrez
We’d love to hear from you.
0421 030 857
nic@fieldoffice.com.au